Author: Andrew Sean Greer
Reviewer: Francine Cracker
How can you avoid the pain of heartbreak? For Arthur Less, the protagonist of Andrew Sean Greer’slatest novel, Less, the answer is clear: run away. Thisfunny and engaging picaresque novel is a departure for Greer, who is best known for his inventive historical fiction. Greer is a masterful author, and he brings along all his writerly chops from his past five books. Less teases readers with a mysterious, impossibly omniscient narrator and an artfully structured plot. Ultimately, it’s the compassion that Greer shows his characters, that causes this novel to rise above being merely an enjoyable read or a series of comical events. Lessistouching and true with catch-you-by-surprise moments of tenderness, and, by journey’s end, Arthur Less and readers are changed and triumphant. - Patty Jazanoski, Kenyon Review