LESS by ANDREW SEAN GREER (2017)

It surprised most when Less was awarded the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Literature. It most assuredly surprised Amazon and Barnes and Noble, because neither had the book available at the time. It was not until more than a month afterward that the book became available for shipment. In our era of so many social and political problems, most praised novels are dead serious. This one is lively, marvelously funny, warm-hearted, and even has a happy ending. I don't see it as an IMPORTANT book, but it is very rewarding to read.

Arthur Less is a second or third-tier writer whose boyfriend of some years is about to be married to someone else. He is nearing 50 and is feeling suddenly old and alone and a failure at life and love. In order to avoid being around for the upcoming wedding, he accepts some of the numerous invitations which come to writers of his less-than-elevated status, which will take him literally around the world. He has never felt more sorry for himself.

So begins Less's picaresque misadventures in Mexico, Italy, Germany, Morocco, India, and Japan. A dog eats his favorite suit; he is locked out of his room and ends up hanging from the sill of a window; he mistakenly thinks he is fluent in German; and so on. Some of this verges on farce, but it is always funny, and the author's compassion for his character always shines through, so that the reader becomes quite fond of Less and wishes him well.

Underlying the comedy is a serious current concerning such matters as the fear of commitment to love, the fear of growing old, and the fear of professional failure. Arthur Less's journey takes him not only around the world, but also to a new outlook on life.

I highly recommend this novel.