The One Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared (2009) - Plot & Excerpts
I mean, the title says it all.Allan Karlsson is a Swede who on the course of 100 years of his life seems to always be in the wrong place and at the wrong time. He probably doesn't look it that way, though, since he's a type of man who can always see the positive side of everything.The whole story is absurd. It cracks me up but at the same time makes me more informed about world history in the 20th century (if there's a person who is even more politically ignorant than Allan, that'd be me). It must be reminded that it is a work of fiction, so a lot of stuff are hyperbolic or just plain made up. Sadly, I must admit the depiction of Indonesian politics is spot on. But far from being offended, I actually want to recommend this book to Indonesian politicians (or they can watch the movie, in case reading is too much of a trouble).I love the matter-of-fact style of this book. It's what makes the book. However, as a work of literature, it's just not strong enough. Sometimes it gets boring, and the ending is too unbelievable even for a story that doesn't make sense in the first place. A laugh-out-loud funny cartwheeling adventure through history with a cast of quirky, invented characters alongside notables such as Franco, Truman, Churchill, and Stalin. The main character, Allan Carlson, like a cat, always lands on his feet, no matter how dicey his circumstances. The book begins, when he, on his hundredth birthday, runs away from the old folks home. Chapters alternate between his centunarian adventures and flashbacks to his travells and exploits during his younger years. Happy endings abound throughout this tale.
What do You think about The One Hundred Year Old Man Who Climbed Out The Window And Disappeared (2009)?
A quick enjoyable read. Would be a great vacation read. Humorously improbable.
—gbrmore
If this book is ever made into movie it will be titled: Dumb and Dumber Three.
—Jessica
