Fredrik Backman’s forte is to wow us with books that, at first, don’t sound overly sensitive, but when all is said and done, their meaning touches the core of our being. What is really important in life is the central idea of this novel. Although the book starts with these words, “Hi. It’s your dad. You’ll be waking up soon, it’s Christmas Eve morning in Helsingborg, and I’ve killed a person,” the story is about sacrifice.

The father who is writing the words above is a successful businessman who has neglected and alienated his wife and son because he gave more importance to wealth, fame, and success. His son, however, has made different choices and has become a kind person, the father’s opposite.

The father who is in his forties has been struck with cancer and while he is in the hospital, a little girl who has cancer in the next room befriends him. The man tells of his time in the hospital and his experiences, observations, and insights, at the same time hinting at something supernatural. Also, he writes that he feels he has failed his son.

To say more about his sacrifice would be giving away the plot.

The father’s words are stark at times but also full of introspection, while this book’s perspective is unique and poignant.

I can only add to this review my feeling about this book as: If I were making up a curriculum for any upper-middle-school to college-level reading, this book would top the required reading list.

seeing how a complex story can be told with so few words to evoke such emotion.

read all the books by Fredrik Backman and I am on my way to doing just that.

is Fredrik Backman, an author from Sweden, some of whose books are A Man Called Ove (2012), My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry (2013), Britt-Marie Was Here (2014) Beartown (2016), and Us Against You (2018).

I feel that if I didn't read it, I'd be missing something important.

It is a short book and an easy read but it is stirring.

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Created Sep 08, 2018 at 2:52pm • Submit your own review...