Hitman Anders and the Meaning of it All by Jonas Jonasson

“Hitman Anders and the Meaning of It All” is a novel written by Swedish author Jonas Jonasson. It was first published in 2015 and has been translated into English by Rachel Willson-Broyles.

The story revolves around a motley crew of characters, each with their own quirks and backgrounds. The central character is Hitman Anders, a professional killer who, after a botched assignment, decides to give up his life of crime. He teams up with a receptionist, Johanna Kjellander, and a former priest, Per Persson, to start a business venture.

Together, they form a highly unconventional trio: a reformed hitman, an atheist priest, and a resourceful receptionist. Their business venture involves creating a ‘Church of Sweden’ – not the established Lutheran Church but a money-making scheme that takes advantage of people’s willingness to donate to religious causes.

As the story unfolds, the characters find themselves embroiled in unexpected situations, leading to humorous and absurd outcomes. The novel is known for its satirical take on religion, crime, and the quest for meaning in life.

Jonas Jonasson’s writing is characterized by a blend of comedy, wit, and social commentary. Much like his previous novel, “The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared,” “Hitman Anders and the Meaning of It All” features a mix of eccentric characters and a plot filled with unexpected twists and turns.

Readers who enjoy dark humor, satire, and unconventional storytelling may find this novel entertaining. Jonasson’s works often explore the absurdity of life and human behavior, and “Hitman Anders and the Meaning of It All” is no exception in this regard.