The Invoice by Jonas Karlsson

Translated from Swedish by Neil Smith

Publication Date: July 12, 2016

Publisher: Hogarth Books

A world organization, W.R.D., has just sent out invoices charging people for their life experiences. The hero of The Invoice receives his and quickly spins through a plethora of emotions and reactions because it is so very much, so much more than his friend, Roger.

How is this possible? He calls the support line for W.R.D. and waits a very long time to talk to someone, a pleasant woman named Maud.

Our hero begins to review his life. He’s seemingly done so little, has so little, that the amount of the invoice doesn’t seem justified at all.

The Invoice by Jonas Karlsson is a quick reading, optimistic novel about a man who, even if he’s unaware of it, finds joy in small things and extends that joy to those he encounters. It’s about being mindful and delighted, even in the rain, or especially in the rain. It’s thought-provoking and insightful and a pleasure to read. How nice to not be inundated with cynicism! The Invoice is philosophical, but easy philosophy, with a sugary coating.

I doubt The Invoice is everyone’s cup of tea, but if you fancy a novel in which a hero explores his experiences, which will then have you exploring your own and wondering if you achieve the same kind of satisfaction, I think you will find pleasure in devoting a few hours to this book.

I received a copy of The Invoice from Blogging for Books in exchange for an honest review.

rating: (5 out of 5 butterflies)