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laurenshikari's review against another edition
4.0
The writing style is difficult to get used to at first but once you get past that this book is actually a wee gem. Funny and heartwarming with some great characters - enjoyable overall.
sia_123's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
elle_laine's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I read this book a while ago, but needed some time with it before writing a review. This was definitely unlike any book I’ve ever read. There was a bank robbery and a holdup. The police are panicking. What is going on inside the house where the hostages are being held? Is everyone going to be ok?
ptstewart's review against another edition
4.0
This is one of those books that’s just good. Bachman once again presents opinions and beliefs on life that track, or are at least thoughtful and engaging, and he does so while including elements of surprise, wonderful interconnection between characters, and a complicatedly woven narrative. The voice works well, and while none of the characters are particularly lovable or even likable, they’re all interesting, and their stories and dynamics are intriguing. I don’t have to like a character for them to be a good character.
All that said, I would argue it’s a bit longer than it needs to be, a bit more drawn out than it needs to be, and very consciously about many, many things at once. And that’s okay, but it’s important to know that the book is doing a lot when it’s going slowly, too, so it asks for a lot of engagement. Further, my enjoyment can certainly be attributed in large part to the narrator, Marin Ireland, who is extremely good and whose narrations I actively seek out because I find she nails it every time. Had it had a different narrator or had I physically read the novel, I may not have enjoyed it as much.
All that said, I would argue it’s a bit longer than it needs to be, a bit more drawn out than it needs to be, and very consciously about many, many things at once. And that’s okay, but it’s important to know that the book is doing a lot when it’s going slowly, too, so it asks for a lot of engagement. Further, my enjoyment can certainly be attributed in large part to the narrator, Marin Ireland, who is extremely good and whose narrations I actively seek out because I find she nails it every time. Had it had a different narrator or had I physically read the novel, I may not have enjoyed it as much.
ysleni's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
jennajean's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed listening to this surprising, creative little story.
sarah257's review against another edition
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
jpluff2334's review against another edition
5.0
This was my first Fredrik Backman book and now I want to jump into every single thing he has written. This was an incredible exploration of humans and second chances. You wouldn't expect a combination of a bank robber, quirky apartment viewings, and the topic of suicide to work together but Backman is clearly a very talented storyteller and so it worked. No flaws. The character development in this was *chef's kiss* and I honestly loved everyone for different reasons. Zara was definitely supposed to be the "unlikable" one but I found her to be my favorite. This book is also incredibly funny which I didn't expect, but loved. I might have also shed a tear or two.
koala1909's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
jbrames's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75