This is a an exceptionally quirky story. It’s main characters are a hitman who enjoys breaking legs and various other limbs for money, until he starts reading the Bible; a woman priest sacked from her job who doesn’t believe in God but has a brilliant brain for business, and a male receptionist at the hotel where the hitman is staying after release from prison for the nth time.
It took me a while to get into this novel, mostly due to the strong authorial voice employed. Once I’d accepted that Jonas Jonasson was narrating the tale as would someone versed in the oral tradition of storytelling, and I got into the rhythm of it, then the novel grew on me.
On the dust-jacket of the novel, words such “outrageously zany”, “many laughs”, a “comic delight”, and “feel-good” are applied to it.
Did I think it was funny? I guess so, but more like amusing than hilariously funny. Yes, it was zany. Maybe some of the hilariousness was lost in translation and different nationalities often have different senses of humour. To a Swedish person, the book is probably hilarious. To a British person, not so hilarious. Maybe it’s because I’m used to Nordic noir and not so used to Swedish comedy.
Humour beside, it’s a clever plot, with plenty of twists, turns, and double-crossings. The discussions between the hitman and the priest about God are priceless. In fact, I like the banter and dialogue best.
All in all, if you want to read a novel that doesn’t take too much effort and, in a diverse way (considering the subject matter), does have a feel-good factor rather like watching a farce on television or in the theatre, then give this a go.
I was smiling whilst writing this review, so the novel must have left behind some positive traces.
Give it a go. I’ll certainly try another of Jonasson’s novels in the future.
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Sarah Potter Writes 
you do great reviews. I have such a reading list now!!
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Hee, hee! I guess that is partly my fault. Am hoping it doesn’t keep pushing my book to the bottom of the pile 😉
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I am beginning the throes of moving! I have to read it online so it might take me now a bit longer!! But you are the top of my list and I have begun!
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Wishing you all the best with your move 🙂
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I read The hundred year old man and thought it was very funny and quirky. Will give this one a go. Great review.
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He chooses wonderful titles for his books. Now I know which one of his to read next! Thanks, David.
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Just a thought – would I recognize a hitman in the street? Who are my neighbors? 😉 I think the book is worth a try. Thank you for the review.
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I’m guessing that if a hitman has neighbours, he hasn’t revealed his true trade! And if he’s a successful hitman, he’s probably the one who can afford the biggest house in the area.
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Hmm… Have you seen Léon: The Professional? One of my favorite movies of all times, and I am not the one glorifying the criminals.
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No, I haven’t. Must see if I can find it to watch. Thanks for the recommendation.
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Thanks for the review Sarah, not the type of book I’d pick up at all – I tend to prefer series to comedy 🙂 But you always find such quirky books that sound intriguing despite themselves!
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Ah, Andrea, it’s not my usual sort of book either, but there was an offer of 3 books for £10 on Amazon, when I went to order 2 other books that I wanted, so decided to give it a go! Although I have my favourite genres, I like to challenge myself with reading all types of novels — hence my propensity to cross-cross-cross genre in my own works of fiction 🙂
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