Britt-Marie Was Here: A Novel

My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She’s Sorry quickly became one of my favorite books of all time. Britt-Marie Was Here showed me why. Backman is a master of character development and the character driven story, and he weaves those stories delicately, pulling the readers along with their need to know what happens to these people he has brought into their lives.

This is a very strange book and.although the character development is good the time changes and the unpredictable changes in area being written about drove me to distraction. Suddenly with no warning in the story I find myself in a different place or with different characters or in the past or the future and it is very distracting . The book needed a much better outline before being written and a good editor.

This book held promise at first, however it really started to drag on about halfway through. I found myself trying to push past all the jargon about soccer, to me it could have been edited down a bit in that regard. However, I did appreciate Britt-Marie's circumstance and what drove her to the place she ended up being mentally in life. Overall decent book just not great.

Britt-Marie is socially awkward and her OCD can drive some people crazy, but Backman has a way with all of his characters become so lovable you don't want the book to end. It's a heartwarming story that has you cheering for the underdog and gives you an understanding of what makes people tick. Would love to read a sequel to catch up with Britt-Marie!

Another home run for Fredrik Backman. I am becoming addicted to this author's books. Britt-Marie can be extremely exasperating at times, but we learn that she's a lot smarter than we think. I hope she did not stop to knock on any doors at the end of the book. Had me in tears to say the least, but happy.

I will read ANYTHING Frederik Beckman writes! He could write the phone book and it would be literature. His writing style is very unique - and his books have a similar theme - main character has a life epiphany that "changes the world" but he does it in such a way that one is intrigued by the language and the revelations that main character goes thru. Britt-Marie (main person) becomes whole in this wonderful character study of a person dropped in a small village.

This is one of the most charming, warm, heart-rendering stories I have ever read. I just reread it and was touched even more the second time. It is a story of hope and acceptance and funny and sad as hell. Truly wish a sequel is in the works because I am losing sleep worrying about Borg.

I love the way Backman describes his characters & Britt-Marie is a true character. The novel takes you into her mind as you move with her to a place (Borg) which finally lends a different meaning to her life. She never really realizes what kind of an influence she can have. The story unfolds beautifully as she subtlely finds warmth in a despairing town & changes everyone's perception while giving 'hope' to all. Soccer becomes the vehicle of salvation for her & Borg. As the children find a place in Britt-Marie's stoic heart.

Britt-Marie has left her husband and must now find a job. She is hired to care for the recreation center in Borg which will be closing its doors shortly. Borg is a desolate little town where most businesses have closed and people are trying to get out of town. The only highlight of their days is soccer. Britt-Marie is very forthright. She does not do people well but she's hell on wheels at cleaning. Whenever she is stressed she cleans. As she and the town adjust to one another, Britt-Marie starts to look at things a little differently but she does not bend immediately or all the way. She tests the waters and slowly finds an acceptance as she coaches the town's soccer team.

A good story. A fun read. This is a character study of both Britt-Marie and the town of Borg. The townspeople are a cast of characters. Vega, Omar, Toad, Dino, and Ben form the basis of the team. There is fighting and hurt feelings but slowly they find love and acceptance on both sides. Somebody runs the pizzeria, the grocery store, the car repair shop, the post office, and anything that was closed. She helps to open Britt-Marie to reality and becomes her friend. Kent, her husband, is a jerk. He does not deserve her. He is a user and that is what Britt-Marie is used to. Sven, the cop, is unsure around Britt-Marie as she is around him.

I liked that none of the characters in this book were perfect. I liked their flaws. I liked their strengths. I liked how the town banded together behind the soccer and found hope. I was glad when Britt-Marie knew what she wanted and went after it.

I wish this book were longer. Great characters and a wonderful story!

This was my third Fredrik Backman book and I loved it every bit as much as I did A Man Called Ove and My Grandmother Asked Me To Say She Was Sorry. All were unique and so very heartwarming and enjoyable. I recommend to everyone who will listen.

The story of a socially challenged lady who is finally finding out who she is after a lifetime of looking after others. So well written that I became drawn into her life and was totally on her side. Very entertaining, a bit sad, over the top characters, this book reveals some home truths about the human condition. Definitely worth reading.

What a journey from meeting this irritating personality to understanding, appreciation, and love. It is a joy to read and to join the journey as this odd woman lets the reader into her heart and slowly reaches out to form friendships and community and finds the beauty within herself. Laughed and cried.

I have enjoyed almost every book Fredrik Backman has written & this is no exception. My only quarrel was with the ending. I like a firm, definite ending & this was pretty loosey goosey in ways that made me almost angry w/Backman. I didn't think he was fair to Britt-Marie. You will have to decide for yourself.

I found myself cheering for Britt-Marie throughout the book. I loved 'A Man Called Ove' and this book completes the set, with the focus being on a woman as opposed to a man. The supporting characters are interesting, some of them grappling with demons just as big as Britt-Marie has tucked away. The ending was a surprise that I did not see coming.

Much like A Man Called Ove and My Grandmother Say to Tell You That She's Sorry, this book is a quiet masterpiece of character that reveals the depths of the human spirit often hidden under our exterior personas. The flaws and strengths of the characters are on full display, making them well rounded and introspective. I laughed and ached with these books, often on the same page, which should give you an idea of the excellence of the writing as well as the emotional range you can expect. I cannot recommend them highly enough, but please, keep tissues nearby. You might find that you need them.

Great book which moved onto my FAVORITE list of "top 10 favorite books" ! The author did an excellent job of pulling back the layers of Britt-Marie which gave the readers a better understanding of her quirky personality! In the beginning, I was skeptical of this woman but I gradually warmed-up to her and actually had a great deal of admiration for her! This book leaves you thinking about Brit-Marie for a long time!!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

With insight thoughtfulness and careful reflection, the reader is pulled into Britt-Marie's life once ordered and constrained now a abruptly unraveled. Once again. I found myself immersed in the story about ordinary people struggling with daily life. This book carried me long right to the final last word leaving me wanting more all th while among and crying at the same time. Another memorable story!

Continuation of “my grandmother asked me to tell you she’s sorry”. This is a sweet story about the evolution of Britt-Marie who is on her own for the first time in her life. She has trouble making decisions since her former husband did all the decision-making for them. The parade of people in her life surprise her. Love this author.

I just finished the fourth one. Started with Ove. Went on to grandma. Then long way home. They all had a tinge of sadness but deeply soaked in love. Finally I finished Britt-Marie last night. So clever and funny in an odd way. I hated it to end... and I was really surprised with the author's choice of how to end it. If you get a chance, read them all. I smiled and cried throughout.

I love this author! He brings his flawed characters to life so convincingly . Britt-marie is stepping out of her comfort zone but finds it difficult to move forward as good manners dictate her actions. Though the endings of his books get a little far fetched, I forgive him because I have enjoyed the characters so much. He is witty, sarcastic, acerbic and outrageous. I can't wait for his next book!

If you liked Backman's My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry, you'll definitely like this book. It's interesting to see how he fleshed out a very shallow charterer into a whole book. I can't say that I expected it to end the way it did. Really good book, make's you think about life and the choices you make.

What an unusual protagonist! Backman achieves the near-impossible by beginning with a barely tolerable main character who is so annoying you understand why her husband is fooling around. Then he humanizes her so much that I ended up loving her--and the entire town of misfits!

Very enjoyable. Extremely well drawn characters and a wonderful story of people doing the best they can under trying circumstances. Made me laugh, cry and wish the book was longer. Britt-Marie seems like a total pain in the beginning but by the end you are rooting for her. A great demonstration of the power that little things done by regular people have to make a difference.

Backman reaches deep with the human spirit and gives us a private view of the extraordinary changes that occur within the main character as she touches and is touched by those around her. Magnificent!

Anyone who read "My Grandmother...." Should read this book. It was very good and gives insight into one of the more difficult, less understandable characters in that book. The author does an amazing job of taking a character that could be any annoying or gruff (Ove) person we might encounter and showing us the experiences that made them who they are today, and making us understand and even like who they are. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.

I've only recently discovered Fredrik Backman when reading A Man Called Ove. He's a very entertaining and insightful writer. I plan to read all his books. If you haven't read one and are looking for an uplifting read this is a great choice.

Backman can make the most mundane events interesting and amusing. This difficult lady getting stuck running a children's soccer team - a sport she knew nothing about - in a small town after a late in life seoartion is hearwarming. It is a partial sequels to the hilarious "Grandmother Told Me to Tell You ShevIs Sorry," and about a female "Ove."

I loved this book - in a different way - at first I didn't like it - then grew attached to it - then fell in love with it . Very different but a very enjoyable read. If you are a true reader - then you must read this book.

Again, Backman's style of writing captivates the reader to the point that it is difficult to put the book down. This book develops characters introduced in A Man Called Ove and I recommend reading that book firs. Britt-Marie in a conundrum that you recognize and love.

Backman is a genius. He manages to make his readers fall in love with the most irritating character in the world, as he unfolds her history. By the end of the book you'll be cheering for Britt-Marie and maybe a little bit for life in general.

This book had such interesting and unique character development. I have read 2 other books by this author (Ove and Grandma said to say she's sorry), and each is so different from the others. This book made me laugh out loud many times (something I can't recall having done before while reading) and brought me to tears at other times. My husband kept looking at me and wondering just what I was reading! I am now a loyal fan awaiting the next one to be available on Kindle!!

I loved this book. After reading "A Man Called Ove" I knew the end result of the plot was predictable but how it got there was not. They both start out with emotionally damaged people and the story involves their journey. It has interesting characters and places and enough humor to balance the sadness. Good character development.

Wow... This is the third book by this wonderful Swedish author. Brit-Marie was a minor character in the prior book. In he own story, she begins as a completely broken, obsessive-compulsive lost soul. Her redemption comes slowly and completely.

I literally could not put this book down, living her pains and triumphs through amazing writing as she became her own self.

This author is a favorite of mine. This book wasn’t one which I liked as much as others but I did enjoy his character development once again. I thought the main character was both likeable and frustrating. Knowing her history made one understand, both in this book as well as “My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She’s Sorry” which I read first. Overall, another very enjoyable Fredrik Backman book!

I liked this book very much. I was not expecting to but hoped I wouldn't be sorry for ordering it. I loved A Man Called Ove but did not like My Grandmother Said to Tell You She's Sorry. So I expected Britt-Marie to disappoint. Britt-Marie was a book I did not want to end. It was delightful and so funny in places I would be laughing out loud.

Fredrik Backman is a wonderful writer. His books will make you laugh and cry at the same time. He understands and captures humanity beautifully. Read My Grandmother . . . first so you get a more complete picture of Britt-Marie. You'll hate her, love her, hate her, and love her.

Backman has again succeeded in creating characters that come to life and enchant. These are people we all know, and yet never know completely. Britt Marie is quite innocently wise, and unforgettable.

This was an excellent, entertaining book on it's own but I believe that the book which preceeded it....My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She was Sorry....by the same author would make reading Britt-Marie Was Here even more enjoyable.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade! Britt - Marie stands on her own two feet, and carves a life for her in a little almost deserted town in the middle of nowhere. Transitioning from a dutiful homemaker to a football coach would be daunting for anybody, but not for Britt-Marie! She perseveres in the face of adversity, refuses to apologize for who she and not only turns her life around, but also brings joy to those around her in the almost abandoned town. I have loved all of Fredrik Backman's books. This one is as exciting as the others!

Britt-Marie Was Here was written by the same author as A Man Called Ove. It does not disappoint. The writing is simple and to the point; yet there are so many moments to savor. I came to love the character of Britt-Marie, as I did Ove. Both are flawed at first read; but their personalities show themselves little by little until you care deeply about them. I would highly recommend this book. I wish it had a sequel.

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade! Britt - Marie stands on her own two feet, and carves a life for her in a little almost deserted town in the middle of nowhere. Transitioning from a dutiful homemaker to a football coach would be daunting for anybody, but not for Britt-Marie! She perseveres in the face of adversity, refuses to apologize for who she and not only turns her life around, but also brings joy to those around her in the almost abandoned town. I have loved all of Fredrik Backman's books. This one is as exciting as the others!

Britt-Marie Was Here was written by the same author as A Man Called Ove. It does not disappoint. The writing is simple and to the point; yet there are so many moments to savor. I came to love the character of Britt-Marie, as I did Ove. Both are flawed at first read; but their personalities show themselves little by little until you care deeply about them. I would highly recommend this book. I wish it had a sequel.

I have read all three of Fredrik Backman's novels and they do not disappoint. I especially loved Britt-Marie Was Here. It was relatable, finally a book about someone over the age of 40. In her predictable, rigid ways, Britt-Marie changed the lives of all around her, and, in the end, was able to change her own. The end left me wondering what path she took and I wanted to travel there with her. I loved this book from the beginning to the end.

Another hearf-warming tale of a person who lived on ritual coming into herself by taking on new challenges. Britt-marie believes in order but a separation fffrom her husband thrusts her into anew world of work and chaos. She makes Friends with a rat, a drinking shopkeeper, and a team of rough kids looking for a soccer coach. Throguh all her new friends she learns that life can be more than order.

This is my new favorite author. Precious story about love and life and who you are and who you could be. About heartbreak and second chances. This is a beautiful, quirky story that makes your heart well up..and makes you think. Loved it.

Backman is an excellent writer. I had read his previous books, and this one follows one of the characters from My Grandmother Asked Me to Say She Is Sorry. There are several little insights into Britt-Marie that are surprising and endearing. This was one of my favorite books that I have read recently.

I've read several of the Backman books and enjoyed them all. This was no exception. Its interesting how he has explored some of his characters from other books of his. I enjoyed this one and it was hard to put down until I finished reading it.

Fredrick Backman certainly has a way with words. I really enjoyed Britt-Marie. She is a quirky character. You realize while reading this book that you know what the ending will be, but there were a few twists and turns getting to the right ending. I would love to see this book made into a movie.

I enjoy this author's characters, especially how he reveals the stories of why and how the characters developed their personalities and quirks. This is the 2nd book I have read by this author. In both books the author has taken me from laughing to feeling deep compassion. I hope someone makes this story and A Man called Ove into well-made movies. I am looking forward to reading his other book, My Grandmother Told Me to Tell You I am Sorry.

Love Backman's ability to take a character you would otherwise find irritating or ordinary and make you look at them in a completely new light then fall hopelessly in love with them. Backman creates characters who make you think about people in a different way. After reading his books I look at people differently realizing everyone has a unique voice, a unique story which deserves to e heard. This book had me laughing, crying and yearning to know more about the characters, sad the story had to end. I highly recommend this book as well as the prequel, "My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry"

I very much like the author's development of character in this novel. In this respect, it was similar to Ovi. However, I liked this novel more than Ovi since I could relate better to Britt Marie. Very nicely written with a bit of humor in it, as well. I will read more by this author!