Kirkus Review US:Loe's first novel for adults features a Scandinavian Candide, a young man who is trying to re-discover what existence is about and find meaning in his own life. He borrows his brother's flat and makes lists: what he has, what he lacks, what gives him pleasure, what excited him when he was younger, what he would paint if he were a painter. He starts to read a science book on the theory of relativity which frightens him because it questions the existence of time but, in spite of his fear, he perseveres and comforts himself with memories of good deeds. He buys a ball and a hammering toy and makes friends with a small boy, with whom he has a competition as to which of them has seen more animals. A grown-up friend, Kim, sends him cheerful faxes and encourages him to be optimistic while his brother gives him tasks and treats. Gradually the list of what he has gets longer and his anxiety begins to disappear. The style is hilarious, a children's book for adults who want to slough off every influence of pomposity and sleaze. Odd documents pop up in the text like authentic material studding a thesis and each chapter is brief, with pithily helpful titles: Scary, Perspective, Elevator, The Girl... Sentences are short. And catching. But the simplicity of all this is at once deceptive and engaging with a subtle humour that has the reader laughing out loud. It's a book in praise of kindness and justice. The title could have added more and more adjectives: refreshing, innocent, delightful, original, FUN. (Kirkus UK)
