by Fredrik Backman

A Contemporary, 2014 by Simon and Schuster, 324 Pages

What I Didn’t Like:

I didn’t particularly like Britt-Marie to start this story. She grates on your nerves. Stick with her, that’s my suggestion.
There’s a character whose name you never know. She’s merely referred to as “somebody” throughout the story. It’s weird and mildly insulting.
This is not the first book to feature this character BUT it is not part of a series. This is absolutely a standalone story.

Character growth. Britt-Marie has an amazing arc. Backman is somehow able to take this woman from someone who grates on you to someone you love so gradually that you don’t realize it’s happening.
Amazing characters. These characters feel like real people from any small town. They’re relatable and varied. They’re real and honest. I loved every single one of them.
The town features almost as a character itself. Not as much as Beartown, another town by the same author, but in a lighter way. It’s clear Borg is personified here, mirrored in its citizens. I loved that!

Backman fans. If you liked A Man Called Ove or My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, you need this one. Britt-Marie is the perfect character to carry this narrative.
Contemporary fans. If you dig stories about realistic people living real lives, you’ll adore Britt-Marie!