The international publishing sensation–over six million copies sold worldwide!
A reluctant centenarian much like Forrest Gump (if Gump were an explosives expert with a fondness for vodka) decides it’s not too late to start over . . .
After a long and eventful life, Allan Karlsson ends up in a nursing home, believing it to be his last stop. The only problem is that he’s still in good health, … in good health, and in one day, he turns 100. A big celebration is in the works, but Allan really isn’t interested (and he’d like a bit more control over his vodka consumption). So he decides to escape. He climbs out the window in his slippers and embarks on a hilarious and entirely unexpected journey, involving, among other surprises, a suitcase stuffed with cash, some unpleasant criminals, a friendly hot-dog stand operator, and an elephant (not to mention a death by elephant).
It would be the adventure of a lifetime for anyone else, but Allan has a larger-than-life backstory: Not only has he witnessed some of the most important events of the twentieth century, but he has actually played a key role in them. Starting out in munitions as a boy, he somehow finds himself involved in many of the key explosions of the twentieth century and travels the world, sharing meals and more with everyone from Stalin, Churchill, and Truman to Mao, Franco, and de Gaulle. Quirky and utterly unique, The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared has charmed readers across the world.
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loved it was a great read
An enjoyable read for anyone willing to suspend belief in logic. A charming tale of of a senior citizen easily outwitting the contemporary world. If you don’t like fables, you will not enjoy this book.
Fun book about an old guy who has led an adventuress life and won’t give up. Great for readers interested in history.
A “Forest Gump” style of book. I kept reading because I wanted to find out what happened to Allan and his gang, but I skipped large sections of his past life. Too much filler for my liking.
I would say this book is witty, entertaining, and a bit twisted. The characters are not “good guys” and the main character, the 100-year old man, gets into the most implausible situations, but it is a thoroughly enjoyable read, and well-written.
I really enjoyed this. It was a refreshing change from the usual whodunnit. The twisting and turning story was incredibly clever. It took me a short while to get into it and then it just took off.
Some laughs but a bit sophomoric!
LOVE this book!
A Swedish translation of a Forest Gump type character. Long-winded in places.
Very entertaining
I felt that it was a very good book that I could read, enjoy, and laugh or cry. It was a book that I would recommend to my family and friends as some light reading, with interesting twists and turns. It made me almost feel that I would love to know the character that was depicted in the book. I loved it!!!
Not worth finishing
This was a laugh out loud book. Really enjoyed it!
I love the humour in this book. Age is just a number!
Didn’t know what to expect when I bought this book. It is more than I expected. It is a fascinating trip around the world wherein the main character, Allen, meets and has dealings with famous people such as Stalin, Truman, Einstein, and others. Juxtaposed against his life story is another story of him escaping from an old folks home, stealing a suitcase full of cash and being on the run from criminals as well as the police. This book is a delight to read. I find myself laughing out loud at many of Allen’s escapades. But as comical as events seem, Allen is also very wise.
Wonderful book!
A page turner. Very entertaining and funny
Charming adventure featuring an unusual protagonist, a posse of friends (one with a trunk), and irate unhappy lowlife pursuers. Fun and original.
Think positive, and all will be good.
Whatever happens, should happen anyway.
That’s how Alan believes and works for a hundred years, and this method entirely justifies itself throughout his life. Alan Carlson, a 100-year-old Swede, comes out of his bedroom window on his 100th birthday, shortly before his planned birthday party. The book tells the story of his current adventures in 2005, from the moment he fled from his room onwards.
This is a funny and exciting book, but towards the end, a little bit loses rhythm and starts repeating itself.
All in all, a lovely book called with fluency and pleasure.
What a unique book! And such fun characters! If you fell in love with Forest Gump, you’ll want to read all about the life and antics of Allan Karlsson and his historic, worldwide adventures. I couldn’t stop laughing!
This is the book for you if you are ready, like Monty Python, for something completely different.