I’ve read all of Jonas Jonasson’s books after initially being drawn in by the illustration on the front covers. It reminds me of the opening credits of ‘Catch Me If You Can’. Hmmm, remember a young Leo before his PR team tried to convince us ‘dad bod’ was a great thing and he is still hot! Anyway…..off track. Jonasson’s stories take you on a ridiculous journey where it is impossible to predict the final plot and how the various storylines will intersect! This makes the read incredibly enjoyable and challenging and I really love the effort and thought that has been given to each character and the overall plot. The latest book, Hitman Anders and the Meaning of It All*, centers around a failed, male, hotel receptionist and a non believing, female, priest who team up to offer the services of Hitman Anders, a recently released murderer, to anyone who is willing to pay a handsome fee.
Based in south Stockholm, Sweden, this book has a slightly more political message to previous titles as it makes comments on current world issues and how people treat one and other. In particular the story of excess and being exceedingly rich but alone to one of finding true happiness with just what you have is timely given the current state of the western world. Both the priest and receptionist take on the rough criminal underworld in an attempt to outwit, deceive and make their fortune but the dim-witted Hitman Anders always manages to change the adventure at each step. I would say Jonasson’s books are good solid reads and worthy of putting in a good half an hour each time as they are not books you can dip in and out of.
What are you reading? Are you indulging in summer romances or trying to get through War and Peace?! PF xo
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