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59 pages 1 hour read

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013

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Book Brief

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Fredrik Backman

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2013
Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary Sweden

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

850L

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Super Short Summary

In My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman, seven-year-old Elsa embarks on a life-changing adventure after her beloved, eccentric grandmother passes away, leaving her a series of letters to deliver to various tenants in their apartment building. As Elsa navigates this "treasure hunt," she learns about her grandmother's past, forms unexpected friendships, and discovers the hidden depths in the lives of those around her. The book addresses sensitive topics such as bullying, divorce, and death.

Heartwarming

Emotional

Nostalgic

Bittersweet

Humorous

Reviews & Readership

4.2

279,070 ratings

76%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Fredrik Backman's My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry is praised for its imaginative storytelling, emotional depth, and endearing characters. Critics highlight the unique grandmother-granddaughter relationship and humor. However, some find the pacing uneven and the narrative occasionally too whimsical. Overall, it’s a heartfelt, multifaceted read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry?

Readers who cherish heartfelt tales with quirky characters, and delight in the fusion of fantasy with real-life struggles, will enjoy Fredrik Backman’s My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry. This book appeals to fans of Katherine Center’s How to Walk Away and Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine.

4.2

279,070 ratings

76%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

6%

Not a fan

Character List

Elsa

The novel's protagonist, a precocious seven-year-old with a love for reading, particularly fond of the Harry Potter series. She stands out for her intelligence and struggles with fitting in among her peers.

Elsa's eccentric and rule-defying grandmother, known for her storytelling and the creation of fairy tales set in the Land-of-Almost-Awake. She is Elsa's biggest supporter and defender.

Elsa's orderly and organized mother who is expecting a baby with her boyfriend George. She manages her role as a hospital manager and navigates her complicated relationship with Granny.

A rule-following resident of Granny's building who often clashes with Granny due to her strict adherence to regulations. She supports her husband Kent while also experiencing personal growth.

A first-floor tenant in Granny's building, initially perceived as frightening but revealed to have a kind and gentle nature. He is deeply affected by his past experiences.

Elsa's father, who is divorced from Mum and lives with his wife Lisette. He has difficulty with unexpected situations but grows closer to Elsa throughout the story.

A large black dog kept by Granny, initially feared by Elsa but later becomes her protector and companion. Symbolically represented in Granny's fairy tales.

A gruff taxi driver and guardian figure for Elsa, with a past connection to Granny and familial tension with his brother Kent.

A tenant who lost her family in the 2004 tsunami and now lives in Granny's building. She struggles with her grief but finds healing and connection with others.

Britt-Marie's entrepreneur husband keen on profit from converting apartments, with an uneasy relationship with his brother Alf and a complicated personal life.

A kind couple living in Granny's building, loving parents and grandparents, who provide support and warmth to those around them.

A young tenant who, despite his unspecified syndrome, is full of laughter and joy. He is a beloved presence in the community and represents innocence and happiness.

Book Details
Pages

400

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary Sweden

Publication Year

2013

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

Lexile Level

850L

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