Less by Andrew Sean Greer
I picked Less up when I was idly browsing in Waterstones. It had an interesting cover and it won the Pulitzer for fiction. I’d heard nothing about it. Usually, and gratefully, books are recommended to me but coming to something clean without expectations was refreshing.
Less is the story of Arthur Less, a novelist about to turn fifty and trying to escape the fact that his lover is about to marry. In order to avoid going to the wedding, or refusing to go to the wedding, he decides to accept every literary invitation he has received and travel the world to avoid his feelings. Obviously, his avoidance tactics don’t work. Every place and person makes him confront his situation and the fact that he was in love.
This is a novel about fear, risk, inhibition and letting go. It deals with the lies we tell ourselves and the fact that people can sometimes see us more clearly than we see ourselves but it is as light as air. It’s a comedy, it’s a caper and it’s warm. I loved Arthur Less. I wanted to get him drunk and let him dance it out. He needed a hug and a stiff talking to without being pathetic or annoying.
Everyone I have recommended this has loved it and no one would have picked it up. Its marketing has been rubbish. Give it some love if you get a chance.
PS I loved it that much I was inspired by Arthur to buy a very blue suit.