This was a nicely paced read. I'd say it's a "feel good" book, with some emotional moments. Great character development; the characters grow to be more lovable as you go on with the story. It's the kind of read that isn't too heavy but at the same time makes you reflect.

The first 100 pages or so of this one were rough. Britt-Marie is intentionally written as a frustrating busybody, and even knowing she'd grow out of it, it was hard to sit through that. I also found the prose surprisingly juvenile compared to the only other Backman novel I've read, Beartown, although again I think that's a function of Britt-Marie's very idiosyncratic worldview and way of thinking. For those reasons, I can't really rate this one any higher.

However, the character growth is extremely satisfying in this novel, and the way the whole cast of characters interact with each other is really enjoyable. I particularly loved the bond developed between Britt-Marie and Sami, and

the climax with Sami's premature death was incredibly moving.

I also like that the conclusion wasn't so neat and easy, as it felt like a good reflection of real life. Overall, I would recommend this novel, with the caveat that you do need to suffer through the first third or so before it gets really good.

this book had me holding back tears at work. absolutely just as good as Anxious People. 10/10. 

“If a human being closes her eyes hard enough and for long enough, she can remember pretty well everything that has made her happy.”

Britt-Marie is an eccentric 63 year old who has suddenly found herself alone for the first time in, well, all of her adult life. She's left her cheating husband and stumbled her way into the position of a caretaker in Borg's recreation center (soon-to-be defunct).

Underneath Britt-Marie's socially awkward comments, obsession with cleaning products, and slightly brittle exterior is a deep desire to be known by others, to leave a mark on her community. She's been controlled and afraid most of her life - this is her journey of stepping into herself and finding her voice.

In Backman style, we've got a peculiar set of characters that become deeply loveable and easy-to-root for as you get to know them (the children in particular were a real strength). It's a relatively quick, simple story but it packs so much depth and charm.

There were so many splendid, poignant moments of community and connection.

“One morning you wake up with more life behind you than in front of you, not being able to understand how it’s happened.”

CW: grief, death, alcoholism, gun violence, infidelity, child death, toxic relationship, death of a parent, violence, emotional abuse, ableism, fatphobia, mental illness

Lots of swearing, but I love the execution of this book. Reminded me of Eleanor Oliphant, but Backman’s clever, lovable style of writing and characters