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  • The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared

  • By: Jonas Jonasson
  • Narrated by: Peter Kenny
  • Length: 10 hrs and 59 mins
  • 4.4 out of 5 stars (6,329 ratings)
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The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared cover art

The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared

By: Jonas Jonasson
Narrated by: Peter Kenny
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Editor reviews

Jonas Jonasson’s charming novel The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared tells the story of Allan Karlsson, who has just turned 100 and is desperate to escape his own birthday party. On the run from the old people’s home in his slippers, Allan soon is swept into an adventure involving a suitcase stuffed with money, murder victims, villains and police. As the narrative unfolds, we discover more of Allan’s Forrest Gump-like background, having worked on the Manhattan Project, befriended heads of state and had a hand in many of the momentous events of the twentieth century. This delightful audiobook is narrated by Peter Kenny and available for download from Audible.

Summary

Sitting quietly in his room in an old people's home, Allan Karlsson is waiting for a party he doesn't want to begin: his 100th birthday party. Escaping through his bedroom window, into the flowerbed, Allan makes his getaway. And so begins his picaresque and unlikely journey involving criminals, several deaths, a suitcase full of cash, and incompetent but very human police. As his escapades unfold, Allan's earlier life is revealed, and we discover that he played a key role behind the scenes in some of the momentous events of the 20th century.

This ‘imaginative, laugh-out-loud bestseller’ (Daily Telegraph) has sold more than two million printed copies.
©2009 Jonas Jonasson (P)2012 Strathmore Publishing Ltd
Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction
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Critic reviews

“Like Forrest Gump, Allan is an innocent with the knack of being in the right place at the right time. He has had a hand in everything from the Russian revolution to Reagan's Star Wars. Like Allan, the plot is pleasingly nimble and the book's endearing charm offers a happy alternative to the more familiar Nordic noir.” ( The Guardian)
"a mordantly funny and loopily freewheeling debut novel about ageing ¬disgracefully, [full of] infectious humour and crackpot energy. The author has ... an acute ear for dialogue and a brilliant eye for the absurd." ( Sunday Times)
“Peter Kenny...reads with the straightness [the book's] dry humour requires ... I guarantee there will be a smile on your face when you hear it.” (Christina Hardyment, The Times)

What listeners say about The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared

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Profile Image for Richard B H

Enjoyment.....

Where does The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is one of (if not THE) the best audio books I've listened too.

What other book might you compare The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared to, and why?

I have no comparisons really.

Have you listened to any of Peter Kenny’s other performances? How does this one compare?

No other Peter Kenny listened to...

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes....

Any additional comments?

Listened to it twice now.
Really really really enjoy it....

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Profile Image for Anonymous User

Witty and interesting story

entertaining, interesting and witty story. Brilliant concept for a story - thoroughly enjoyed! thank you!

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Profile Image for dusty

Hilarious

Storytelling and the best explanation of world events ever.
I wished he was two hundred years old and it could have continued.

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Profile Image for OmIdIAn

modern classic

What a great book, interesting and so funny. their is a movie based on the book but not that good

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Profile Image for Lazy reader

Pure entertainment

Be prepared to review your assumptions about centenarians. Allan was everywhere and not only knew but interacted with all of the key players in history.... apparently. A fast paced romp outstandingly narrated with all of the relevant accents played perfectly. If you need something to lift you up this is the book for you.

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Profile Image for utterlybonkers

Made me laugh out loud!

Having originally listened to this book when it first came out I recently listened again when it was named as the next book to read at my book club. I had forgotten how funny it was and how brilliantly narrated. The skill required to cope with all the different voices and characters is incredible. It brings the book to life. I can't wait to listen to the sequel. I hope it's the same narrator reading it. If you haven't yet read this book, you're in for a real treat. Enoy!

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Profile Image for Smellycat

Like Fargo on steroids!

What a page turner. Alan's character is addictive, you can't wait to listen to the next chapter to experience life through Alan's eyes! He's the best anti hero I've ever come across + I'm left wanting more!

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Profile Image for rachid Benkhadra

Fascinating story

A very nice an funny story , enjoyed every single bit of it.

Good performance from the narrator as well .


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Profile Image for Zainab

didn't want to put it down

what a wonderfully written book, it's a unique story brought to life by a great narrators.

Allan's adventures will definitely give you hope of getting older. Age is definitely just a number!

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Profile Image for Paul M.

fantastic listen

kept me hooked from the start to the finish. Well written. I chuckled all the way through

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