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Andrew Sean Greer

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Less Is Lost (The Arthur Less Books, 2) Hardcover – Large Print, September 20, 2022

by Andrew Sean Greer (Author)

4.2 3,203 ratings

Book 2 of 2: The Arthur Less Books

Editors' pick Best Literature & Fiction

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In the follow-up to the “bedazzling, bewitching, and be-wonderful” (New York Times) best-selling and Pulitzer Prize-winning Less: A Novel, the awkward and lovable Arthur Less returns in an unforgettable road trip across America.

“Go get lost somewhere, it always does you good.”

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 in America, the riddle of love, and the stories we tell along the way.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Only Arthur Less could be both frustratingly stuck, yet on the move. Let loose, yet totally lost. Full of wit, but without a clue. And while he runs from himself, finds himself at the same time. Put all of that on a wild road trip through a wilder America, and you end up with something hilarious, affecting, and unforgettable.”―Marlon James, winner of the 2015 Booker Prize

"Does Andrew Greer think of himself as a comic novelist? Does a giraffe think of itself as a giraffe? Probably it doesn’t matter. This book, though, is wildly, painfully, funny. It sometimes hurts to read it."―David Sedaris, author of Happy-Go-Lucky

"It is a deep pleasure to return to the adventures of Arthur Less and his beloved Freddy. Greer is a brilliant storyteller as always, and the joyfulness of this book is a balm. I loved reading it.”―Madeline Miller, bestselling author of CIRCE

“What a joy to be reunited with the beloved, hapless, utterly delightful Arthur Less. With tenderness, wit and his incomparably lovely prose, Greer probes that most profound and mysterious of subjects: love.”―Katie Kitamura, author of Intimacies

"Now we have the utterly delightful sequel to “Less,” “Less Is Lost” (Little, Brown), this time told from the perspective of Less’ partner (and emergency contact), Freddy Pelu...A road-trip novel with everyone’s favorite “Minor American Novelist” as its guinea pig, “Less Is Lost” tells a very contemporary story of security undone, the death of an old friend and lover, and a financial crisis that has Arthur Less accepting a variety of antic-packed literary invitations across the country. Of course, in the end, wherever you go, there you are. “Less Is Lost” is a novel that dares to ask the question, “How long can a gay man survive in a desert?” It is in the balance between hilarity and heart that this sequel proves itself as delightful as its predecessor."―Sloane Crosley, Departures

"Exquisite attention to rhythm, repetition, and timing, the bright sentences tossed up like juggling balls to be caught in dazzling rotation...We can’t presume to know how the American story, that insane and unprecedented jumble of genres, will end, but Less and Freddy’s story is another matter. No one’s private world is shielded from national storms, but often enough the sun does shine there. We need some novels to remind us of that, and this is one."―Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker

"“Tenderhearted sequel...all narrated with a wit and wistfulness that call to mind the work of David Sedaris and John Updike. The key pleasure of this adventure tale is bouncing along to burnished prose that never takes itself too seriously."―Vogue, "Best Books of Fall"

“Andrew Sean Greer’s new novel performs an astonishing magic trick: It makes you forget the state of the world—or, more specifically, America. . . . Greer can find the absurd in everything. . . . Less Is Lost is a love story, but it’s also about how we make art—which is to say, how we make meaning: of ourselves, each other, our lives. . . . Greer pays attention. And if it’s painful for him, as it is for Less, he also transmutes it into something that may survive the next 700 years: 'the restorative tonic of a funny tale.' In times like these, that feels like a gift.”―Katie Gutierrez, Oprah Daily

“Like that earlier novel, which was lauded for its musical prose, Less Is Lost is affecting and funny — so hysterical at times you may find yourself laughing aloud.”―Anita Snow, Associated Press

"The followup to Greer's Pulitzer-winning smash hit, Less, finds his hilarious protagonist, novelist Arthur Less, going on a roadtrip across the United States—well, not so much "across" as down the west coast and then through the south and then up the east coast again. Along the way Less meets a litany of wonderful characters, experiences a fair amount of personal growth, and in general will have even the most serious of readers laughing out loud as they quickly turn the pages of this thoroughly delightful novel. A sequel that very well might be better than the first book, which itself was an incredible success, Less Is Lost is, simply put, a joy to read."―The Today Show

"Less is back for more in this beguiling sequel, bursting with just as much absurdity, heartache, and laugh-out-loud joy as its predecessor. Dogged by financial crisis and the death of his former lover, Less sets out across the American landscape with nothing but a rusty camper van, a somber pug, and a zigzagging itinerary of literary gigs. Our reluctant hero blunders his way into a cascade of disasters, but the more lost Less gets, the closer he is to being found. Rambunctious and life-affirming, Less is Lost is a winsome reminder of all that fiction can do and be. As Greer writes of novelists, “Are we not that fraction of old magic that remains?”―Adrienne Westenfeld, Esquire

"Andrew Sean Greer’s Less follow-up is funny, sad and even more unforgettable...a touching, hilarious narrative...Poignant, smart and funny, the mix of elements Greer brings to the table here makes this an outstanding book that’s part road trip, part love story and part keen observation of contemporary America...Greer is a very talented storyteller, and there are shining lines in Less is Lost that dip their toes in poetry...Less Is Lost is perfectly balanced; sad and joyful, honest and hilarious, wonderfully strange and very real. Greer is a great chronicler of our times, and his vision of America celebrates the best of it while also showing its dark side, and that makes this novel required reading."―Gabino Iglesias, San Francisco Chronicle

"2018 Pulitzer Prize winner Less is one of the most charming books I’ve ever read. I find myself returning to it again and again when I want a feel-good read, and it's like an instant pick-me-up. Less Is Lost, the sequel, manages to have just as much heart as its predecessor, which feels more necessary now than ever. . . . If you’re looking for a cozy read this fall that will have you laughing and experiencing renewed gratitude for life, you can’t go wrong spending more time with this lovable character.” ―David Vogel, Buzzfeed, "Best Books of the Fall"

"Arthur Less’ losses are legion: his former lover, his current partner, his house, his self-confidence. So – in this follow-up to the Pulitzer Prize-winning Less – he takes to the road in a rented van (with a borrowed pug) to make some money and figure out if he still loves who (and what) he thinks he loves. He’s accused of being a 'bad gay' and wonders if he really might be guilty as charged. Less is a hapless Walloon: a possibly European man of letters and privilege who stumbles his way out of impending tragedies, through mounting humiliations, and into surprising successes. Yet his inability to recognize his luck as luck is why we love Less more and more."―Jason DeRose, NPR (" Best Books of the Year")

“The clever story that unfolds is a hilarious and touching take on modern life in America, making Less Is Lost a cathartic book for anyone who’s ever questioned their path— in other words, all of us.”―Real Simple

“Thick with matters of love, family and home...Greer’s task is to ground the absurdity in tenderheartedness without being cute or cloying...he masters both — the embarrassing moment but also the gentle grace note.” ―Mark Athitakis, Los Angeles Times

“What more can you do, when your Less wins a surprise Pulitzer Prize? Coming off the unexpected win for his bittersweet 2017 coming-of-middle-age smash, Greer (The Confessions of Max Tivoli) brings back that book's hapless, lovable hero Arthur Less — moderately accomplished novelist, "bad gay," man in the cerulean blue suit — for yet another fizzy existential road trip.”―Entertainment Weekly, Best Books of Fall

"I fell for the somewhat hapless, super awkward, but rather relatable Arthur Less in Andrew Sean Greer's Pulitzer Prize-winning 2017 novel Less during a jaunt around Europe, not unlike the protagonist. This fall, Less entered my life once again with Greer's sequel Less is Lost. The novel—at times laugh-out-loud funny, deeply heart warming, and an apt portrayal of the current state of America—sees Less once again on a journey; this time on an unexpected road trip across the United States where he finds himself in unpredictable situation after unpredictable situation. From beginning to end, I found myself armchair traveling through Greer's metaphors and vivid-yet-quirky descriptions from California to New Mexico to Georgia. I was ultimately left with an optimistic view of humanity—and an itch to rent a camper van, grab my dog, and get lost."―Scott Bay, Conde Nast Traveler

"The spark that filled the original Less with such joy and relatable anxiety is here in abundance. It’s safe to say if you loved the first book, you’ll enjoy this one too. Greer has created a sequel that succeeds in doing what we all want from a sequel. The same but not the same. Different without being different. Going deeper without troubling the foundations. Less is Lost is, unsurprisingly, a sweet return to the arms of a lover who knows you better than you know yourself. It’s a joy to be back here again...I would happily keep reading Arthur Less’ escapades for years to come."―Chad Armstrong, The Queer Review

“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

“Excited to be reunited with our neurotic hero Arthur Less, I ripped through this sequel. It was a thrill to go on this odyssey with Less where even the most picayune comic encounters turn profound. Vulnerable and witty, Less is Lost is a joy.”―Cathy Park Hong, bestselling author of Minor Feelings

"Arthur Less is back for more. Readers met the gay, middle-aged, fictional novelist in Andrew Sean Greer’s novel Less, which won a Pulitzer Prize in 2018. Now, Less is channeling his emotions over his former partner’s death into a U.S. road trip, bouncing from literary gig to gig. Along the way, expect him to transform in surprising—and inevitably amusing—ways. Less Is Lost is a satisfying sequel about resilience and choosing love."―TIME Magazine

“Less Is Lost is a generous, funny, deeply insightful novel and I recommend it to readers without hesitation.”―Boston Globe

“ 2017's Less, one of the funniest and most heartwarming books of the decade, Andrew Sean Greer introduced readers to Arthur Less, a writer traveling the globe and encountering a few challenges along the way. Greer continues Less's story in his new novel, Less Is Lost, which promises even more comedy and heart.”
―Southern Living, Best Books of Fall

"If the first iteration of Less’s adventures saw him bumbling across Europe and Asia, [Less is Lost] finds him even more out of place, a stranger in his homeland. By turns deliriously funny and devastatingly heartbreaking, Greer’s sequel is an always-moving escapade through middle age."―Michelle Hart, Electric Lit

"The ending of Andrew Sean Greer’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Less, did not demand a sequel—it ended so perfectly—but lucky us, we’re getting one anyway. Beloved Arthur Less, once again fleeing his problems, accepts invitations to a bunch of literary events and heads out on the road. This time, he’s traveling throughout the United States. As he proved with Less, Greer excels at pinpointing the funniest parts of the writerly life, and we expect him to return to this winning comic realm."―Bookpage

"Just as his romantic life and career as a novelist start to make sense, a series of unfortunate events compels Arthur Less to accept writing assignments that send him, once again, away from home. As Less traverses the United States, he must face his past to find peace for himself in this hilarious but heartfelt follow-up to Greer’s Pulitzer Prize–winning Less."―Alta

"'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

"Is Less Is Lost as good, as funny, as poignant as its predecessor? To which I would happily answer: Yes, at least!...There are extended comic passages...that I read aloud, laughing, to anyone I could waylay. But comedy also arises out of pain and Greer smoothly transitions into the profound...Greer should add even more to Less' saga and take him as far as he can go."―Maureen Corrigan, NPR

“Apt comparison is to Vladimir Nabokov's Lolita in that both [it and LESS IS LOST] are portraits of America from characters who consider themselves outsiders. The novel has one exquisite line after another. . . . Less Is Lost is more than just a gorgeously written sequel. It's also a perceptive observer's entertaining assessment of whether a breakup of the American nuptials is imminent.”―Shelf Awareness

"Technically accomplished, wildly entertaining...Like its predecessor, [Less Is Lost] is a feat of wit and brio, tougher than it looks...Greer's a master of the picaresque...Greer's wordplay is glorious.”―Minneapolis Star-Tribune

"Andrew Sean Greer follows up his Pulitzer Prize-winning Less with this story about the same character, Arthur Less, whose now-comfortable life falls into disarray—and whose next steps lead him on an eventful roadtrip (accompanied, much to our delight, by a black pug) that proves you can't outrun your problems, but you can make them fascinating on the page."―St. Louis Dispatch

"Another delightful road story...Greer packs in plenty of humor and some nicely poignant moments. Fans will eat this up."
―Publishers Weekly

"Less is Lost by Andrew Sean Greer: If you, as I did, loved the Pulitzer-Prize winning Less, then you’ll be excited to learn that Greer has penned a sequel about the lovable writer, Arthur Less. This time, Less is on a road trip in the States with a famous science fiction author and his black pug named Dolly. Hilarity ensues."

―The Millions, "Most Anticipated"

"I remember devouring Andrew Sean Greer’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Less in a single afternoon, unable to pull myself away from its tender, lightly painful, and very, very funny portrayal of Arthur Less, a novelist on a world-wide tour, fleeing from heartbreak. Less Is Lost sees Arthur on another tour, this one across the US, and in flight from the death of an old lover and a financial crisis. I can’t wait to enter his world again."―LitHub

“By the end of his odyssey, Less is awake not only to the world but also to his emotional life, to what is meaningful, to the sweetness at the center of his baffled heart.”―Mark Haskell Smith, Alta

PRAISE FOR LESS:

"Less is the funniest, smartest and most humane novel I've read since Tom Rachman's 2010 debut, The Imperfectionists. . . . Greer writes sentences of arresting lyricism and beauty. His metaphors come at you like fireflies. . . . Andrew Sean Greer's Less is excellent company. It's no less than bedazzling, bewitching and be-wonderful."―Christopher Buckley, New York Times Book Review

"Greer is an exceptionally lovely writer, capable of mingling humor with sharp poignancy.... Brilliantly funny.... Greer's narration, so elegantly laced with wit, cradles the story of a man who loses everything: his lover, his suitcase, his beard, his dignity."―Ron Charles, Washington Post

"Greer's novel is philosophical, poignant, funny and wise, filled with unexpected turns....Although Greer is gifted and subtle in comic moments, he's just as adept at ruminating on the deeper stuff. His protagonist grapples with aging, loneliness, creativity, grief, self-pity and more."―San Francisco Chronicle

"I recommend it with my whole heart."
―Ann Patchett

"Marvelously, unexpectedly, endearingly funny. A love story focused on the erroneous belief that the second half of life will pale in comparison to the first. Guess what? It won't!"―Gary Shteyngart, author of Lake Success

“Assured, comic storytelling at its finest.”
―Oprah Daily, Best Books of Fall

About the Author

Andrew Sean Greer is the Pulitzer Prize winning author of six works of fiction, including the bestsellers The Confessions of Max Tivoli and Less. Greer has taught at a number of universities, including the Iowa Writers Workshop, been a TODAY show pick, a New York Public Library Cullman Center Fellow, a judge for the National Book Award, and a winner of the California Book Award and the New York Public Library Young Lions Award. He is the recipient of a NEA grant, a Guggenheim Fellowship, and the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. He lives in San Francisco.

Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Little, Brown and Company; Large type / Large print edition (September 20, 2022)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 304 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0316301396
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0316301398
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.1 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.3 x 1.3 x 9.55 inches

Best Sellers Rank: #2,271,101 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #1,971 in LGBTQ+ Literary Fiction (Books)
- #15,748 in Humorous Fiction
- #92,048 in Literary Fiction (Books)

Customer Reviews:
4.2 3,203 ratings

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Andrew Sean Greer

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Andrew Sean Greer is the bestselling author of seven works of fiction, including The Confessions of Max Tivoli, which was named a best book of 2004 by the San Francisco Chronicle and the Chicago Tribune. He is the recipient of the Northern California Book Award, the California Book Award, the New York Public Library Young Lions Award, the O Henry award for short fiction and fellowships from the National Endowment for the Arts and the New York Public Library. His novel Less won the 2018 Pulitzer Prize for fiction, and it's follow-up, Less Is Lost, is out Sept 2022. Greer lives in San Francisco and Milan.

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Customers say

Customers find the book humorous and entertaining, with moments that make them laugh out loud. They describe the writing quality as breathtaking and well-written. The story is thought-provoking and heartwarming, touching on important subjects like love and family. Readers appreciate the different characters and their personalities. However, some find the predictability boring and a waste of time.

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Humor Enjoyment Writing quality Thought provoking Character development Heartwarming story Readability

33 customers mention "Humor"29 positive4 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find it entertaining, with moments that make them laugh out loud. The writing is witty and the book touches on important subjects with humor, poignancy, and great insights. It's described as an engaging little adventure story.

"...of Arthur Less’s mishaps and shortcomings, wrapped up so seamlessly in heartache and humor, but this time the incomparable protagonist, instead of..." Read more

"Amazing, lyrical, astute prose, heart-rending, gasp-inducing observations of aging, two characters to love and many to savor...." Read more

"...reading, especially when the characters are ridiculously charming and witty and endearing, and the story is the same as the characters. Less is More!" Read more

"...It was a marvel of beautiful, subtle writing. Funny and heart wrenching. Then I saw the 2nd book was published and I felt a chill of foreboding...." Read more

31 customers mention "Enjoyment"31 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find the prose lyrical, astute, and heart-wrenching. Many describe it as delightful, charming, and endearing. Readers praise the book as a great read and consider it better than the first one.

"...a magician of his craft—giving us breathtaking prose replete with superb images and musings that only a writer at the pinnacle of his talents can..." Read more

"Amazing, lyrical, astute prose, heart-rending, gasp-inducing observations of aging, two characters to love and many to savor...." Read more

"...when the characters are ridiculously charming and witty and endearing, and the story is the same as the characters. Less is More!" Read more

"...It was a marvel of beautiful, subtle writing. Funny and heart wrenching. Then I saw the 2nd book was published and I felt a chill of foreboding...." Read more

25 customers mention "Writing quality"25 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's writing quality. They find the prose captivating and well-crafted. The story is enjoyable, engaging, and entertaining.

"...Greer is also a magician of his craft—giving us breathtaking prose replete with superb images and musings that only a writer at the pinnacle of his..." Read more

"Amazing, lyrical, astute prose, heart-rending, gasp-inducing observations of aging, two characters to love and many to savor...." Read more

"I bought this for when I travel. The story seemed good but the way it is written, the narrator, or the author, sounds like someone outside the story..." Read more

"...It was a marvel of beautiful, subtle writing. Funny and heart wrenching. Then I saw the 2nd book was published and I felt a chill of foreboding...." Read more

14 customers mention "Thought provoking"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the book thought-provoking with humor and poignancy. They appreciate the author's meditating on life's ungraspable phenomena like love, mortality, and purpose. The philosophical observations in the final few pages are combined with the romantic story of travel, discovery, and determination. Overall, readers describe the book as interesting, surprising, and a gem of a duology.

"...his craft—giving us breathtaking prose replete with superb images and musings that only a writer at the pinnacle of his talents can deliver...." Read more

"Amazing, lyrical, astute prose, heart-rending, gasp-inducing observations of aging, two characters to love and many to savor...." Read more

"...I really love how much more we get of Freddy and his story. Just a gem of a duology. I really hope we get a movie soon!" Read more

"...Do enjoy quirky characters and strange adventures! I enjoyed the read. ." Read more

9 customers mention "Character development"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the character development. They appreciate Arthur Less's different personalities and adventures.

"...up so seamlessly in heartache and humor, but this time the incomparable protagonist, instead of traveling abroad, finds himself trekking across the..." Read more

"...prose, heart-rending, gasp-inducing observations of aging, two characters to love and many to savor...." Read more

"...to thoroughly enjoy reading, especially when the characters are ridiculously charming and witty and endearing, and the story is the same as the..." Read more

"...from the Mojave Desert to Washington D.C. I like all the different personalities we saw with Less...." Read more

6 customers mention "Heartwarming story"6 positive0 negative

Customers find the story poignant and touching with a touching ending. They describe it as a goofy, heartwarming adventure about familial disappointment, self-disillusionment, and love.

"...It was a marvel of beautiful, subtle writing. Funny and heart wrenching. Then I saw the 2nd book was published and I felt a chill of foreboding...." Read more

"...It was a cute and entertaining little adventure story /love story. Nice quick read." Read more

"A goofy heartwarming adventure about familial disappointment, self disillusionment, and foremost - love. Well written and well worth it. Great fun!" Read more

"...I’m crying happy tears now, such a touching ending." Read more

16 customers mention "Readability"4 positive12 negative

Customers find the book boring and predictable. They find the story tedious and a waste of time. The characters and plot seem disorienting, making it hard to follow and lose interest quickly.

"...Sort of written in a third person, detached. It's disorienting and I quickly lost interest in the story itself." Read more

"...somewhat insulting to gay men, who the author seems to insist are indecisive, easily pushed around, and generally without much assertiveness...." Read more

"...It was a cute and entertaining little adventure story /love story. Nice quick read." Read more

"...With the follow-up, I found myself failing to develop much interest in the story or characters. It seemed redundant to the original...." Read more

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Roger DeBlanck
A Memorable Sequel
Reviewed in the United States on March 2, 2023
Verified Purchase

Andrew Sean Greer follows up his Pulitzer-winning novel Less with the equally memorable sequel Less Is Lost. As he did with such brilliance in the first book, he offers another splendid chronicle of Arthur Less’s mishaps and shortcomings, wrapped up so seamlessly in heartache and humor, but this time the incomparable protagonist, instead of traveling abroad, finds himself trekking across the many natural landscapes of America.

After the passing of Arthur’s former flame, the renowned poet Robert Brownburn, Arthur learns his residence in San Francisco, which he once shared with Robert and now with his love Freddy Pelu, is not as secure in his possession as he’d imagined. So off Arthur goes to rectify circumstances. Whether he survives the desert or the ravages of a hurricane, Arthur encounters adventures that enable Greer’s marvelous storytelling to offer an ingenious blend of tragedy and comedy.

As Arthur journeys from the Southwest to the Northeast, his innocent, good-willed intentions leave their mark, but never in the ways he hopes. Happenstance accidents, mistaken identities, and unrecognized clues leave him baffled and oftentimes feeling humiliated, yet he never ceases in yearning to find a way forward. The sad and hilarious events that befall Arthur make for a plot that had me smiling and rooting for Arthur with every obstacle he faces.

While charting the travails of the loveable Arthur Less, Greer is brilliant at meditating on life’s ungraspable phenomena: love, mortality, and purpose. Greer is also a magician of his craft—giving us breathtaking prose replete with superb images and musings that only a writer at the pinnacle of his talents can deliver. Arthur Less has touched my heart, and I commend Greer for giving him to the world.

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6 people found this helpful

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Theresa Reid
stunningly beautiful, occasionally opaque
Reviewed in the United States on October 25, 2022
Verified Purchase
Amazing, lyrical, astute prose, heart-rending, gasp-inducing observations of aging, two characters to love and many to savor. Cunning but tricky to tell the story of Less from the point of view of his lover Freddy when the two men are a continent apart. That use of pov is touching and revealing sometimes, and strains credulity past the breaking point at others. The various fathers in Less’s life — his own, and two older poets — create a complex trio that requires a second read to fully take in (for me). Sometimes laugh out loud funny. Absolutely read it.

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2 people found this helpful

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LoveToRead
Loved the First, Loved the Second
Reviewed in the United States on February 24, 2025
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It is such a pleasure to thoroughly enjoy reading, especially when the characters are ridiculously charming and witty and endearing, and the story is the same as the characters. Less is More!

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Jim Long
I wish I liked it
Reviewed in the United States on October 5, 2023
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I bought this for when I travel. The story seemed good but the way it is written, the narrator, or the author, sounds like someone outside the story, an observer not involved in the story. Sort of written in a third person, detached. It's disorienting and I quickly lost interest in the story itself.

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Ronald D. Foster
Not up to the original "Less"
Reviewed in the United States on September 14, 2023
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I'm a fan of Mr. Greer from way back. I was delighted when "Less" deservedly won the Pulitzer. It was a marvel of beautiful, subtle writing. Funny and heart wrenching. Then I saw the 2nd book was published and I felt a chill of foreboding. And I was right. "Less is Lost" is not up to the original and in my opinion should not have been written. Read some of Greer's earlier books and let Less stay lost.

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Luke
Amazing!
Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2024
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I loved Less and didn’t think Greer could top that with a sequel, but I was wrong. In many ways, I think it’s better. I really love how much more we get of Freddy and his story. Just a gem of a duology. I really hope we get a movie soon!

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Bway Jack
Hilarious follow-up to the Pulitzer-prize winning LESS
Reviewed in the United States on November 1, 2022
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Another delicious outing from Andrew Sean Greer, who is sort of a modern-day gay P.G. Wodehouse. (Is that redundant?) LESS, Greer's first novel about the feckless Arthur Less, won the Pulitzer Prize in fiction, a genuine surprise for such a delightful folly. But I enjoyed this one every bit as much.

Our hapless hero's lover has taken off for Maine, and Arthur Less has found himself in a jam; the house he's happily considered his since the death of his former lover wasn't actually left to him. And now he has to come with 10 years worth of back rent. Quickly. It's hardly worth telling even a hint of what happens from here - only that rollicking adventures occur, with blind turns and hilarious twists at every corner of a very long road cross-country.

As with the first novel, the author's breezy tone masks a genuine journey of self-discovery for the dim-but-not-dumb Less.

Loved it!

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Top reviews from other countries

Judy Wesley
Beautifully written sequel.
Reviewed in Canada on November 23, 2024
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A must read. Read “Less” first. Incredible story.

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Eszter
Too funny to read in public
Reviewed in Germany on September 13, 2024
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I was laughing my heart reading this book at various places, like the subway or on an airplane.. Be prepared.

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irms
I love less every time
Reviewed in France on April 7, 2023
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The writing is just magnificent, I love this character. I want more of less!

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Amber
Wonderful
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on November 14, 2022
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Well this book is fantastic!! The continuation of Less which clearly if you loved that you’ll love this, if you haven’t read Less then definitely read that first. I love this authors way of writing and it is a comic but poignant wonderful book, and it did genuinely make me laugh out loud in one particular bit which I can’t remember when I last did whilst reading. Arthur Less is a very human very relatable and lovely character, and Andrew Sean Greer is genius have now read all the rest of his books as well.

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Richard Triggs
magnificent
Reviewed in Australia on January 4, 2023
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What a fantastic sequel to “Less”. Beautifully written. I couldn’t put either book down and can’t recommend more highly. Delicious stuff.

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Less Is Lost (The Arthur Less Books, 2) Hardcover – Large Print, September 20, 2022

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Amazing follow-up to LESS

Top reviews from the United States

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5.0 out of 5 stars A Memorable Sequel

4.0 out of 5 stars stunningly beautiful, occasionally opaque

5.0 out of 5 stars Loved the First, Loved the Second

3.0 out of 5 stars I wish I liked it

4.0 out of 5 stars Not up to the original "Less"

5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing!

5.0 out of 5 stars Hilarious follow-up to the Pulitzer-prize winning LESS

Top reviews from other countries

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully written sequel.

5.0 out of 5 stars Too funny to read in public

5.0 out of 5 stars I love less every time

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful

5.0 out of 5 stars magnificent

A Memorable Sequel

stunningly beautiful, occasionally opaque

Loved the First, Loved the Second

I wish I liked it

Not up to the original "Less"

Amazing!

Hilarious follow-up to the Pulitzer-prize winning LESS

Beautifully written sequel.

Too funny to read in public

I love less every time

Wonderful

magnificent