Reviews

Less by Andrew Sean Greer

teeta's review against another edition

3.0

I started off kind of bored with the plot, and somewhat frustrated with the narration of the story, however, I continued on. By the middle, I found my stride, and also came to somewhat like Arthur Less.

Its definitely not my favourite book, but it has charm, and I can understand the appeal. I'm glad I stuck with it.

enclose9698's review against another edition

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

bibliobrandie's review against another edition

Halfway through and I’m giving up. I couldn’t care less about Less.

phoevincent's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

enterprisingyoungman's review against another edition

5.0

Pulitzer-prize winning novel about a gay author in his 50s, living in SF. Makes you think about love and mortality in the midst of the Protagonist's 2/3rds life crisis.

A rocky start, but the somewhat contrived plot structure (that was introduced in the beginning) evolved into an excellent middle. I didn't particularly enjoy the end, but that's just my opinion.

Made me laugh out loud quite a few times!

5 stars despite the fact that the Protagonist is a writer... writers writing about writers- c'mon, branch out of your comfort zone!

arrkay's review

lighthearted reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

carolsm10's review

funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

Very bad writting. Couldn't understand what was happening most of the time. This is one book that is hard to read, no good story.

porbee's review

funny medium-paced

3.75

I really did enjoy this book and there are some great stand-out conversations and events. The perspective between narrator/protagonist was very rewarding. The setup of the book really pays off between Germany and Morocco. It didnt seem like Arthur really actually learned anything about himself, or changed at all.  Utterly without true self reflection-

even when he seems to decide Swift is a fool he fails to realize art is a reflection of the self.

I kind of liked this- a protagonist who is so caught up in running away that he doesn't look at everything around him in any way that matters. Reader and narrator make connections, Arthur stays stuck. 

I just really disliked that it wasn't a stand alone, though I might not have read it at all if I'd known that going in. There was a preview chapter of the sequel included in my copy - really ruined the atmosphere of the end and I wish I hadn't read it.
 

I thought it would stick with the Proust reference and end with 20 or so blank pages.

xaracelli's review

adventurous reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The prose was brilliant and I am having a full on existential crisis on love and life so thank you for that Andrew

sunny_r's review against another edition

5.0

funny! witty! less could be annoying but also self-aware about that, which i enjoyed :)