Less: Loving a Genius

The novel Less written by Andrew Sean Greer follows Arthur Less on his travels to escape his ex-lover's new marriage. Less used to be in love with a famous poet, Robert, who was much older than him. As Less is about to turn 50, he realizes his youth was taken from him in a sense because of his relationship with Robert. Some of his insecurities stem from being in love with a genius.

Less is so afraid of aging because he feels like it came too fast. He was not able to experience his youth and next thing he knows he is turning 50. Additionally, being in love with a genius caused him to think so low of himself. All the attention was on Robert. For example, "What was it like to live with a genius? Like living alone. Like living alone with a tiger. Everything had to be sacrificed for the work" (Greer 65). Less was a novelist but everything revolved around Robert. Arthur was always seen as Robert, the famous poet's younger boyfriend and never as his own individual. This dynamic caused Less to be unable to find his identity. Now, he is about to turn 50 and still has not found it. 

For example, when Less was in Italy he did not think he had the ability to win the award. As he looks around the other contenders for the award, he think "They are all so intellectual. Less knows at once he hasn't a chance" (Greer 89). Since he was constantly around intellectuals when dating Robert (an intellectual), Less seems to have the ability to identify "geniuses" but does not consider himself to be one. Living in Robert's shadow caused him to have these thoughts. However, Less does win the award despite his overthinking. He is more than he thinks but his trauma prevents him from realizing it. 

This novel is about the journey of self-discovery. In a way, his trip is making up for all the lost years of being in the periphery of Robert. Less is finally doing something for himself even though the goal was to escape Freddy's wedding. After reflection, Less thinks he is too old to find love. His past was spent with a genius and now he thinks it is too late for him. When speaking with Robert he says, "It isn't all bad. It means now people will think you were always a grown-up. They'll take you seriously" (Greer 244-245). It is important for Less to understand that while his position may not be ideal, there is still hope for him. Loving a genius set Arthur back - on his journey for love but also identity. He is still recovering from it.