Take a photo of a barcode or cover
Very mixed feelings about this. Some lines and bits were really beautiful but overall the writing wasn't for me. Too many hyperboles, metaphors and puns in every sentence, it all felt quite over the top for me.
Also not very politically sensitive (ableist language was very present amongst other things)
I loved the found family trope though!
Graphic: Ableism, Addiction, Cancer, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Terminal illness, Blood, Kidnapping, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcoholism, Confinement
Minor: Body shaming
This is juxtaposed with current times and the death of one of those friends, as well as the carrying on of the next generation of artists. For me, it was very, very emotional and I cried often. But it also was not as compelling as previous books and took me a long time to finish it. It’s probably my least favorite of his but that’s still saying a lot because his books are always incredible.
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body horror, Bullying, Cancer, Child death, Death, Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Bullying, Child abuse, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Death of parent, Abandonment
Minor: Cancer
Moderate: Alcoholism, Cancer, Child abuse, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Death of parent, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Cancer, Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Homophobia, Death of parent
Moderate: Rape
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Cancer, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Death of parent
Moderate: Bullying, Cancer, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent, Alcohol
- to cry
- emotional stories
- unexpected friendships
- existentialism
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Biphobia, Body shaming, Cancer, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Hate crime, Homophobia, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Classism
This book started out much darker than his other books have started, I think, and his voice with the characters was more judgey than his observations typically are. I noted that he referenced a body guard's weight as being 300 lbs EIGHT times during a scene. Unnecessary and uncreative.
For me, the story picked up about one third in where I become more invested in the reveals that Backman is known for. He portrays love and commitment in really beautiful and complex ways with this story.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Violence
Moderate: Cancer, Grief, Death of parent, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Fatphobia, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts
the characters were all super distinctive and unique in their own ways and the humour between them was honestly top notch lol. i loved how sarcastic they were with each other cos that's the type of person i am.
they also reminded me a lot of the book "a little life" by hanya yanagihara. the unwavering friendship/lovership was so sweet. at times it was also a bit depressing but also moving at the same time.
i don't think i had a particular favourite character, i loved them all. louisa was a tad bit annoying sometimes but that's pretty much it lol. i did appreciate art though because he never cared for the material things and that's rare. ♡
the writing style was also phenomenal, it sucked me right in and i flew through the chapters. i loved how humorous it was and at other times thought provoking.
even though i wasn't too fussed about art, this plot line was still interesting to follow. just something about it... i wanted to know more. however, it did get a bit repetitive as i read more. the "tomorrow" thing also got old real quick lol.
fear of men talk was so valid though.
this book got me wishing the artist and the others were alive irl, they felt so real and comforting!
honestly if you love art or just want a thought provoking, a little sad but also sarcastic book to read - this one might be for you. i thoroughly enjoyed it and now i can't wait to read more from fredrik backman!
Graphic: Cancer, Death of parent
Moderate: Animal death, Violence