This is a fairly witty and fun read. I especially enjoyed the satirical descriptions of world leaders and key historical events.

Love this book so much! If you at all a history buff, you will love the way that the author weaves the main character in and out of so many moments in world history. It's a super fun read for those with a sense of humor and a basic knowledge of world history.

good book

A fun yarn. Reminded me a bit of Candide.

An enjoyable modern saga, outlining the adventures, past and present, of a century-old man who runs away from his seniors' home on his 100th birthday. Includes real-life political figures in a way that is purposely silly but fun.

Fabulous

This its most definitely a tale. A wonderful tale worth reading, perhaps on the beach in Bali if you have the chance. Allan's view of life is that whatever happens, happens. If those things involve the avoidance of religion and politics but include a nice glass of vodka, Allan is satisfied for the most part. His knowledge of explosives and easy way with a conversation get him in and out of trouble all over the world. His key is accepting what comes and knowing when he can change it.

Honestly, I find these half-baked comparisons to Forrest Gump insulting. Gump is an imbecile motivated by love for a handful of people. The amusing thing of him meeting famous people is he doesn't know who they are. His compassion, a couple of unusual skills and a lot of dumb luck see him through but can't save him from the pain around him.

Allan on the other hand doesn't have much compassion; he just knows who he likes and what he's good at. He meets famous people because of his skills. He doesn't care who they are though because he has no respect for politics or religious movements. They are basic differences that give Allan a happy ending.

Funny, a bit absurd, and surprisingly exciting! This is the story of 100 year old man who climbs out of his window in his slippers, and ends up having one last, great adventure. As the story progresses, we learn that the thugs, elephant, and a run from the police are just the most recent chapter in an amazing life.

This silly and fun story is an encapsulated political history of the world beginning in before World War I. Allan, the 100-year old protagonist, decided he’s sick of the nursing home he lives in and runs away. Stealing a suitcase filled with millions of kroner, he hops on and bus and the adventure begins. The adventure includes a strange assortment of characters, including an elephant. Accidently murdering the gang from whom the suitcase was stolen is only a small chapter in Allan’s life which involves saving the wife of Mao Tse Tung and Winston Churchill as well as helping create the atomic bomb at Los Alamos. And there’s more, so much more. The funniest book I’ve read in some time leaves me still chuckling.

That wry goofball Scandinavian humor is great for book groups! The movie didn't capture the tone well, but give it a go anyway and talk about differences between film and books.

Funny, interesting and imaginative.