4.08 AVERAGE

emotional hopeful medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I really enjoy Backman's writing style. This was one of the sweetest books that I have read. I loved Britt-Marie and how she adjusts to the changes in her life.

A very sweet fish out of water story. Initially, many of the characters are a bit irritating, but they grow on you. The book is definitely character driven and the author does a good job developing them.

This book was good. I liked the characters and how this was not like the usual plot. Age doesn’t matter and sometimes you just have to go out into the world and live a life.
emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes


"Britt-Marie Was Here" ("Britt-Marie var här") by Fredrik Backman is a novel that captured my heart, earning a well-deserved 5-star rating. The story unfolds around Britt-Marie, a character who initially appears as a fussy and rigid individual, yet beneath this exterior lies a woman of dreams, imagination, and a warm heart. Her life changes drastically when she leaves her unfaithful husband and moves to the small town of Borg, where she becomes both a caretaker and a soccer coach.

The narrative, rich in emotional depth and human connection, beautifully captures the essence of Britt-Marie's journey towards self-discovery and independence. The characters are vividly portrayed, making me feel as if I knew them personally. The town of Borg, with its unique collective character and the individuality of its residents, adds a charming and endearing quality to the story.

What resonates most with me is the novel's exploration of human relationships and resilience. It's a tale that blends humor and poignancy, showcasing how even the most unassuming individuals can make a significant impact. The language of the novel, simple yet beautifully crafted, enhances its charm and relatability.

"Britt-Marie Was Here" is not just a story about transformation; it's about the human need to be recognized and valued. As I journeyed through the pages, I found myself rooting for Britt-Marie, empathizing with her struggles, and marveling at the authenticity of the settings and situations. Fredrik Backman's skillful storytelling brings to life a narrative that is both realistic and heartwarming, making it an unforgettable read.
emotional funny inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

On the spectrum of what I like to call the "quirky loner" niche, this book ranks at the bottom.

My abbreviated ranking goes something like this:

Man Called Ove
Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine
Britt-Marie was Here

The appeal of this genre, for me, is characters who don't quite fit into society but find a way to be loved anyway ("The Rosie Project" is another good example that came a little before this recent explosion in popularity). But I found that Backman's book is more interested in quirky circumstances and surprise twists. YMMV.

Read this b/c I liked “My grandmother asked me to tell you she’s sorry” and loved that book. Britt Marie was not my favorite character in that book and I didn’t like her any more in this one.

Britt-Marie is very quirky and I love her and this book. I had a little difficulty getting into it at first, but am so glad I stuck with it!

4.5 stars. This took me a minute to get into but by the end I loved it. I laughed in parts and teared up in others. Brit-Marie definitely has her little quirks but it was a really good read.