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A review by leethrp
Less by Andrew Sean Greer
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
What an adventure of a novel!
This book grew on me the more I read it– my appreciation grew more with every chapter and, at last, came to a wholesome, satisfying hault with Less' ending. Initially, or around halfway through the novel, my preemptive review lingered around a 3 star rating, but upon finishing Less and turning the corners of the last few pages, this book sits at a solid 4 out of 5.
The writing is sweet, playful, and primarily lighthearted while still able to instill a serious impression when circumstances call for it. The dialogue is convincing, charming, and witty. Delicious figurative language litters almost every page and charming narration follows throughout.
There is a kind of soft unpredictability in all the right places in this novel, making it a comfortable read with the right amount of excitement that kept me engaged with Greer's writing.
It is hard to place what exactly kept Less from a perfect 5 star rating—possibly my preference for heavier content in my reads—but nonetheless, Arthur Less and his narrator were a joy to journey with around the world.
I'd highly recommend picking up this book if you're looking for queer contemporary fiction with a satirical spin, a book rich with description that will sweep you away to foreign countries with its protagonist, or a novel that candidly reckons with aging, break-ups, romance, and the tragedy of a birthday.
This book grew on me the more I read it– my appreciation grew more with every chapter and, at last, came to a wholesome, satisfying hault with Less' ending. Initially, or around halfway through the novel, my preemptive review lingered around a 3 star rating, but upon finishing Less and turning the corners of the last few pages, this book sits at a solid 4 out of 5.
The writing is sweet, playful, and primarily lighthearted while still able to instill a serious impression when circumstances call for it. The dialogue is convincing, charming, and witty. Delicious figurative language litters almost every page and charming narration follows throughout.
There is a kind of soft unpredictability in all the right places in this novel, making it a comfortable read with the right amount of excitement that kept me engaged with Greer's writing.
It is hard to place what exactly kept Less from a perfect 5 star rating—possibly my preference for heavier content in my reads—but nonetheless, Arthur Less and his narrator were a joy to journey with around the world.
I'd highly recommend picking up this book if you're looking for queer contemporary fiction with a satirical spin, a book rich with description that will sweep you away to foreign countries with its protagonist, or a novel that candidly reckons with aging, break-ups, romance, and the tragedy of a birthday.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcohol
Minor: Sexual content