What do the readers say?
"I don't know Lars, although our paths crossed over 30 years ago—not at sea, but at the University of Gothenburg. By the way, I have never been at sea, but I was hooked from the very first sentence.
This is not just a very well-written book with a captivating story. The text is full of "citations" in a way I haven't seen before. The anecdotes connect to social events of the time, and these "citations" evoke memories from everyday situations to world events I have experienced during "my own journey."
Read "Jake, Elwood and Me." It's one of my top three most recommended books."
"Charlie may be a fictional character, but it feels like I know him. The story is warm, sometimes rough, often cynical but never bitter. The characters feel real; you can smell the scents, hear the sounds, and see the scenes unfold. Congratulations on a strong debut!"
"It feels like I was there myself. A good mix of humor, seriousness, and cynicism. It reminded me a bit of The 100-Year-Old Man, but this is a different kind of journey—more personal and something that could almost have happened in real life."
"The book is rich in cultural references, anecdotes, and social commentary. It made me laugh out loud several times but also has seriousness and cynicism. It's about fulfilled dreams and loves that never were, told briskly and without bitterness."
"A very vivid, detailed, and authentic description, like traveling with a noisy and charmingly chaotic environment, as if you were a sailor yourself… The red thread is unbroken all the way to the end, and the story flows seamlessly forward. The footnotes and "stories within the story" take the reading to a new level."
"Wow, I've just finished this amazing journey. Thank you for letting me read it! What a story—full of humor but also depth for both mind and heart. Interesting encounters, lives, and places."
"Even though I know it's fiction, the characters feel very real, and I can't help but wonder if they might actually exist. I also want to say the book was easy to read in the sense that it just flowed smoothly."
"I love it! You write so vividly and really engage my senses, making me see colors, hear sounds, and smell scents in every scene. It's a bit like watching a movie. But better. Why haven't you done this before?"
"Charlie is someone who never quite fit into society's structures. He lives a life in constant motion, often adrift, always curious and with a healthy dose of self-awareness. He has collected stories from all over the world, especially from his time as a sailor. The language is vivid, sometimes rough, but always warm to convey an authentic experience."
"Humor mixed with life wisdom about how our choices shape us, told personally with plenty of self-irony. Lots of 70s and 80s music and subcultures blend with reflections on social conditions and historical references."
"Back in Buenos Aires again and managed to read your book. Very good, very entertaining. I laughed so much at times that I had to apologize to the passengers sitting near me on the plane for possibly disturbing them."
