pastlifetragedy's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Minor: Alcohol, Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, Cancer, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, and Death of parent
skunze's review against another edition
Graphic: Sexual content
alexisgarcia's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Graphic: Alcohol, Toxic relationship, Sexual content, Cursing, Death, and Infidelity
leethrp's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book grew on me the more I read it– my appreciation grew more with every chapter and, at last, came to a wholesome, satisfying hault with Less' ending. Initially, or around halfway through the novel, my preemptive review lingered around a 3 star rating, but upon finishing Less and turning the corners of the last few pages, this book sits at a solid 4 out of 5.
The writing is sweet, playful, and primarily lighthearted while still able to instill a serious impression when circumstances call for it. The dialogue is convincing, charming, and witty. Delicious figurative language litters almost every page and charming narration follows throughout.
There is a kind of soft unpredictability in all the right places in this novel, making it a comfortable read with the right amount of excitement that kept me engaged with Greer's writing.
It is hard to place what exactly kept Less from a perfect 5 star rating—possibly my preference for heavier content in my reads—but nonetheless, Arthur Less and his narrator were a joy to journey with around the world.
I'd highly recommend picking up this book if you're looking for queer contemporary fiction with a satirical spin, a book rich with description that will sweep you away to foreign countries with its protagonist, or a novel that candidly reckons with aging, break-ups, romance, and the tragedy of a birthday.
Graphic: Alcohol
Minor: Sexual content
katerinakr's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Minor: Sexual content
rickieskidmore's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Minor: Grief, Sexual content, Chronic illness, Drug use, and Injury/Injury detail
daniellekat's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Infidelity and Body shaming
Moderate: Drug use and Homophobia
Minor: Sexual content and Medical content
stellarheroics's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Moderate: Alcohol and Sexual content
Minor: Homophobia, Cursing, Drug use, Bullying, and Injury/Injury detail
alysereadsbooks's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Minor: Sexual content
sorcha's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Minor: Vomit, Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, Infidelity, and Alcohol