The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
The Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out Of The Window And Disappeared is a cross between contemporary and historical fiction. The book time slips from current day (2005) back throughout the lead character’s long life.
The book opens in 2005 in Sweden. Allan Karlsson runs away from the old people’s home hours before they insist on celebrating his 100th birthday. He steals a suitcase which he later finds is full of money and he goes on an adventure. He meets a petty thief, Julius Jonsson, together with the suitcase they ditch some criminals, hire a hot dog stand owner as their chauffeur, befriend a lady with an elephant and hoodwink the local constabulary.
We learn of Allan’s early life, his love of dynamite and all things explosive which pave his way to the Spanish civil war, American, Korea, China, the Himalayas, Russia and beyond, where he mixed with world leaders and kept one step ahead of death on numerous occasions.
Written in a dry humour style, this book has been an international best seller and was recommended to me by a fellow avid reader. Ideal for those looking for a book that is a little different and will bring a smile to your face and assurances that there really is very little in life that you cannot do if only you put your mind to it.
Find a copy here from Amazon.co.uk or Amazon.com
I reviewed this book on Amazon as apart of #AugustReviews month
View all my reviews on Goodreads
I read this book when it first came out and really enjoyed its maverick humour. I believe there is now a film of the book.
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I think it would make a good film Liz.
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Apparently it came out in 2013 but as a Swedish film it didn’t impress internationally https://www.theguardian.com/film/2014/jul/06/the-100-year-old-man-who-climbed-out-of-the-window-review
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Oh that’s a shame.
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Hi Rosie – I too read this book a while ago … and was amused by the antics and determination of the 100 year old: he still hat his wits about him!! It’s as you say a fun book and tale to read … cheers Hilary
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Morning Hilary, I really enjoyed the crazy antics.
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It’s one of those books I picked up in some trepidation because it sounded so ridiculous then foudn myself really enjoying it.
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Thanks Mary, lots of people seem to have read it or heard about it.
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Sounds like a fun read!
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