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lindsaym5's review against another edition
This book was very and funny at parts but it just couldn't hold me. And after putting it down for too long I could never quite get back in to it every time I could pick it back up. So I'm just going to walk away.
katykelly's review against another edition
4.0
This style isn't for everyone. It was definitely for me though - a little like a zany, madcap screwball comedy with a brilliantly mad plot and only-in-fiction characters (an elephant?!).
Loved the depth that developed in Allan as we came to know him through the parallel arcs of his life, loved the whole 100 years of coincidental meetings and twists (a bit of Forrest Gump in there) that saw him playing such a big role in a century's worth of change.
Just a very funny, entertaining read, cheering and like Allan, innocently optimistic.
Loved the depth that developed in Allan as we came to know him through the parallel arcs of his life, loved the whole 100 years of coincidental meetings and twists (a bit of Forrest Gump in there) that saw him playing such a big role in a century's worth of change.
Just a very funny, entertaining read, cheering and like Allan, innocently optimistic.
midici's review against another edition
3.0
While I enjoyed the book I think I would have enjoyed it more if the characters were more active and less passive. Everything just sort of happens 'around' the main character and his contribution involves a) drinking b) blowing things up, which is entertaining at first but becomes less entertaining after almost 400 pages of the same sequence of events.
In short, I liked it but didn't love it.
In short, I liked it but didn't love it.
bellsss's review against another edition
I don’t know! Something about it was just not vibing with me. I didn’t really care for the characters, i didn’t care extremely for the plot, nor the recollections of Alan’s backstory. It was mostly the voice of the novel, though.
envy4's review against another edition
3.0
Read via audiobook. This is not the type of book I'd ever go for. But when it came up as an option on Libby I decided to give it a shot. I did get a giggle out of this book. I enjoyed the connections to world history and the circumstances Allen found himself in. However, I did bore of the continued coincidences in his life toward the end. I think this book could have been a tad shorter. Overall, really fun read.
donnaratcliff's review against another edition
5.0
I have to admit I was drawn to this by the title and to start with I wasn't sure what to make of the book. After a few chapters however I was hooked by this quirky story.The characters one meets along the journey in this rather black comedy are larger than life and although a little flawed are still likeable in an odd way. I ended up really enjoying the read, and it had me laughing out loud at times.
ydekoter's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
mollyvh's review against another edition
2.0
I went back and forth between 2 and 3 stars. Ultimately I think rounding down is more suited to my overall thoughts. It's an interesting tale of a 100 year old man's life and some of the truly remarkable things he's done. However, the story didn't keep my attention. It was one I didn't feel drawn back into and when I'd put it down I'd kinda forget about it. It somehow felt like everything happened and yet nothing happened. Very mixed feelings about this one.