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A review by katykelly
The Accidental Further Adventures of the Hundred-Year-Old Man by Jonas Jonasson
3.0
Unnecessary but amusing sequel, similar in tone and direction.
3.5 stars.
Allan Karlsson. He delighted many a few years ago with his escapades. We left him settled and ready to enjoy his remaining years with friends. So it was a surprise to see a new title with the former nuclear expert. It didn't feel necessary but a winning formula and fondly-remembered protagonist is never turned away...
Well, I felt it covered some old ground, with a suitcase of uranium taking the place of the suitcase of money as MacGuffin. Allan and Julius end up accidentally stealing a hot air balloon and floating over to start a new series of name drops, from Kim Jong-Un and Donald Trump to Angela Merkel.
There were subplots involving other friends and acquaintances, but I always liked seeing the famous 'names' and their storylines.
The story didn't feel as though it was anything new, or that it had to be told. While it was amusing, it did feel like a rehash. One element was very funny in particular - Allan discovers the Tablet, his window on the world, which he regularly tries to share, despite Julius's frustration.
I accessed this as an audiobook, and it might have put me off, had I know that the narrator would use an English accent for Allan - it didn't fit in, as Allan is clearly described as a Swedish man. The voice annoyed me every time Allan spoke, though some of the others sounded just like their real-world counterparts!
A lot of characters and subplots to follow on audiobook, it would most likely have worked better on a screen/page.
With thanks to Netgalley for the sample reading e-copy.
3.5 stars.
Allan Karlsson. He delighted many a few years ago with his escapades. We left him settled and ready to enjoy his remaining years with friends. So it was a surprise to see a new title with the former nuclear expert. It didn't feel necessary but a winning formula and fondly-remembered protagonist is never turned away...
Well, I felt it covered some old ground, with a suitcase of uranium taking the place of the suitcase of money as MacGuffin. Allan and Julius end up accidentally stealing a hot air balloon and floating over to start a new series of name drops, from Kim Jong-Un and Donald Trump to Angela Merkel.
There were subplots involving other friends and acquaintances, but I always liked seeing the famous 'names' and their storylines.
The story didn't feel as though it was anything new, or that it had to be told. While it was amusing, it did feel like a rehash. One element was very funny in particular - Allan discovers the Tablet, his window on the world, which he regularly tries to share, despite Julius's frustration.
I accessed this as an audiobook, and it might have put me off, had I know that the narrator would use an English accent for Allan - it didn't fit in, as Allan is clearly described as a Swedish man. The voice annoyed me every time Allan spoke, though some of the others sounded just like their real-world counterparts!
A lot of characters and subplots to follow on audiobook, it would most likely have worked better on a screen/page.
With thanks to Netgalley for the sample reading e-copy.