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4.08 AVERAGE
4.08 AVERAGE
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.
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.
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.
Another clever, fun, thought-provoking book by Fredrik Backman. I didn't much care for Britt-Marie in "My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry" but I came to love her in "Britt-Marie Was Here". I really enjoyed this story and frequently found myself thinking, "Britt-Marie, you need to....." "Britt-Marie, why don't you....." which is exactly what she didn't need anymore in her life and a truth that she grew to realize. (I'm not sure if that's a spoiler) I hope to hear more of Britt-Marie's adventures.
I absolutely loved this quote because it reminds me of my beloved Bulldogs:
“If you support Tottenham you always give more love than you get back... Tottenham is the worst kind of bad team, because they're almost good. They always promise that they're going to be fantastic. They make you hope. So you go on loving them and they carry on finding more and more innovative ways of disappointing you”
I absolutely loved this quote because it reminds me of my beloved Bulldogs:
“If you support Tottenham you always give more love than you get back... Tottenham is the worst kind of bad team, because they're almost good. They always promise that they're going to be fantastic. They make you hope. So you go on loving them and they carry on finding more and more innovative ways of disappointing you”
I really enjoyed this book and am so glad we got to have more of Britt-Marie’s story after My Grandmother... Being an English soccer fan, I got a huge kick out of knowing someone’s personality based on what club they support. Of course, it also didn’t hurt that Liverpool (my team) fans are obviously the best.