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A review by meeklovestoread
My Friends by Fredrik Backman
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.5
Laughing.
Crying.
Smiling.
All on a loop. Frdrik Backman, the writer that you are! I think this might be in my top 3 Fredrik Backman books. No, cuz why?! Why?! Only he can make a book about a painting worthwhile. His storytelling is like no other, and just when you think you know what's going on, you just DON'T! The way he writes is unlike that of any other author; no one can compare to his writing style. Ted is literally my spirit animal. There are so many worthwhile lines in here. The commentary on friendship, adulthood, abuse, death, fear, etc was so well done. I feel like his writing really shines here. Would definitely re-read this book (and I don't re-read)
Honestly, although I love Fredrik Backman, I've never rated a single one of his books 5 stars, unfortunately (I'm very picky when it comes to 5 stars). And I think it comes down to the fact that although I'm in love with his writing style, he does do a lot of telling rather than showing. And I felt like in this book, although I loved all the characters (even warmed up to Ali), I wasn't too connected with them because I felt like we were getting told a lot of things very abruptly, instead of it progressing like an actual story would, if that makes sense. And it's because of that where I felt that disconnect towards them; I didn't feel that emotional tug, you know that would push this to be 5-stars for me!
Nonetheless, I still enjoyed this one. I don't think there will ever be a time when I don't enjoy a Fredrik Backman book, really. Shout-out to his translator and Marin Ireland, the narrator. She always does a phenomenal job narrating his books.
Crying.
Smiling.
All on a loop. Frdrik Backman, the writer that you are! I think this might be in my top 3 Fredrik Backman books. No, cuz why?! Why?! Only he can make a book about a painting worthwhile. His storytelling is like no other, and just when you think you know what's going on, you just DON'T! The way he writes is unlike that of any other author; no one can compare to his writing style. Ted is literally my spirit animal. There are so many worthwhile lines in here. The commentary on friendship, adulthood, abuse, death, fear, etc was so well done. I feel like his writing really shines here. Would definitely re-read this book (and I don't re-read)
Honestly, although I love Fredrik Backman, I've never rated a single one of his books 5 stars, unfortunately (I'm very picky when it comes to 5 stars). And I think it comes down to the fact that although I'm in love with his writing style, he does do a lot of telling rather than showing. And I felt like in this book, although I loved all the characters (even warmed up to Ali), I wasn't too connected with them because I felt like we were getting told a lot of things very abruptly, instead of it progressing like an actual story would, if that makes sense. And it's because of that where I felt that disconnect towards them; I didn't feel that emotional tug, you know that would push this to be 5-stars for me!
Nonetheless, I still enjoyed this one. I don't think there will ever be a time when I don't enjoy a Fredrik Backman book, really. Shout-out to his translator and Marin Ireland, the narrator. She always does a phenomenal job narrating his books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Grief
Moderate: Alcoholism, Cursing, Death, Violence, Abandonment, Alcohol
Minor: Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Misogyny, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Medical content, Death of parent