Book 169: My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman (Audiobook) narrated by Joan Walker

I think Fredrik Backman is my new favorite author. I fell in like with him when I read A Man Called Ove and now I'm completely, head-over-heels in love with this author.

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry was an absolutely fascinating book. Like Ove, it uncovers each character slowly, without revealing each person completely until the end of the book. This style of writing is tantalizing to someone like me because I love suspense.

In this book, seven-year-old Elsa (who is almost eight) learns that not everything (or everyone) is at it seems. She has been surrounded by people her whole life, and until a difficult event brings them all together, she never realized she knew absolutely nothing about any of them. So she sets off on an adventure to unearth the secrets of her neighbors, friends, and family members, especially those of her quirky, independent grandmother.

This story was incredible. Backman is a master at creating characters that are both believable and unique. The characters just about jump out of the book. With Joan Walker's expert narration, the story was even more vivid. I haven't been this hooked on an audiobook in ages.

It was great. I loved it so, so much.

💌💌💌

Book 162: A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (Audiobook) read by George Newbern

I loved this book. I loved it so much that it's hard to write this review, because I'm afraid I'll give away the surprises within. So I'll keep this review simple and straight to the point.

Fredrik Backman's book A Man Called Ove (pronouned "Oo-vah") was translated into English and published in the U.S. a few years ago. My bestie Liz recommended this book, and I bought the audio book on Audible. It was a bit slow in the beginning, but the story picks up momentum in the third chapter.

Ove is a cantankerous old man who lives in a quiet neighborhood and has a deep sense of responsibility to his neighborhood and its appearance. As my mom would say, Ove is a stinker. People do not like Ove. But A Man Called Ove is crafted in a way that reveals Ove's true nature to both the reader and the other characters one chapter at a time, until we (and they) understand him, and in doing so, fall in love with him. The chapters alternate between the past and the present, providing us with insights into Ove's background at the same time as the present story develops. Although that sounds like it might be confusing, it's not; Backman's writing is simple and well organized. This book was beautifully balanced, too, because it paired humor with vulnerability so well. I can't say I've ever read a book that knitted things together so crisply and naturally. Ove would have been proud.

I can't tell you more, but if you pick up this book and see it through to the end, you won't regret it. Every character was gold. I loved it.