Britt-Marie Was Here

A Novel

By: Fredrik Backman

Narrated by: Joan Walker

The New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove, My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, and Anxious People captivates readers with this “warm and satisfying” (People) story “about a woman rediscovering herself after a personal crisis…fans of Backman will find another winner in these pages” (Publishers Weekly).

Britt-Marie can’t stand mess. A disorganized cutlery drawer ranks high on her list of unforgivable sins. She is not one to judge others—no matter how ill-mannered, unkempt, or morally suspect they might be. It’s just that sometimes people interpret her helpful suggestions as criticisms, which is certainly not her intention.

But hidden inside the socially awkward, fussy busybody is a woman who has more imagination, bigger dreams, and a warmer heart that anyone around her realizes.

When Britt-Marie walks out on her cheating husband and has to fend for herself in the miserable backwater town of Borg—of which the kindest thing one can say is that it has a road going through it—she finds work as the caretaker of a soon-to-be demolished recreation center. The fastidious Britt-Marie soon finds herself being drawn into the daily doings of her fellow citizens, an odd assortment of miscreants, drunkards, layabouts. Most alarming of all, she’s given the impossible task of leading the supremely untalented children’s soccer team to victory. In this small town of misfits, can Britt-Marie find a place where she truly belongs?

Funny and moving, sweet and inspiring, Britt-Marie Was Here celebrates the importance of community and connection in a world that can feel isolating.

Charming

I love this author's writing, the ability to turn peoples' foibles, eccentricities, or bad habits into something explainable, charming, even redeeming.

We first met Britt-Marie in "My Grandmother Asked me to Tell you She's Sorry." You do not need to read that book to appreciate this one.
It's the story of a town, of a people, of one person... the ripples in a pond, each person making a difference if they get an opportunity.
The writing is more repetitive and less charming than the author's previous works, but it's still a great way to spend some time :)

Another winner from Fredrik Backman!

This is the 2nd novel that I have read of Frederick Backman. Glad to know that he had another great story out there. I laughed & cried with Britt-Marie. I highly recommend letting her into your life.

inspiring fiction

the author once again succeeds at making us like a character who in other circumstances might be subject to ridicule. he not only makes us like them but inspires us with their steadfast and unavoidably conservative nature.

Frederik Backman

Another great novel by Frederik Backman. He has a unique ability to develop characters with flaws and charm.

Love it!

I wish it would never have come to an end.i will get more of the books by Backman.