In the end, though, it was Andrew Sean Greer's Less that was awarded the most prestigious literary prize in the world, and needless to say, many readers were surprised. Among the top contenders in the fiction category were National Book Award winning novel Sing Unburied Sing by Jesmyn Ward and Man Booker Award winning novel Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders, two haunting novels that offer readers a heavy dose of heartache, grief, and sorrow. In the weeks leading up to the Pulitzer Prize announcement, the book community was abuzz with excitement about which titles would take home the coveted awards. A hilarious and satirical story about a failed novelist trying to escape his problems by traveling abroad, Less may seem like an unexpected choice, but it's lightheartedness and the escapism it offers readers is actually what makes it the book many people - including me! - need right now.

That event triggers Less’s trip and I won’t say more about the plot other than the book follows Less on that trip.To the surprise of many book-lovers, Andrew Sean Greer's Less was announced as the 2018 Pulitzer Prize Winner for Fiction on Monday afternoon. But, this time, instead of Less as narrator, this book is written from the perspective of Less’s current partner, Freddy.Īt the start of this novel, Freddy is secluded in Maine, attempting to write his own novel, while Less remains at their home in San Francisco, learning about the death of his former lover. LESS IS LOST picks up the story several years later, taking Less on a financially-motivated cross-country trip. LESS IS LOST is continues the story of Arthur Less, a fiftyish, marginally successful writer, full of insecurities and angst but also contemplating the nature of true love.

(Not unlike the author himself.) And further proof as to why Andrew Sean Greer won a Pulitzer Prize for the prequel LESS (2017) in 2018. LESS IS LOST is an intelligent, perceptive, and lighthearted glimpse into the middle age years of a San Francisco based writer. Thank you NetGalley and Little Brown and Company.

NOTE: I was given early access to the arc in exchange for writing an impartial review.

Less by andrew sean greer review