A review by honeydaze
My Friends by Fredrik Backman

challenging emotional sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

My friends by Fredrik Backman reflects on the theme of friendship and the connections that shape our lives. 
Ted who is now in his 40’s befriends Louisa who is 18 because of his friend the artist gifted her this valuable painting during their encounter in an alley. 

During a train ride to his childhood town with Louisa in hopes to find a way to sell the painting the artist left behind Louisa, Ted tells the story of how him and the artist meet and as well as how him and his friends were in their teen years and became who they are. 

The story shares heartfelt anecdotes and observations about the important role friends play in different stages of life. The story also capture various relationships, showcasing the joys, challenges, and complexities of friendships and also what the friends face in their home life. 

There are trigger warnings for child abuse, alcohol abuse, parental loss, drug use and mental health. 

This is my second Fredrik Backman book and I quite enjoyed it. His writing style is something to get used to and as soon as you do, you grow to love it and get used to it as it is not your typical writing style. 
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