My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry: A Novel

I'll read anything by this author; he's that good. Just buy this and enjoy it. I love A Man Called Ove more than this, but this one is charming and sweet and delightful as well.

Like many, I discovered Fredrick Backman first by reading "A Man Called Ove." That book put me on a search for more. This book turned out to be even better! It was such a simple story with subjects and characters easily taken from our everyday lives. And yet, it was so much more. I won't go into the details of the book; many reviewers have already done that. Just know that this is not a YA book, no matter the age of the main character. It was written and narrated with subtle nuances that require a bit more of a mature audience to appreciate. I tend to hate stories that turn out to be book one in a series. What I wouldn't do to have this story continue.

Absolutely superlative narration and a wonderfully written story. This outstanding book has gentle, warm, inventive, display of how to live through the pain and joy of life. Don't miss this beautifully crafted story.

I read this as soon as I finished A Man Called Ove. Backman has an exceptional talent of description using the most incongruous elements which adroitly fill your imagination with exactly the image required (you laugh out loud despite the tears in your eyes with your identification with imperfect upbringings). This book first introduces you to the harsh and easily judgmental view of the characters that would be easily reached upon superficial evaluation, and then leads you to a far more mature and intelligent understanding of their foibles and their heroism, all told in the voice of a painfully precocious, "almost 8 year old" girl. Your understanding of the characters deepens, even as they themselves continue to develop with his talented hand. Though told in the voice of a child, do not mistake this for a children's book, even as you wish you would have read it far earlier in life!

I had high expectations because I loved "A Man Called Ove" and it got great reviews here on Audible. I know I am in a minority but I was so disappointed. There is a lovely story hidden in this book but it is hidden in fairy tales that I found boring and I got lost in. I feel like I wasted 80% of my time to read 20% with meaning. I almost quit many times but I hung in there. I don't mind fantasy. I am listening to Harry Potter now and love it. I didn't like the blending of fantasy with reality. Am asking for a return.

I'm so sad it's over. I could have followed Elsa's daily life until adulthood. I want to live in Elsa's world. I'm full of joy having experienced this wonderful book.

I love Fredrik Backman's writing style. He has a way of painting a picture on the surface then diving in to show you just how wrong your assumptions can be. His characters are interesting, flawed, loveable and real - with a great similarity to people you've known in your own life. He has a special way of showing what makes us who we are.

Both of his books have been absolutely terrific listens - enough so that I've now listened to both of them twice. The first time through I had to find out what was going to happen. I was totally engaged in the story. The second time through I wanted to enjoy his talent as a writer and the pure enjoyment of a perfect narration.

Writing a credible tale about precocious children is tricky. Too often it allows the child too much snarky “wisdom” while making the surrounding adults imbeciles (a la “The Simpsons”). Backman has wonderfully dodged this trap by creating a frankly precocious child who still struggles with childlike fears of abandonment and “being different”, and who still truly needs the love, strength and understanding of the grown-ups in her sphere. And although these same grown-ups (parents, stepparents and neighbors) may have their very real faults, they are united in their commitment to care for and protect Elsa. Most powerful, even in death, is Granny, whose gift to Elsa is a quest to deliver letters of apology to various people, and through this quest, to teach Elsa to embrace those who she never really understood before. Granny has instructed Elsa in a whole fantastic fairy tale world that offers clues to follow in her quest and ultimately to grasp the importance of family, friends and forgiveness.

This story had such a perfect balance of emotions that felt genuine – not manipulated. It took a while to grasp the thread of the fairy tales, but as Elsa’s awareness dawns, so does the reader’s. Joan Walker’s narration was excellent, especially for Elsa, who sounded young, but not babyish. Another homerun from the author of “A Man Called Ove”.

Yes! Yes! Yes! It was so well written. It was a story about redemption and reconciliation.

I loved the grandmother's character, her many quirks, her oddity, her humor, her off beat wisdom, and most of all her relationship with her 7 year old granddaughter. I loved the way the grandmother hid life lessons she wanted her granddaughter to remember in her fairytales.

The granddaughter. She was so wise beyond her years yet every once- in -a- while her innocent, naivety would adorably slip out.

The grandmother because she lived an interesting life and she was spirited, irreverent, and fun but also kind.

Backman's writing is magical - I love the eccentricity of his characters, his ability to reflect this crazy world and to populate it it with unlikely yet everyday heroes. In Ove's story the cat rules but here we have a true canine hero and a grandmother that any little girl - especially a different little girl - needs and deserves. Bravo!