Less - Book Recommendation

An international expedition just to get out of an ex’s wedding. That’s how the book Less by Andrew Greer begins. Arthur Less, an author better known for the authors he spent his time with (and dated), was at a wall in life. Nearing his 50th birthday, Arthur unknowingly began the journey of a lifetime. This book is the story of that journey. Andrew Greer incorporates humor, satire, and excellent character development into this anxious man’s adventure.

In Mexico, the reader is guided through the harsh reality of the secretive ‘second’ life most queer people have had to live. Especially coming from a young adulthood in a time far less accepting than the 21st century, Arthur knows this reality quite well. He has been placed on a panel to discuss the work of a famous poet, a former lover of his, along with the poet’s ex-wife. As you may be guessing, it had been an affair many years ago, and Arthur was a key contributor to the divorce.

‘Surely, this is how gay men are judged in hell.’

  The stress and guilt of past actions make him confront a part of his past life as a result of avoiding a different, more painful part of his current situation. The reader gains a sense of empathy for Arthur and a deeper understanding of the physical and mental complexities of the queer experience. From the jump, Greer seeks to immerse the reader into the protagonists past to nurture a foundation for what any reader would hope is a happy ending for this character.

In Germany, Arthur realizes the language is not as simple as he thought. Foreign travel brings its own set of challenges, and those who go out and give it a try anyway deserve considerable respect. The reader follows Less as he lives the dream of many travelers, an exciting new romance with a charming local. The relationship serves as a fascinating reflection of the many ways humans seek satisfaction of their needs through human connection. 

‘He [Arthur] kisses like someone in love, like he has nothing to lose. Perhaps a radiation, an emanation of this innocence, guilelessness, grown white hot.’

In Morocco, the complexities of age come front and center as Arthur celebrates the 50th birthday of an acquaintance, as well as his own. The reader observes as these two characters share their stories, and the deep reflections they gained through their last 50 years. On one hand, age brings wisdom, yet there remain the timeless questions that we all seek to answer throughout the years, the kind that remain unanswered even after half a century. Greer works to tear down the façade and preconceptions many people hold over the topic of age, and offers a fascinating dialogue to do so.

‘When you meet someone, you will only ever know them from that age on.’

In India, Arthur finds himself at a writer’s retreat, which turned out to be a Christian one. Religion and sexuality have their own tale as old as time. Possibly one of the most unique parts of the queer experience, the reader observes Less reflect on religion’s role in his life.

‘What could be more important than love?’

In Japan, Arthur is confronted with a health emergency of a loved one. The older we get and the more history we have with one another, loss becomes more and more fearsome. The reader watches as these fears are realized. Life’s fragility is placed in full focus.

‘Talk about love and music and poetry. Things everyone forgets they ever thought were important.’

Each stop along the way for this journey culminates into Arthur’s return to California. He returns back where he started, and the question stands, did he learn what he needed to? What happened about the wedding he was so desperate to avoid? What is in store for Arthur Less? You’ll just have to read the book to find out!

This book isn’t just the story of Arthur Less. It’s a journey through shared experiences. Sexuality, mistakes, romance, age, religion, love, and life. Each stop in this world tour brings a new source of growth for this fascinating protagonist. Someone who always felt like a background character, suddenly embarking on the journey of a lifetime, Arthur finally wrote his own story. The reader gains a level of familiarity and care for Arthur, with a true desire for him to get the answers he’s been looking for, whatever they may be. This book can be reflected into our own journeys, into each part of our life that deserves its own visit on the trip. Each stop was crucial for the final understanding of the ending, as it is for all of us as well.

Andrew Greer was very intentional in his writing of this story. You can tell that many of the memorable thoughts and moments the protagonist experiences most likely come from a source very close to the author’s heart. It’s obvious Andrew Greer cares quite deeply for others, acknowledging each character’s flaws and struggles with kindness throughout the story. He displays a talent for nurturing empathy in the reader for the conflicted main character, and creates a reading experience that sucks you in. This is a book that can be hard to put down. I recall flipping through each page following Arthur’s journey with my full attention, excited to know where he goes and what he learns next. It is one of the most memorable stories I have ever read.

It’s no wonder this book won the Pullitzer prize. I highly recommend this book to everyone, especially for those in love with life’s journey, every step of the way.

Optimistically,

Jon

Jon Hack

Just an optimistic guy on his journey to get a corgi

https://optimisticallyjon.com
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