Less is a hot mess, kind of all over the place, but endearing. I was excited to read the sequel because I loved this character so much from the first book. It still had the same type of vibes but I was disappointed for a few reasons.

The writing style, comedic relief, and juxtaposition of casual existential dread and joy in mundane experiences were all similar to Less. Despite the consistency, I never clutched at my chest or let out a lone tear, or really experienced much emotion at all. It touched lightly on issues of American patriotism and homophobia in this country without getting too controversial but in this context, it just fell flat. There were several times I felt annoyed by the perspective and I found myself liking Less <I>less.</I>It was also written from the POV of the boyfriend, Fredy Pelu. That didn't really work for me because I was even less invested in him. I listened to it as an audiobook and it had the same narrator, who was perfect for these books. I really wanted to continue reading about Less when I started this book but by the end all I could say was <I>meh</I>.

I appreciate that the flow and style of this book was consistent with the first but the "growth" that happened in this book just didn't feel like enough. The most memorable thing about this book was the moose and that felt a bit gimmicky. I'm not mad I read it but wouldn't recommend.

I adored Less so I was excited to see a second book about these beloved characters! Less is Lost is just as funny and clever and I enjoyed it even more because of my affection for the characters and Greer's writing. In this story Arthur Less goes on a rambling journey across the US in a rusty camper van and gets up to no end of adventures and hilarious situations. It was interesting to read this story from his partner Freddy's point of view, his distance and lack of knowledge of what is going on made for an amusing perspective and is perfect for the quirky style. And if you need any further encouragement, there is also an adorable pug named Dolly who plays a central part in the book.

Robert Petkoff's narration of the audiobook was a pleasure to listen to, his voice matched perfectly with the personalities of the characters and really brought them and their subtle humour to life.

Actual rating 3.5 stars, rounded up

Call me a sap, but for me, this one falls just a teeeeeny bit shy of his first novel and prequel, Less. I fell in love with this quirky man in 2019–I wanted to wrap him in a hug and take him home with me! And while many didn’t share my thoughts, I found ASG to be a fabulous writer, definitely worthy of the awards. He still is. But this novel felt a little too much like PeeWee’s Big Adventure, riding across the US in an old, rusty camper van, sweetly named, Rosina.

This story is told from Freddy’s point of view (yes, they are still together living in San Fran) and I like this change of pace. Freddy is so sweet and understanding. . When Arthur receives notice that his former lover has died, and that he may be in some financial obligation, once again, Arthur wants to ignore his problems and Jetset, er road trip. We meet some great characters along the way, and Arthur is his usual goofy self, often misunderstood and still socially awkward, still somewhat endearing. However, I found myself getting upset with the way Arthur was left with his father and their so-called resolved feelings weren’t actually resolved. I know this is the point… And it explains a lot about why Arthur is the way he is… so it was well captured for sure. But at this point it gets a little old…

It takes until the end of the story for Arthur to show growth. Quite literally— the end is a one liner and I found myself looking for an epilogue to finish off their story— unless this is ASG’s way of saying there may be a 3rd installment? I would still give that a go because I do want to see more of Freddy and Arthur together in their own adventure!

All in all a fun read, but, as mentioned, above, I just wanted more growth out of our protagonist. Thank you to #NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Dear Less is Lost,
When I first read Less, I really wanted the story, and Less' life to just make sense. The absurdity of his journey confused me and left me scratching my head. I just didn't get it. Then, a friend showed me Less through an absurdist lens, and I got that he wasn't SUPPOSED to make sense. So, I went into you without the expectation of logic and connection, but you didn't show the same beauty of the human condition for me. Less felt less absurd and more doddering, and having Freddy's story didn't add much for me. You were sweet, and funny, and I still love Artie Less, but there wasn't the same magic I felt in Less.

There might be men with nets out looking for me.... I listened to this while doing my walks and I strolled down the street guffawing away. This book is as funny as the first with some of the most unexpected lines.
I also listened to the last Less book, so I don't know what is Greer's writing and what is the reader. His writing is so different than anything else, his syntax different It fits the books so perfectly but also let's you know, while these books are funny, they are also written by an expert wordsmith. Sometimes you have to sit back and just admire it.
It's wonderful to see Less again. Is there any other hero who gets himself into more silly messes? Some of the confusion never clarifies itself, some parts I don't understand why certain things happen. Some tropes are overdone, such as his bad German or clothing situations That is fine! It's great to see Less try to figure out how to make his way through this world. And aren't we all confused by the world,? You just read this, watching things fly away in a hurricane and feel at one with Less in despair but also thing "better you than me!"
I did get an ACR (ALR? It's an audiobook!) from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. I loved it, even it's inadequacies only added to the overall quality. Arthur Less, you are a true wonder!

I was charmed by the comfort of returning to Arthur Less's world, but as the novel progressed I was disenchanted. While I love a good surprise sequel I didn't enjoy this as much as I hoped. The story is charming and witty and delivers all the things one loved about Less, but I don't think there was any way to really deliver a fresh take this format. Part of Less's charm was the twist that Freddy was narrating the novel, going in to the same format without anything new or sharpened was a let down.

The audiobook was compelling and easy to finish.

Pros: This is a follow up to the Pulitzer-winning Less that sees Arthur Less traveling the USA rather than the world. I enjoyed his travels in the southeast—especially when he was in Texas and Louisiana. Like in the prequel, Less’s travels are often a comedy of errors—I especially enjoyed his attempts at speaking German and the existence of another author named Arthur Less. Although I don’t think this book is for everyone, I think those who loved Less will enjoy the sequel. That being said, I would not read Less is Lost without first reading Less.

I listened to this book and thought it was great on audio. I liked that the same narrator who narrated Less also reads Less is Lost.

Cons: This really isn’t a con but is more a note on the star rating I gave this book. I liked Less more than Less is Lost, and I gave Less four stars. I would give this book 3.5 stars if half stars were allowed.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio, Little, Brown & Company for the opportunity to listen to this book.

"Meh."

This is my reaction after reading "Less Is Lost" directly on the heels of reading (and loving) "Less."

While the books were published 7 or 8 years apart, they are quite different.

Unfortunately, without getting into spoilers, it's less than.

Less funny.
Less interesting.
Less provocative.

It's about a 50yo, white, gay author who must finally grow up. The plot feels forced. And while Greer seemingly tries to tackle important issues in America (e.g., homophobia, white make privilege, politics and race), he really just sidesteps them.

Like I said, it's just meh.

The saving grace (despite the weak plot) is the great writing and terrific by Robert Petkoff. He delivers yet again!


Special thanks Hachette Audio for the opportunity to preview the audiobook via the NetGalley app.

I read the Pulitzer Prize winning Less a few years ago so I was really excited to get my ears on (audiobook listen) a copy of Less is loss.

We return to our lovable and awkward Arthur Less as he road trips across America. Less’ life is going really well, he’s an accomplished author and in a steady relationship but he’s life is thrown off kilter when he is at risk of losing his beautiful home. Cue the entourage of hilarious characters popping up along Less’ journey.

It’s written from the perspective of Less’ partner Freddie which I really loved, although he’s not with Less during a large portion of the book he gives it a refreshing perspective.

I really liked the story, it was full of giggles, eye rolling and smacked foreheads. I have the memory of a sieve so I couldn’t remember it’s prequel and it didn’t impact on my enjoyment so if you haven’t read it don’t let that put you off picking this up!

“Less is Lost” is Andrew Sean Greer’s sequel to “Less”, the Pulitzer Prize winning novel published in 2017. “Less” was such a sensation, it’s hard to imagine another act, but in “Less is Lost”, Greer has conclusively delivered one.

Our protagonist, the hapless but loveable Arthur Less, self-described as “a middle-aged-gay-white-novelist” takes us on another wacky and rollicking road trip this time across vast stretches of his own country, a story idea reputedly prompted by the author’s own desire to write about America. Less, suffering from the recent death of his old lover, the poet Robert Brownburn, and hit by an unexpected financial setback that could see him and his new lover Freddy Pelu evicted from “The Shack”, their home in San Francisco, decides to adopt the counsel “Go get lost somewhere; it always does you good”, as his new mission.

In a meandering odyssey that takes him through the South and West of the US, in the dubious comfort of Rosina, a beaten-up campervan, and accompanied by Dolly, a quirky pug, he gets himself entangled in a series of literary gigs, where he’s variously mistaken for a Dutchman and another writer of the same name. If Dolly the dog is quirky, the characters he meets in the course of his adventures range from bizarre to freakish. While what he’s seeking is escape, what he finds is that the complications of his relationships with his father, ex-lover, sister, Freddy and himself can’t be shrugged off that easily. Absurdities and satire aside, Greer shines the light of his intelligence on some of the more existential dilemmas of modern life. For example, in regard to America, “What if we were wrong,” he asks himself. “What if the whole idea of America is wrong.” And Less’s gay identity is still something of a dilemma for him, returning as he does time and again to the worrisome conclusion that he’s a “bad gay”. Why is it, he wonders, that in a social climate of libidinous freedom where, when it came to sex, it was “welcome to the monkey house”, he alone had still not loosened up. “Am I the only frigid homosexual in New York?” he asks himself.

By and large though It's a loony tunes tale that sees the hapless Less caught up in a series of adversities and humiliations, both small and large-scale, including in one of the most hilarious, his mishap in a hot tub where he inadvertently sets off an inundation of the camp-site where he’s staying and in attempting to raise the alarm in his atrocious German, he announces the arrival of the floodwaters by shouting out “pan-flute” instead of “flood.”

Both “Less” and this novel are satirical comedies, Greer’s satire being pretty much limitless in scope. Everything, it appears, is fair game, particularly those small absurdities of life which he nails in stunningly clever phrases. For example, characters whose complexions range from “iron curtain grey” to a whiteness like “the last kernels exploding in a popcorn maker” or one with “ears like chainsaw art”, another who arrives at a church “with the bewildered expression of a man expecting a performance of ‘Godspell’”, his father who “waits for the fairy of memory to touch the scene with colour”, or Joshua trees like “holy rollers at a revival, lifting their heavy arms” and the wit rolls inexhaustibly on. Greer takes particular delight in skewering the literary world’s grandiosities, in particular the pretentious apparatus that springs into action around prize committees, foundation grants, literary agents and meet the author events, all of which are of course fair game and probably have never been lampooned with such style before. Interestingly, he was advised by his agent that it was not the done thing to write a sequel to a Pulitzer Prize winning novel. Clearly, for Greer this must have represented the proverbial red flag to a bull.

As hilarious and clever as this book is, for me it wasn’t quite as engaging as “Less”, perhaps because the freshness and originality of the characters and comedic set pieces inevitably pall a bit in the reprise, or perhaps because a sequel to a Pulitzer-prize winning novel doesn’t in fact work. There are a lot of characters, so many that at times it’s hard to keep up. Most of them, however are like the stage set Less carts around with him during one episode of his venture, in that they are transient, colourful, over the top but unreal. This may be an inherent hallmark of satirical comedy which can be somewhat of an acquired taste. “Less is Lost” is funny, bitingly irreverent and extraordinarily creative but it’s a bit like watching a circus performance – you gasp at the antics but can’t really relate. It’s life in caricature, a trait exaggerated by the narrator of the audiobook whose delivery reminded me of a stand-up comedian – rapid fire delivery of quip after quip that milk the laughs but leave you wanting more, or maybe “less” (to coin a pun). Satirical comedy of course, as Greer himself admits in an interview is “always, always about me”.

Thank you to Hachette Audio for providing me with an advance reading copy of this book.

It's time for another road trip with my buddy Arthur!

Arthur Less is one of those characters who becomes so fully realized that they're almost like family, they live in your mind and you wonder how they might react to circumstances in your own life. At least that's how I felt after reading Less, he was part of my "brainfamily" - so it's fitting that this second novel focuses so much on his formative familial relationships. Whereas the first book centers on Less' romantic relationships, and his (largely perceived) professional shortcomings, this follow-up text explores how his parents and family life shaped his worldview.

All of the wit, calamitous misunderstandings, and surrealist happenstance from the first novel are alive in this text. Greer does a fantastic job of navigating the appropriate degree of nostalgic call-backs to the plot of the first text, while also blazing a new trail and introducing us to new absurdist caricatures of Americans all over the South. As a Pulitzer prize winning novel, it's surprising that we got a second installment - but honestly it's superbly executed and in my opinion it only adds to the value of the original text vs threatening it's legacy in any way.

As I was listening to the audiobook version, I'll comment that the narration by Robert Petkoff was expertly done as well. I so enjoyed the characterization of Arthur, as well as HHH Mandern, but most of all the vocalization of Freddy Pelu (who serves as the book's narrator) and how he paints scenes so lovingly. It comes across almost like the affection tinged with chagrin you feel when watching your partner at a party across the room when he describes the shenanigans Arthur gets into.

Thank you to Hachette Audio, Little Brown, Andrew Sean Greer and Netgalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook ARC prior to publication.

3.35⭐

I read the original Less in April 2018, awarding it 4 stars. My only record of my thoughts (because it was read pre-blog) was “Oddly charming!” I should probably treat myself to a reread! In any event, I was thrilled to be granted access to the advance reader audio of this sequel.

I don't remember from which character's point of view the first installment was written. In this sequel, the story is told by Less' current lover, Freddy, who isn't even present in the action until around the 80% mark.

As is typical of my preferences, I thought the best parts of the story were relationship-driven. In particular, there's a scene in which Freddy's great uncle gives life/love advice to Less; another in which we receive the wisdom of Thomas's grandma Cookie; and a particularly poignant moment in which Less uses carefully chosen words to make a point to his long-estranged father. [I am not permitted to share quotes from the ARC—they would have to be compared to the finished work.] There is some humor—which is always appreciated and enjoyed—but not hilarity.

This was a fine read—I have no qualms about recommending it. In my mind, though, it pales in comparison to its predecessor.

Thank you, NetGalley, Hachette Audio, and Little, Brown & Company, for the audio ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review. Publication is expected September 20.

What do you get when you take a white gay guy in a white shirt and suit and transport him to the South? We're talking SOUTH here. What you get is a lot of hilarious moments that are kind of based on his uneasiness. That doesn't sound like it would really work, but trust me, it works.

Less getting lost across America is narrated by his lover (who is NOT on the trip with Less), which was an interesting choice. It's a strange choice, but then again, it also works. It gives the reader a familiarity, but also a distance from the story at the same time. Maybe that's why it works so well. I really couldn't tell you why.

Less is traveling across America is what is basically a sleeper van(?) with the dog of his former lover who is dying, while his current lover is feeling abandoned and has taken himself to an island. And yes, the rest of the story is as complicated and somewhat as bizarre as that statement. Need I go on???

I loved all the quirky characters Less met on his journey. I love that his accent (was it called Scandinavian?) became code to Less as someone recognizing his homosexuality. He was not Scandinavian. I love that I laughed out loud and that I was really pulling for Less through all of his misadventures. I was mainly hoping he would find the love and validation he deserved.

I listened to the video version narrated by Robert Petkoff. He did an amazing job with the many characters and made this book a joy to listen to.

Thanks to Hachette Audio and NetGalley for the gifted copy. All thoughts are my own.

A snapshot of the @hachetteaudio page, many thanks to them for approving an early read of #LessisLost by @andrewbgreer (oops wrong author) (coincidentally a name I recognize from my family tree, prob no relation but cool nonetheless - apparently this is a popular name)!! This is the author of #less which won the @pulitzerprizes a few years ago. Now that I've heard the sequel I'd love to listen to Less, although this book doesnt need for you to have read the previous book, it still references events that Id like to dive into. This is a book that drives around with Arthur Less, a novelist, as he hits a critical time in his life between an old lover of his dying, finding out he's in an unexpected debt, traveling across country to be involved in interviewing a famous author, and seeing a musical of his works, and meeting up with his long lost father, and finding himself yet again im supposing, along the way. I loved the perspective being from his current love, as if we're watching Arthur from a fly on the wall, which was fun, as is the witty banter and the commentary on the situations Less finds himself in. #favoritenewquote :
#crimeoflove ❤️❤️
This book had no crazy twists or massive plots; it was a look at Less, and as a gay man, a look into how he feels walking around, how he's perceived, how he feels he's perceived, his perspective of being somewhat always on guard, gaging whether a scenario, bar, etc. is a safe space for him or not. I liked being in his witty, introspective, at times hilarious head. I'll definitely be reading the bigger picture as I'd love to learn Less.
hehe #learnless
Check this book out relasing this month!
UMMM hello the REAL author of this book:
@asgreer im CRACKiNG up that just like in the book, YOU have another author by the same name and much like LESS, I mistook him for YOU (and even tagged him above) omg lol !!!!!

Everyone needs Less in their life! Arthur Less. And maybe a little pug named Dolly.

Our hero is back and he's off for another adventure. If you enjoyed the grand adventure of Less, you are ready to see just what happened to Less and Freddy.

No spoilers here, but Greer does not disappoint. There are many laugh out loud moments--many involving misunderstood German language--I'm here for that all day long. I'm hoping with all hope in my heart there will be an Arthur Less #3 book on our horizon. I know he has more stories and adventures in his future.

Bravo, Andrew Sean Greer. And the narration was spot on. I cannot recall if this was the same narrator as the previous Less book--it felt like it was.

Thank you so much to NetGalley & Little Brown for an advanced copy of this book for my honest opinion.

If you enjoyed “Less,” you’re going to want to pick up this sequel, “Less Is Lost.” If you haven’t read “Less,” you’re still in for a treat. Less is a “moderately accomplished” white gay writer in his early 50s, who suddenly needs to come up with a sum of money to pay back rent that he didn’t know about - the reason for the long road trip detailed in this novel. There are a ton of funny moments in this book. Two of my favorite stops were the one in the California desert and one in Alabama. Other funny moments include Arthur’s attempts to speak German. As my husband and I have a long road trip planned for this fall, I also really enjoyed some of the commentary, like how long it takes to get across Texas!

The novel is narrated, somehow, by Arthur Less’ partner, Freddy Pelu, which made no sense to me at all since Freddy wasn’t on this trip. Nevertheless, he’s the narrator. Late in the book is a delightful twist and the ending was heartwarming.

Thank you to NetGalley and Hachette Audio for the opportunity to listen to an advance copy of the audiobook version of this book. Robert Petkoff did a great job with the narration. All opinions are my own.

This is an honest sequel. If u enjoyed the original Pulitzer-winning novel, you will most likely enjoy this second trip also. The excuse for this sequel doesn't even pretend that it is more than that. The "crisis" is "just" financial. The big difference is that Arthur Less stays local. Instead of going around the world, this time around he tours America and rediscovers his origins.

I knew that I liked Arthur Less. I discovered that I like him even more than I wanted to admit. And I think that this won't be the last time we take a trip with him.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to listen to and review this audiobook.

I should have probably revisited my Goodreads review of Less, the first book in this series, prior to requesting the ARC of its sequel. I did not remember until I was well into this one that I was not a huge fan of the first book.

I will start by saying that parts of this book are very funny and I did enjoy much of it way more than the first book. I like every character in the book, for better or worse, better than Less. That's probably the point but I am not smart enough to make sense of that or really analyze this.

All of that to say, if you enjoyed the first book, you will love this one.

An entertaining followup to Greer's Pulitzer Prize-winning, Less. Perhaps, after a couple more volumes, Less will become the queer Rabbit Angstrom.

If you are a reader who enjoyed the first book, I think you’ll also like this. It’s more of the same: Hyper-empathetic characters, pretty well-timed and decent comedy beats, warm and fuzzy, kind of toothless, not overly prescriptive but with a definite point it attempts to make. It is nice to spend time with Less again, just because I like the character quite a bit. He’s a bit clueless and messy and earnest. It’s a combination that makes him a fun protagonist.

Some of the issues in the book are noticeably updated. Being a “bad gay”, on writers writing, juxtaposing queer issues from Less’s past and the present. But not so overtly as to offend anyone. The plot is much more predictable this time around. I think Less benefited a lot from a couple of change-ups that bring a lot of satisfaction. This doesn’t have that, but it’s nice to be in the world again, all the same, I think.

On audio, this is quite good. The same narrator as the first is back and he’s great. He really embodies the prose style and the vibe. On the page, I like the prose quite a bit. Readable and surprisingly good with descriptions that are very organic and suit the style so well.