In Turin, Arthur is surprised when he wins the award.Īrthur then goes to Berlin, Germany, where he has agreed to teach a course on literature and creative writing. Arthur did not win, and the author Finley Dwyer, one of the speakers at the ceremony, indirectly castigated Arthur for writing literature that was actually harmful to the LGBT cause. He mentally recalls the last time he was nominated for an award. After Mexico, Arthur goes to Turin, Italy, where he has been nominated for a literary prize. However, due to a broken hip, Marian is not able to attend the conference. In Mexico City, Arthur is horrified to learn that he is schedule to speak alongside Marian Brownburn, Robert’s ex-wife, whom Robert had divorced after meeting Arthur. Arthur and Robert had had an extended romantic relationship when Arthur was in his twenties and when Robert was in his fifties. Mandern.Īfter New York City, Arthur goes to Mexico City, to speak at a literary conference dedicated to the works of renowned writer Robert Brownburn. His extended trip begins in New York City, where he agrees to interview the successful science-fiction writer, H.H.H. Arthur still has feelings for Freddy, so when he received an invitation to Freddy’s wedding, he decided to accept several invitations to events in other countries as an excuse for not attending Freddy’s wedding. In addition, his ex-lover, Freddy Pelu, will soon marry to another man. The novel that Arthur recently finished writing, entitled Swift was just rejected by his publisher. After having a moderately successful debut novel published decades ago, his recent novels experienced less success. Arthur lives and works in San Francisco, California. The novel opens on Arthur Less, a 49-year-old novelist whose love life and professional life are both undergoing difficulties. The following version of this book was used to create this study guide: Greer, Andrew Sean.

Less andrew greer