Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
Excruciatingly adorable is the only way to describe this book.
Things I liked- this felt quite similar to “A man called Ove” for me, and many of those similarities were lovely. I appreciated the cast of multifaceted and quirky characters, the bittersweet tones, and the writing style. I liked that the protagonist was an older woman instead of (in the case of Ove) an older male, as I found many of Britt Marie’s life choices relatable and understandable. I love how Backman paints complex relationships in his books and how you end up feeling hopeful, but also a little sad whenever you finish his stories. I loved the ending.
Things I disliked- I wish I had a better sense of Britt Marie. With Ove, you could understand how his bitterness and grumpiness came from many years of hardship and loss. However, Britt Marie seemed to lack a sense of self, and is described as fussy, particular, and also devoting herself to others. At some points, the descriptions of Britt Marie seemed to paint someone who was neurodivergent. At other times, it seemed as though she never really developed a sense of agency outside of whoever she was dedicating herself to (her mom, her husband, etc.) at the time and maybe her particular approach to life and her lack of social skills stemmed from being lost. I never felt like I quite “got” Britt Marie, even though I found her sympathetic and someone to cheer for.
Things I disliked- I wish I had a better sense of Britt Marie. With Ove, you could understand how his bitterness and grumpiness came from many years of hardship and loss. However, Britt Marie seemed to lack a sense of self, and is described as fussy, particular, and also devoting herself to others. At some points, the descriptions of Britt Marie seemed to paint someone who was neurodivergent. At other times, it seemed as though she never really developed a sense of agency outside of whoever she was dedicating herself to (her mom, her husband, etc.) at the time and maybe her particular approach to life and her lack of social skills stemmed from being lost. I never felt like I quite “got” Britt Marie, even though I found her sympathetic and someone to cheer for.
Fredrick Backman delivers yet another powerful story! As the organized and logical Britt Marie finds herself starting over in a quirky, Stars Hollow like town, she begins to grow in ways she doesn’t even realize. Although the book could have examined fewer plot lines more in-depth, I found myself relating to Britt Marie on her journey to understand the world is an ever evolving, fluid place. I will consistently look forward to reading more from the author!
Fredrik Backman is one of my new favorite authors. But read My Grandmother Told Me to Tell You She's Sorry or A Man Called Ove instead of this one.
This cute and whimsical story about a found family had no right throwing in that emotional curveball! I was shooketh. Certainly not my favorite from this author but the competition is fierce.
This is another fantastic book by Frederik Backman. He has an unusual ability to take a character who is not very likable, begin to tell you their back story and pretty soon you not only like them, but love them.
The main character in this book is Britt-Marie who was an unlikable character in his last book. She ends up needing a job and is assigned to the town of Borg where she meets a set of suitably weird characters who do not seem to mind her somewhat obnoxious and overbearing character. Once we discover her back story and begin to understand why she is the way that she is, we begin to empathize with her and before you know it, the reader actually likes Britt-Marie.
What stands out to me about this book [aside from how Backman weaves in soccer which is quite delightful] is the overarching human need to be part of something bigger than themselves, to believe that one's life has made a difference, and to be helpful. Britt-Marie doesn't set out to do anything other than do her job and do it well [because this is her character], but the town of Borg sucks her in despite her best efforts and changes her as she in return changes it.
Backman's books force the reader to consider what it means to be human and to what extent and how being part of a group changes people for the better. In the process the reader begins to understand the dangers of isolation and that every character matters [even if it happens to be a rat].
The main character in this book is Britt-Marie who was an unlikable character in his last book. She ends up needing a job and is assigned to the town of Borg where she meets a set of suitably weird characters who do not seem to mind her somewhat obnoxious and overbearing character. Once we discover her back story and begin to understand why she is the way that she is, we begin to empathize with her and before you know it, the reader actually likes Britt-Marie.
What stands out to me about this book [aside from how Backman weaves in soccer which is quite delightful] is the overarching human need to be part of something bigger than themselves, to believe that one's life has made a difference, and to be helpful. Britt-Marie doesn't set out to do anything other than do her job and do it well [because this is her character], but the town of Borg sucks her in despite her best efforts and changes her as she in return changes it.
Backman's books force the reader to consider what it means to be human and to what extent and how being part of a group changes people for the better. In the process the reader begins to understand the dangers of isolation and that every character matters [even if it happens to be a rat].