Less Is Lost

By: Andrew Sean Greer

Narrated by: Robert Petkoff

The awkward and lovable hero of Andrew Sean Greer's bestselling and prize-winning novel Less returns in this unforgettable road trip across America.

For Arthur Less, life is going surprisingly well: he is a moderately accomplished novelist in a steady relationship with his partner, Freddy Pelu. But nothing lasts: the death of an old lover and a sudden financial crisis has Less running away from his problems yet again as he accepts a series of literary gigs that send him on a zigzagging adventure across the US.

Less roves across the 'Mild Mild West', through the South and to his mid-Atlantic birthplace, with an ever-changing posse of writerly characters and his trusty duo - a human-like black pug, Dolly, and a rusty camper van nicknamed Rosina. He grows a handlebar mustache, ditches his signature gray suit, and disguises himself in the bolero-and-cowboy-hat costume of a true 'Unitedstatesian'... with varying levels of success, as he continues to be mistaken for either a Dutchman, the wrong writer, or, worst of all, a 'bad gay'.

We cannot, however, escape ourselves - even across deserts, bayous, and coastlines. From his estranged father and strained relationship with Freddy, to the reckoning he experiences in confronting his privilege, Arthur Less must eventually face his personal demons. With all of the irrepressible wit and musicality that made Less a bestselling, Pulitzer Prize-winning, must-read breakout book, Less Is Lost is a profound and joyous novel about the enigma of life, the riddle of love, and the stories we tell along the way.

©2022 Andrew Sean Greer (P)2022 Hachette Audio UK

Critic reviews

So funny, jokes and wit and joy packed into every page. It's beautiful and light and deceptively fun, and then stabs you through the heart. Wonderful Less, more, more! (Russell T Davies)

There is no better guide across America than Arthur Less, the "bad gay" whose engaging awkwardness and self-deprecation are tragically funny and hugely insightful. We should all be so lost (Bonnie Garmus, author of Lessons in Chemistry)

Andrew Sean Greer's writing nails both the absurdity of the human condition and its wistful beauty. Arthur Less is an unforgettable literary creation and I was so happy to be back in his company as he continues his elegant muddle through life (Elizabeth Day, author of Magpie)

Frustrating

In my opinion, the ending was hasty and not terribly fulfilling. Overall, though, I enjoyed the book and think that the author has a great gift for constructing beautiful and witty prose. I’ve read all of Mr Greer’s books and have never been disappointed.