The hundred-year-old man who climbed out of the window and disappeared -Jonas Jonasson

Description

The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared is a comedic and adventurous novel that follows the life of Allan Karlsson, a centenarian who escapes his retirement home on the eve of his 100th birthday. Instead of celebrating with the other residents, Allan makes his escape, setting off a series of bizarre and hilarious events.

Allan’s adventure begins when he takes a suitcase full of illegal drug money from a young man he meets at the bus station. This seemingly simple decision drags Allan into a wild series of criminal activities, involving gangsters and the police, all while Allan remains blissfully unaware of the danger he’s in. In parallel to the present-day escapades, the novel also recounts Allan’s extraordinary and absurdly humorous past, where he unwittingly influenced major historical events.

From working with dynamite in his youth to accidentally saving Franco during the Spanish Civil War, befriending world leaders like Harry S. Truman, and even playing a part in the creation of the atomic bomb, Allan’s life is a whirlwind of improbable incidents. His travels take him through war-torn countries, a gulag in Russia, and even to North Korea and Bali, where his actions have far-reaching consequences on world politics.

Allan’s journey is filled with humorous encounters, such as meeting historical figures like Stalin, Mao Zedong, and Charles de Gaulle, often with absurd results. His sheer lack of understanding or concern for the gravity of his actions adds a layer of dark humor to the story, creating a character whose indifference to the world’s most significant events makes him both an unlikely hero and a comedic force.

The novel blends slapstick comedy with a satirical take on history, war, and the human condition. Allan’s carefree approach to life, despite the dangers and absurdities he faces, makes for a wildly entertaining read.