The Novel Cure: Literary prescriptions for failure to seize the day

 

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Ailment: Seize the day, Failure to

Cure: The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson

If you tend to be more of a passenger than a pilot in life, you'll need a lesson in taking control. After all, you don't want to wake up in your dotage having done nothing but watch others grab the goodies, your own dreams melting as they realise theirs.

Your instructor is the geriatric hero of this energetic romp of a novel by Swedish writer Jonas Jonasson. Not only does he climb out the window and disappear from Malmköping Old People's home just when he's about to celebrate his 100th birthday, but he goes on to have a series of adventures befitting someone who has been at the epicentre of many of the key events of the 20th century.

Because it turns out that Allan was present when the atom bomb was created, and had a hand in its mechanics, albeit unwittingly. He also met Stalin, Richard Nixon and Mao Tse-tung, all at crucial moments of strategy-making; he influenced these world leaders, more by accident than design – good food and wine are his major motivations – and his skills as a gunpowder expert frequently come in handy. Allan crossed the Himalayas, travelled in a submarine and saved Winston Churchill from assassination.

Blithe, and undeniably lucky, Allan almost immediately lands a suitcase full of money after exiting the old people's home in his slippers, which then aids him on his picaresque journey through a fiendishly complex plot involving an elephant named Sonia, several murders and detonations, and some most intriguing travelling companions.

As you accompany this eternal optimist towards a new beginning in Bali with a younger woman (85) at his side, allow this good-hearted character to explode your hesitation. Take away the following edict: if you find yourself asking "Should I?" always answer "Yes".

thenovelcure.com

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in