An international sensation that has sold almost 2 million copies, this charming and original debut novel tells the story of Allan Karlsson, reluctant centenarian, who runs away from his nursing home and embarks on a wild journey involving, among other things, a suitcase full of money and an elephant. Relive Allan's fascinating past, and see how he somehow participated in many of the pivotal events of the 20th century, much like Forrest Gump-if Gump was an explosives expert with a fondness for vodka.