The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared
Jul 2015 · Hachette UK
4.6star
135 reviews
Ebook
400
Pages
About this ebook
THE GLOBAL BESTSELLER
Sitting quietly in his room in an old people's home, Allan Karlsson is waiting for a party he doesn't want to begin. His one-hundredth birthday party to be precise. The Mayor will be there. The press will be there. But, as it turns out, Allan will not . . .
Escaping (in his slippers) through his bedroom window, into the flowerbed, Allan makes his getaway. And so begins his picaresque and unlikely journey involving criminals, several murders, a suitcase full of cash, and incompetent police. As his escapades unfold, Allan's earlier life is revealed. A life in which - remarkably - he played a key role behind the scenes in some of the momentous events of the twentieth century.
Translated by Roy Bradbury.
Sitting quietly in his room in an old people's home, Allan Karlsson is waiting for a party he doesn't want to begin. His one-hundredth birthday party to be precise. The Mayor will be there. The press will be there. But, as it turns out, Allan will not . . .
Escaping (in his slippers) through his bedroom window, into the flowerbed, Allan makes his getaway. And so begins his picaresque and unlikely journey involving criminals, several murders, a suitcase full of cash, and incompetent police. As his escapades unfold, Allan's earlier life is revealed. A life in which - remarkably - he played a key role behind the scenes in some of the momentous events of the twentieth century.
Translated by Roy Bradbury.
Ratings and reviews
4.6
135 reviews
Dave Thomas
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January 20, 2019
After reading about 35 psychological thrillers and a hospital stay imminent, I thought something more light hearted & amusing for my stay would be appropriate. I came across this book and the synopsis was so different and enticing I didn't think twice! Being rather negative in my thoughts this book made me want to think and do such things that the main protagonist did, in his earlier AND later years. Upon finishing the book I vowed to myself that I'll try to think more positively. Clever & very amusing!!
2 people found this review helpful
Joanna Polok
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June 25, 2023
I loved this book about an old man, deciding to escape the old folks home on his hundredth birthday. Avoiding the celebrations which would include the local mayor, the press and his arch enemy the director Alice (in charge of the home). What happens next is absolutely hilarious! The story goes through the things he had done throughout his life, the famous people he had "dealings" with and the knowledge he gathered (mostly accidentally). A story that will be read again and again!
Zuzana Mitevova
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November 9, 2019
I was not very keen in the beginning, did not know what to expect, where is the story going, but... I kept on reading and what a read it was. Amazing, witty... Definitely one of the best books I have read. Worth the read. 100% recommend!
About the author
Jonas Jonasson was a journalist for the Expressen newspaper for many years. He became a media consultant and later on set up a company producing sports and events for Swedish television. He sold his company and moved abroad to work on his first novel. Jonasson now lives on the Swedish island Gotland in the Baltic Sea.
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