Am reading the Hundred Year Old Man - Should I keep going or give up

[Picturesinthefirelight]

I'm about half way through and so far it's a load if far fetched nonsense with unlike able characters and ridiculous deaths for the sake if it.

Yet it's had rave reviews including book of the year

[AgentProvocateur]

Your summary is correct. It doesn't get any better. I bought it for 20p on the Kindle, but it wasn't even worth that. Give up - I wish I had.

[MissyMooandherBeaverofSteel]

I'm half way through it too and have pretty much given up now. I stopped reading a couple of weeks ago and haven't bothered since. I did hear great things about it so its a shame really.

[badguider]

I thought it was ok but not great. It doesn't get any better or different in the second half - just continues in the same vein both the "present" story and the "past" historical ones.

[DuchessofMalfi]

I thought it was very funny, but it is a book that divides opinion. It is silly, and far-fetched and everything else you say Pictures but that's why I liked it. It appealed to my sense of humour. Totally daft story, but if you're not enjoying it stop, because it won't get any better for you. Move on to a different book. Life's too short to read books you don't enjoy :)

[tethersend]

Give up, it's insufferably smug.

Might make a good film though.

[Picturesinthefirelight]

I got it from the library so at least I didn't buy it. Am on holiday with limited British books. Will go on to my mumsnet book club one then.

This doesn't appeal to my sense if humour at all but I very very rarely don't finish a book I've started.

[NettoSuperstar]

I have it to read next, maybe I'll not bother.

[TheImpossibleAstronaut]

I wish I had given it up. I kept hoping it would get better because there were so many rave reviews but it never did.

[LordEmsworth]

I actually enjoyed it, which I was surprised by - but no it doesn't get "better" so if I were you, I'd give up!

[KittiesInsane]

I thought the same, Tethers. It could be a good spoof film along the same lines as Kind Hearts and Coronets.

[Schooldidi]

I quite enjoyed it. I suppose I have the right sense of humour for it, I found it very funny that things just kept happening by accident rather than design.

I don't think it would appeal to everyone though, so if it's not really grabbing you, give up. I very rarely waste time on books that just aren't doing it for me, there are far too many books to be read to waste time on ones you aren't enjoying.

[Trills]

I thought it was amusing.

A bit like Forrest Gump getting accidentally involved in all sorts of large historic events.

[babybythesea]

Trills - that's exactly what came to mind when I read it!

Only I didn't like it.

If you want an accidental road trip book then the Unlikely Pilgramage of Harold Fry is loads loads better.

I thought the 100 year old man was boring - I did finish it but really shouldn't have bothered.

[montage]

It would make a very good movie yes!

I enjoyed it but if it's not your style why continue. The daftness will not abate - it gets more outlandish as it goes on really.

[IThinkOfHappyWhenIThinkOfYou]

I gave up at about half way and I never give up. It was a book club book and those who ploughed ahead said the quitters did the right thing.

[Roseformeplease]

I loved it.

[BOEUF]

I loved it too. But I enjoy reading 20th century history, so I found lots of those passages funny and clever.

Life's too short to struggle with a book you aren't enjoying- just move onto something else.

[PlasticLentilWeaver]

I loved it. But I think it definitely depends on your sense of humour. I agree with the Forrest Gump comparison, which I think is why people reckon it would be a good film.

[ggirl]

I gave up at 60% , didn't float my boat...and yes life's too short

[Picturesinthefirelight]

I didn't have a clue about the historical bits. I did finish it bybthecway but thought it was rubbish.

I've read Hariold Fry - enjoyed that one.

[Sparkley84]

I agree with most other people here - it doesn't get any better! I persevered to the end but skipped most of the chapters set in the past.

[MirandaWest]

I loved it :) not sure why but I did. Agree it was quite Forest Gump like in places.

[Lucyellensmum95]

I loved it, it was mental i didn't particularly like the characters though, apart from "einstein"

[Lucyellensmum95]

It does get more and more "out there" as it goes on though :) You just have to suspend your disbeif. I liked it because it was silly and just as you thought, ah, he isn't gonna get out of this one - so his old pal "mao tse tung/Richard Nixon/James bond" turns up. I was sad when i finished it and haven't been able to find anything decent to read yet so am having another go at "the idiot" by dostoyeski - which is a bit of a jump!

[dearcathyandclare]

Give up now, twas tripe in my opinion, and reminded me of one of my most destested films Forrest Gump.
However I have just finished Harold Fry and loved this tale of a man walking out of his life.