By Jonas Jonasson

The Prophet and the Idiot is a hilarious and heartwarming novel about three unlikely friends who embark on an adventure to make the most of their remaining time before the world ends. Jonas Jonasson, the author of the international bestseller The Hundred Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out of the Window and Disappeared, once again delivers a delightful and thought-provoking story that will leave readers smiling and feeling good.

The novel follows Petra, a self-taught astrophysicist who has calculated that the atmosphere will collapse on September 21, 2011, bringing about the end of the world. Armed with this terrible knowledge, Petra sets out to find Johan, a domesday prophet who she believes can help her spread the word and prepare for the apocalypse. Along the way, they meet Agnes, a widow of 75 who has made her living portraying a double life on social media as a young influencer. Together, the trio race through Europe as they plan to make the most of the time they have left, in more ways than one.

Jonasson’s characters are well-developed and relatable, and their interactions are often laugh-out-loud funny. The interactions with Barak Obama and Ban Ki-moon are genius and left me with an aching jaw from smiling. Johan is a particularly endearing character, with his kind heart and naiveté. He is always trying to do the right thing, even if it doesn’t always go according to plan. Petra is more cynical and pragmatic, but she is also fiercely independent and determined to make the most of her life. Agnes is the voice of reason in the group, but she is also quick to enjoy the moment.

The novel is full of unexpected twists and turns, and it will keep readers guessing until the very end. Jonasson also tackles some serious themes in the novel, such as the meaning of life and the importance of friendship. However, he does so in a way that is both humorous and thought-provoking.

The Prophet and the Idiot is a delightful and heartwarming novel that is sure to leave readers smiling and feeling good. It is a perfect read for anyone who enjoys a thought-provoking story and a good laugh.

Reasons I enjoyed this book:

• The characters were well-developed and relatable. I found myself rooting for Johan, Petra, and Agnes throughout their journey.
• The plot was engaging and unpredictable. I never knew what was going to happen next.
• The humor was spot-on. I laughed out loud on several occasions.
• The themes were thought-provoking. The novel made me think about the meaning of life and the importance of friendship.