The plot description for this novel mentions that Arthur Less will be traveling the world to avoid attending an awkward social event, but it is so much more than that. Along the way, the reader gets to know Arthur and his history: his foibles, his taste, his fears, and his loves. I adore the way this is written. I enjoyed the humor and the cultural and literary illusions. Arthur Less is mourning his youth, his love, and his mother while struggling to write his next novel.

This was at turns funny and sad, and kept me entranced. It kept getting better. I loved the ending.

There is a Liza Minnelli song I've loved since childhood called "Ring Them Bells" in which a woman travels around the world, and winds up meeting the guy who has been living next door to her, all along. I was reminded of that song at the end of Greer's novel. In this case, Less is able
to reexamine the life he's lead all along with new eyes. Life is good.

I do recommend this!