59 pages • 1 hour read
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400
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary Sweden
2013
Adult
18+ years
850L
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
279,070 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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.
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.
279,070 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Granny
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.
Mum
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.
Britt-Marie
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.
The Monster/Wolfheart
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.
Dad
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.
Our Friend/The Wurse
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.
Alf
A gruff taxi driver and guardian figure for Elsa, with a past connection to Granny and familial tension with his brother Kent.
The Woman in the Black Skirt
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.
Kent
Britt-Marie's entrepreneur husband keen on profit from converting apartments, with an uneasy relationship with his brother Alf and a complicated personal life.
Lennart and Maud
A kind couple living in Granny's building, loving parents and grandparents, who provide support and warmth to those around them.
The Boy with the Syndrome
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.
400
Novel • Fiction
Contemporary Sweden
2013
Adult
18+ years
850L
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