Fredrik Backman
5/5 stars
Britt-Marie leaves her cheating husband and takes her first job in decades, working as caretaker in a recreation center in Borg, a dying town. OCD and socially awkward, she finds it hard to adapt at first. Then, she unexpectedly finds herself coaching a children's soccer team--and just as unexpectedly, finds herself changing and growing.
This is a gem of a book. I read it--all 324 pages of it--from beginning to end in one sitting. While I was first just amused by Britt-Marie and her foibles, I quickly became attached to her and concerned for her future. Backman made me care about Britt-Marie and the people of Borg. It was well-written, with deep thoughts sprinkled throughout, and a story that was sweet, sad and believable. I was uncertain until the very end as to how it would end, and one can rarely say that about a contemporary "feel-good" novel.
Obviously, I highly recommend Britt-Marie Was Here. It's quick and pleasurable, and leaves the reader feeling both hopeful and satisfied.
On a personal note: Yes, I read this entire book, cover to cover, without stopping! It is the best I've read this year, just barely beating
The Altogether Unexpected Disappearance of Atticus Craftsman.
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