My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry

This book is all about relationships in our world. It addresses the role fairy tales in our lives, growing up as a unique individual in a conformist society, the trials and tribulations of blended families, and a host of interesting people whose stories are revealed as the reader progresses through the book. Definitely a thought-provoking read!

I found this a little slow going in the beginning but found that it actually was a great story. Had no idea what it was about when I purchased it, but once I started putting the pieces together I really enjoyed it. The seven, almost eight year old Elsa, while 'special' just seemed a little too smart for the story but....it's a story with a great ending and I enjoyed it.

I was charmed from the beginning and dreaded nearing the end because I just wanted to keep going. The story is very similar to Big Fish but that does not take away from the absorbing story of such unique characters. Strongly recommend and now I have to decide how many copies I will buy and give away. Just a delight.

Written in much the same style as "Ove", I actually read this one first. Having now read both, I would say that Ove is the better of the two, but this was most enjoyable also. The precocious 7 (almost 8) year old protagonist is the one character whom I felt was not very realistic because she was saying and doing things that I can not imagine coming from a child that age, even an exceptionally smart one. But she was complex and interesting enough for that to be a relatively small drawback. With a cast of characters as flawed as these and a plot as complex and developed as this it is a wonderful read that gives us some important messages for life.

I Absolutely LOVED this book!!! It is now among my list of Favorites!!! Beautifully written, thoughtfully conceived, a Grandmothers' love for her granddaughter, who is "different" from other children, but older than her years, allows the reader inside this special relationship. It's informs of the grandmothers' growth of love re: her daughter, and how/why their relationship was so distant, and the pursuit to become better at loving.

This book is a heart warming laugh & cry story. I read A man called ove, and enjoyed it greatly. But this book- I loved it so much more. The relationship portrayed through the pages between grandmother and granddaughter. The loss so accurately portrayed. It will make you want to cry and laugh at the same time.
I'm dealing with the loss of my father and this book hits home on so many emotions, but also makes you smile, laugh and cry.
This is a book worthy of re-reading. With as much as I read- that means a Lyon

I totally agree with the FIVE STAR ratings already given in reviews. A unique way to present the oft told story of a lonely little girl, beaten and bullied by schoolmates, with a busy mother devoted to her job, and a thoughtless father divorced from her mother and her life. Grandma provides escape from reality through wonderful fairytale stories. On her death, Elsa is left virtually alone, with strange neighbors - bearded man she calls Monster with a huge black dog, and three women neighbors: an obnoxious criticizing busybody and a secret alcoholic. The letters of "apology" are the center of the story...no spoilers.
I loved it start to finish.

Fredrik Backman has magical powers. Very few writers have the gift of creating a story so full of laughter, tears and genuine characters you actually fall in love with, even the muppets!!!! When I read the last page I wanted more. That's how all really great fairy tales end. Thank you Mr. Backman.

This is a charming tale that centers around 7-year-old girl and her grandmother. It deals with themes of loss, agonizing losses. It also has comic relief. Although it helped me look at losses in my life and gave me hope through the characters’ resilience, it is nonetheless a big tear-jerker. If you like books about the exquisite joys and pains of life, this book is for you. Backman has amazing talent for writing thru the lens of a child.

The beginning was quite good. But, as so many others noted here, the story took a direction into fantasy that I just couldn't read. Gone are my days of fantasy, and entwining it here just didn't work.

This book touched my heart. The symbolism is remarkable. The characters were so well developed I felt like they were a part of my family. I can't say enough how much I loved this book. I will be very selective to whom I recommend this book. One must deserve the privilege of reading this book.

This is a completely original, interesting, adorable story about a 7 year old (going on 47) and her irascible 70 something grandmother who delightfully tells her beloved granddaughter fairy tales. Lots of them, but always with the same heros and evil ones. They live in a townhouse full of very different people, and when the grandmother was dying she asked the precocious girl to deliver a letter, which lead to another letter, and another until you realize the tenants are the fairy tale members. A very interesting way to look at people you don't like or fear. A gem of a book and not just for young people.

This is not my usual genre, but I started reading it in a beautyshop waiting area and was so intrigued i had to order the Kindle version when I got home. I love, love it and didn't want it to end. If I was to write a book I would love to have written this one and the wonderful world of Elsa's grandmothers fairy tales.

This is the second Fredrik Backman novel that I read. Just like A Man Called Ove, this story leaves you with a charmed feeling. Some of the situations and even the characters are a bit unrealistic, but the way the story is told is so simple and enjoyable that you forgive any lack of realism. It is an easy read and the characters while being unique are well developed. It is refreshing to read a story that is not sexual or a psychological thriller and yet keeps you turning the pages for more. Backman does a good job of describing a community of people and their impact on one another.

I loved every part of this book, from the fairytales to the voice of Elsa. I myself grew up on fairytales and myths and secret lands, as well as being a slightly weird kid who loved comics and was too different. I loved how the stories interwove with one another, and I don't think that Granny was a shit, I think she was human. This book moved me very very much, and I even cried several times throughout. I loved every character, and sometimes even said "sorry" to a few of them myself. The writing, story, and premise were beautiful in every way and I am richer for reading it.

From a young woman who loves comics and Harry Potter, who is brave and corrects people's grammar to another (Elsa) , thank you.

Endings are hard, but this ending was the sweetest ending I've had for a very long time. Thank you.

This story is many layers deep. Fredrik has a very unique writing style and I love it! This story will hold your interest right to the very end. It's not the usual story line with different characters and a different setting. It makes one think and use imagination along with the "ah ha's" and deductive reasoning. If you liked Ove, you'll love this story too. I highly recommend it for those who want a change of pace from the traditional mysteries. Be prepared to laugh out loud, sympathize, and cry a bucket of tears.

I was apathetic bordering on irritated with this book until about 37%. It’s also written present tense, which i find off putting stylistically. Enough complaining!!!

I was reward with one of the best books I’ve ever read. The fairy tail element is confusing and just not my bag, but now that I’m done with the story, I’m so glad it was there. It all makes sense eventually and the heart is rewarded a 100 fold.

I can’t believe I’ve given a book 5stars when I only enjoyed 60%...but it’s the truth. It’s an amazing story that I still well up and cry about 3 days later. I feel braver and more companionate after reading it.

I highly recommend this novel for anyone. It's a wonderful story about a very smart little girl whose only friend is her devoted eccentric grandmother. Upon grandmother's death, the girl follows the clues that Grandma left for her to follow, and in the process learns about the old woman's life, passions, compulsions, and generosity. A lovely tale with unexpected results. When I consider the plot development, I believe the author must have begun the story at the end and written backwards.

In this age of authors' assembly line production and "coauthored" schlock, this gem of a novel warms and enchants. Admittedly, this is a book that requires thought and attention of the reader. But,that small requirement is rewarded with a reading experience equivalent of savoring a chocolate dessert.
Mr. Backman scores a second triumph to follow his wonderful A Man Called Ove; and with such a delightfully different novel! Where as you felt free to embrace your inner curmudgeon with Ove, you simultaneously yearn to protectively embrace little Elsa and kiss your own Gramma on the cheek in thanks.
A smart funny robust yet heartwrenching must read in new fiction.

After a friend recommended this book I downloaded it. This was such a cute story, the strangeness of the characters was enjoyable. I loved Elsa and of course her nutty grandmother. The story made me laugh, it was just a sweet heartwarming tale. I will be thanking my friend and let everyone know you should read this book.

I absolutely loved this book! Elsa and her delightful and irrepressible grandmother are the main characters but all of the others are either likable, lovable, or villainous and contribute enormously to the precocious Elsa's interplay with them and to the many events that unfold. My Backman is a very talented author and his first book, "A man called Ove" is a wonderful read I think. As a result I immediately got "My Grandmother..." when it came out and was again, amazed and delighted with his story. I found myself sometimes laughing, sometimes crying over the dialogue between Elsa and her Grandmother and Elsa and others and upon finishing the book, hating that it had ended.

This is a sweet, nostalgic story of finding others, finding beauty around you, finding hope. With beautiful characters, different people having to accept that they are all doing the best they can, and accepting each other in spite of everything else. I laughed and cried, sometimes at the same time. Beautiful language with beautiful imagery. And yes, everyone needs a superhero and everyone has at least one superpower.

The merging of fairytale and reality in the mind of a brilliant 8 year old girl is a remarkable structure for this nstory. As the Land of Almost Awake begins to collide with the apartment/castle where Elsa lives our understanding of the precious gift given by her grandmother is slowly revealed. As shadows claw their way into the real world can a little girl protected by a monster and a magical wurst survive to complete the quest assigned to her by her grandmother? Read this amazing Backman book and discover a remarkable modern fairy tale .

I, too, was not fond of superheroes and such things (except for Harry Potter). It’s complicated!
Anyway, I truly loved this book and could hardly put it down. I think I want to read it again soon! There are so many super heroes in the book along with so many in real life. My outlook of life is changing and I am delighted!

I enjoyed some of the very vivid descriptions of offbeat and weird happenings. Grandma was a great, but flawed character. The little girl had a great imagination. My favorite Christmas scene was the dancing Christmas trees. Be sure to set aside time to go straight through the story in a few days. It is full of imaginary creatures that if one were to read a few chapters and put it aside for two or three weeks, one might forget what that imaginary creature was.

This was interesting book about a young precocious child that was very close to her eccentric grandmother. Her grandmother was always telling her stories that had hidden meanings. It was interesting how the author took you down the path of the child relationship with her grandmother and the people that lived in her house. I really enjoyed this book

Absolutely the best book I can remember reading. What an imagination . . . what creativity Mr. Backman displays! Many of my friends and relatives are reading it now - on my recommendation. This is the first time I've wanted to write to an author to tell him how much I love his work. I read "Bear Town" first, and look forward to a future reading of more work from Backman!.

All the while I was reading this, I was wondering how odd and complex it was, feeling somewhat lost in the maze of its unique narrative style. However it also felt refreshing to have the story unfold in such an almost childish way, yet masterful at the same time. Never before have I bookmarked so many memorable philosophical thoughts about our amazing humanity. If you find his review confusing,you'll love the book!

We get to learn about life and relationships through the eyes of a wise Granny and her even wiser seven year old Granddaughter. Many, not always obvious, truths continue to be revealed throughout the book as we can't help but be drawn into the lives, sorrows and joys of these very human characters. When it comes to "food for thought" this is a Thanksgiving of a novel!

I loved the 'village' or 'community' aspect of all the unusual characters in this novel but sometimes the fantasy world was a little hard to follow and a little outlandish. But, the journey taken by the characters was heartwarming and I am glad I read this. I didn't love it as much as his first book "A Man Called Ove".

Glorious Enchanting Captivating! I had no idea what to expect but found myself immersed in the lives of the characters. Oh how I longed for this glorious story to go on and on. I have become a rabid fan insisting e everyone read this wonderful story. Make no mistake...I will read all of Fredrick Backman's
novels. And will re-read them again and again!

Loved this book for the same reasons that I loved Backman's first book, A Man Called Ove. Both have tons of heart and humor. I thought I might have trouble getting into this one as quite a bit of time was spent on Elsa and her Granny's fairytales, but it all dovetails as the book goes on and you understand why it is featured so prominently. Just as in the first novel, the characters are well drawn out and highly entertaining.

I loved Man Called Ove.... But Elsa? She touched my heart. Her story made me laugh and made me weepy. What a wonderful author with such a loving enthusiasm for divergent stories, Generations, status, family, strife, etc. but always with such heart! Those are the themes of both books. I'm not a Potter fan, but totally loved the connection here. Just a wonderful read

I think it all depends on personal preference but I found myself skipping through the fantasy - land stories. I wondered by doing so if I would miss out on something important. I tried my best to read those parts but it was a struggle. Otherwise I thought the book had a good plot.

Another absolute pleasure to read! I started with A Man Called Ove, and cannot stop reading books by this author. Be prepared to laugh and cry, and to take the time to think about what is written, and to savor the magic of it all! Just finished Britt Marie Was Here and I am just as pleased with that book as with this one. Highly recommended.

This was an excellent book! Fantastic character development, twists, plot surprises, but it was also very very sad in places because it was such a good description of life, lives, and associations. There are some really funny bits of dialogue and action, but it is not a humorous book. Describing the mood I would say it was hopeful, thoughtful, but still somewhat dark.

I began with reading Beartown. I actually didn't realize it was Swedish until all the kroner references. I loved that book. And I loved this even more. I usually read Scandinavian crime/police procedural books. Have done for years. But this author is incredible. I have to read the other books by him immediately. Don't miss these books. You will love them.

This is another entertaining book by Backman ( I loved A Man Called Ove). His ability with characterizations, dialogue and weaving the tale is masterful for me. I laugh out loud , cry and say to myself how right you are so many times, I think I should have written it. His 7 year old girl is a little precocious but who knows nowadays? I loved this one too.

She's cranky, ornery, and cantankerous and LOVES her granddaughter passionately! She's intelligent and she's made many mistakes in life, so she goes about trying to right the wrongs. If you want to be inspired, while laughing and then crying, you should read this book.

I loved this book! Backman is a wonderful storyteller. He develops delightful yet complex characters and places them in very real relationships and situations. And underneath the well crafted story are themes of love, goodness, forgiveness, and the power of story and super heroes. A great read!

I couldn't imagine Backman could top "Ove." But he did it here. It's not a book I would normally pick up and It may not be high literature, but it is one of the best stories I have ever read. I couldn't put it down. An adventure story wrapped in a fairy tale, you just have to find out what happens next. It's a little girl's search for meaning, love, friendship, family and life. Don't miss it.
....... I just read it again. I LOVE THIS BOOK!

This was a story from the perspective of "an almost 8 year old" girl and the relationship that her and her grandmother had. The twists and turns of all the other relationships with friends adds a side of closeness that I never knew would exist in this type of book. I found myself crying throughout it. It was a great read that tied up all the loose ends before the end of the book. This book shows how far a grandmother will go to show a special granddaughter just how much she loved her.

I love his writing his humor, his twists, his characters. A man called One was the first one I read and just love it. And My grandmother..is even more wonderful. His plot was wild and unpredictable and charming. And sweet and sad. Everyone should be so fortunate as to have a grandmother like that. He has written another book about one of the characters which i will read soon.

Our book group read this book. Here is a distillation of how most of them (including myself) felt about it. This is one of those books where you genuinely care for the characters, are strongly intrigued by the suspense and mystery contained in this book, and refreshingly bowled over by some of the surprising revelations of the characters that seem to constantly pop up. Backman is a master at developing characters, weaving stories and histories, and in this genre he is king!

Wonderful mixture of fantasy, mystery and adventure as the story unfolds through thes and voice is quite precocious "different" little girl. I enjoyed it quite a bit as an adult but kept thinking what a wonderful read aloud story it could be as an antidote to bullying and/or divorce. It''s also a grand tale to prepare a child for a new addition to the family - particularly a half-sib or "halfie."