A review by starryeyedenigma
My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman

emotional funny hopeful 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? Yes

5.0

"Its hard to reason about death. Hard to let go of someone you love" - My Grandmother sends her regards and apologies.

Fredrick Backman has a gift. Last year when I read Anxious People, I felt no one could write about loneliness and grief like he could. And now, with this book, that feeling has only been reinforced. 

This is the story of a nearly eight year old Elsa, who loses her best friend and her warrior of a Grandmother, right at the start of the story. Elsa is different and very special. And she lives in a building with some different and special people, who she doesn't know very well. As a dying wish, her grandmother sends Elsa on a mission to save the castle and deliver letters. What unfolds is a heartwarming story of found family and the power of forgiveness and kindness to overcome grief and trauma.

I haven't found another author who writes so well about grief and loss. Also, bonus points for reading a translated book. This was translated from Swedish to English by Henning Koch.

Another book read as part of the #feelgood reading challenge. This book has the power to make you feel better.