The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared

By Jonas Jonasson

The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared - Jonas Jonasson
  • Release Date: 2012-09-11
  • Genre: Fiction & Literature
Score: 4
4
From 437 Ratings

Description

A larger-than-life old man with a fondness for vodka goes on an unexpected adventure in this whimsical novel -- perfect for fans of Forrest Gump and A Man Called Ove.

The international publishing sensation -- more than six million copies sold worldwide!

A reluctant centenarian much like Forrest Gump (if Gump were an explosives expert) 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, 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.  

Reviews

  • Be sure to read this if you are under 100!

    5
    By colo barb
    This is a fabulous run through history from a perspective of total naïveté and spunk!
  • Being Here, There, and Everywhere

    5
    By Primadonna2
    So hilarious and amazing, I’ve read it twice. From the first pages, you’ll laugh out loud. Historical lampoon, somewhat like Forrest Gump, about prominent persons and events. You’ll cheer, you’ll laugh out loud , and wish you knew the real protagonist. It’s a romp of a novel.
  • The 100-Year-Old Man who Climbed out the Window

    4
    By Ramón made me buy this
    A Swedish Forrest Gump. Entertaining and enlightening. An easy read.
  • AK 👑👑👑👑

    5
    By 👊❤️😎🌪
    Great read on a man who made the most of his life. I read with such joy. We must live every moment to the fullest. Excellent read
  • What a fun ride!

    5
    By sevinthdog
    This was by far my fave book lately. I love a great character ~me and Allen would have hit it off!! I had no idea where this story was going. Love that! I really liked Allen's personality and how when he talked his statements turned into questions! I love the way it answers all the questions and ties up all the loose ends! Loved it!
  • BB

    5
    By Barbria
    This book is hilarious, and is a great read