The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared

Jonasson, Jonas

ISBN 10: 1611735947 ISBN 13: 9781611735949

Publisher: Center Point Pub, 2012

Synopsis

A reluctant centenarian -- much like Forrest Gump, if Gump were an explosives expert with a fondness for vodka -- decides it's not too late to start over. On the eve of his 100th birthday, he climbs out the window of his nursing home and escapes in his slippers. Allan Karlsson will miss his big 100th birthday bash, but will be much happier diving into the unknown. The journey on which he embarks will certainly be hilarious and entirely unexpected, involving things like a suitcase stuffed with cash, some unpleasant criminals, a friendly hot-dog stand operator, and an elephant.

It would be the adventure of a lifetime for anyone else, but Allan has a larger-than-life history. He has not only witnessed some of the most important events of the twentieth century, but has played a key role in them. He's traveled the world and shared meals and more with people like Stalin, Churchill, Truman, Franco, and de Gaulle. Quirky and utterly unique, The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared will charm readers everywhere.

About this title

About the Author

Jonas Jonasson was born in Sweden in 1961. A former journalist and media consultant, he is now writing his second novel. He speaks fluent English.

Review

"[A] witty caper. ***1/2"―People

"[A] silly and wonderful novel. [The scenes] will just keep readers amused almost non-stop, and that's a feat few writers achieve. A great cure for the blues, especially for anyone who might feel bad about growing older."―Kirkus Reviews, Starred

"The anti Girl With the Dragon Tattoo. . . Jonasson's lighthearted novel shows the softer side of Sweden. . . . hilarious."―Marie Claire

"Scandi-crime's signature darkness is here dispelled by Allan Karlsson, the eponymous centenarian, who with unlikely sprightliness hops out of the window of his old people's home one afternoon . . . Fast-moving and relentlessly sunny . . . Like Allan, the plot is pleasingly nimble and the book's endearing charm offers a happy alternative to the more familiar Nordic noir."―The Guardian

"[A] laugh-out-loud debut . . . Historical figures like Mao's third wife, Vice President Truman, and Stalin appear, to great comic effect. Other characters-most notably Albert Einstein's hapless half-brother-are cleverly spun into the raucous yarn, and all help drive this gentle lampoon of procedurals and thrillers."―Publishers Weekly, Starred

"A mordantly funny and loopily freewheeling debut novel about ageing disgracefully."―The Sunday Times

"Eccentric, unusual and far-fetched in the best possible way."―The Bookseller

"This quirky novel is a sly, satirical look back at international relations in the 20th century through the eyes of an old man who has seen it all."―Library Journal

"Imaginative, laugh-out-loud . . . a brilliant satire on the foibles of mankind."―The Telegraph

Edition details

• Publisher: Center Point Pub
• Publication date: 2012
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1611735947
• ISBN 13: 9781611735949
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 519