This novel is a hidden gem, one of those novels that are underrated and can escape your notice when they are published. I am so glad I found this one and can recommend this as a laugh out loud, emotional story that both celebrates life and explores how we all cope with the death of a loved one.
Backman has written a number of novels and his A Man Called Ove has recently been made into a movie A Man Called Otto (because they had to change the name!) starring Tom Hanks.
I love his quirky characters who have good hearts and can be totally misunderstood by those around them. This book was first published in the original Swedish in 2013 and then translated into English. Translation rights have been sold in 40 countries, testament to Backman’s ability to tell human stories that resonate with many cultures.
Backman pulls us into his character’s lives slowly, exposing the reader to their rude exteriors while slyly making us love their good interiors. This novel is told through the eyes of seven-year old Elsa (going on seventy) and the relationship she has with her seventy-year old Granny (going on seven). Elsa does struggle with being “different”, she is very smart for her age, bullied at school, has a working mother, new stepfather and an obviously autistic father with a new family who does try to stay in contact.
I am so glad I found this one and can recommend this as a laugh out loud, emotional story that both celebrates life and explores how we all cope with the death of a loved one.
- Jane Cowell
Her Granny is her superhero who goes to bat for her in every situation. ‘Having a grandmother is like having an army. This is a grandchild’s ultimate privilege: knowing that someone is on your side, always, whatever the details. Even when you are wrong. Especially then, in fact.’ Her Granny has taught her to fight back in very interesting ways and the opening scene has them ending up in a police station after Granny has been arrested for throwing monkey poop at a police officer while babysitting Elsa.
Granny has a ceiling covered in the photographs of children and takes Elsa to the Land of Almost-Awake and the Kingdom of Miamas where she says no-one has to learn to fit in, they can just be themselves. When Granny dies Elsa is very angry but Granny has left her with a quest – a series of letters must be delivered to the people Granny has hurt or offended and through this quest we learn that the Land Of Miamas and the people in Elsa’s apartment building merge and we start to know Granny’s story.
This is a lovely book exploring grief, abandonment, complicated family relationships and learning to accept who you are – all told from a seven-year-old’s point of view. What is not to love? If you missed it when it came out then catch up with it now.
This book is only currently available through Murrindindi Library Service, as we are unable to link it, we recommend you search by the authors name (Fredrik Backman) in our catalogue! Or, call one of branches and ask a lovely staff member to place a reservation for you.