It's Time You Read: Fredrik Backman

YWR #92

And by “it’s time,” I mean, “beyond time.” I mean, “get thee to Bookshop.org, posthaste” time. I mean, “what have we even been talking about this whole time when we hadn’t talked about Fredrik Backman?” time.

Look, the man is an international best-seller so of course it’s not inconceivable that you’ve read some of his books. In fact, there was a period of newsletter time when I constantly recommended Anxious People. But since there are in fact people out there who have never seen The Notebook (me!) or can name neither a Kardashian nor a Premier League player or don’t know that midterm elections are in a month (perhaps somewhat more pressing for US voters but let’s be honest, fighting authoritarianism is of wearyingly global concern) - I would consider it book recommendation malpractice to not expend all newsletterly effort in persuading you to try one of his novels if you haven’t already.

Here’s why: his books are both delightful and emotional. Both funny and melancholy. Heart-swelling and heartbreaking, all at once. He writes about women without ever feeling like a man isn’t writing, about children while feeling adult, about death while still feeling full of life, and joy, and complicated wisdom. His villains are never fully villains and his protagonists are deeply complicated too. His writing is simple - light and effortless - which makes the heart all the sneakier. You will, as the old saying goes, both laugh and possibly cry and almost certainly think it’s better than Cats.

Also he’s Swedish. I don’t actually know what that has to do with anything but it was a fact that insisted on being included here. My hands were tied.

Above all, I just find his novels so deeply human, wielding a sensitive and deft touch to show all our foolishness and greatness and bumbling confusion and love and beauty. So, that’s worth reading, right?

Below are some favorites. If you’ve read any/all of the Fredrik Backman (AKA JOANNA), please tell everyone in the comments why they should be read. If you don’t like him, attempt to make your incorrect case. (I kid, I kid, love what you love, even if I might require an EKG to ensure you have a BEATING HEART.)

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It’s like: Friday Night Lights, but with hockey. And also not about sport at all, of course.

I put off reading Beartown because I thought it would be less “fun” than his others and I was both right but also very wrong not to read it. Following a beleaguered youth hockey team, the dying town that loves it, the people who surround it, and a traumatic event that creates a schism. He brings to life an entire town, an entire world, and makes you care about every single character, even those who only pass through briefly. If a cello wrote a novel, this is what it would be - swelling and hopeful and sad and compassionate and honest and beautiful all at once. But also, there are plenty of witty moments to keep you going. (PS Hockey is not my sport so if it’s also not yours, don’t worry - you’ll still love it.)

This is the first in a trilogy - I also loved book two, Us Against You, and LUCKY US, book three (The Winners), just. came. out! so you can read the entire trilogy from start to finish. I myself CANNOT WAIT for my turn in the library queue, like, let’s go already.

No! Lamb ratings are not about how good a book is, but how much it will affect tender hearts. You can learn more here.

It’s like: Pixar’s Up, but with a community. Also fewer balloons, IIRC.

Some people I know love A Man Called Ove best of all, this story of a cranky curmudgeon who terrorizes his neighborhood with strict policing of the rules and an ill temper, but who is forced out of his routine when a new young family moves in. I mean, you know exactly what’s going to happen, and yet the tale that’s woven is still surprising and compelling because it doesn’t shy away from loneliness, grief, and depression, and is still sweet, funny, and full of heart. His debut novel! I mean, how, I ask you.

It’s like: Only Murders in the Building, or Oscar Wilde meets a quirky Agatha Christie?

I’ve listed Anxious People third but it’s probably - I thiiiiink? Maybe? - my favorite. What can I say? I’m a sucker for a fast-paced, fast-talking mystery-meets-comedy-meets-drama. Set on New Year’s Eve at an apartment showing, the story throws a number of disparate people together at the scene of a failed robbery and hostage event.

What makes it such a good light read is not the witty banter, the delightful characterizations or the screwball scenarios - though all of those are wonderful. It’s all that plus the undercurrent of deeply human melancholy that makes it so special.

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A Few Small Notes:

• All links go to Bookshop.org, which supports independent bookstores. If you order a book through any of these links, I will theoretically get a small affiliate fee, which this month I will donate to World Central Kitchen who is doing God and government’s work by feeding people displaced by humanitarian or climate crises.

• In continuing spirit of amplifying great voices in this newsletter community, especially those who meld humor with tears (our favorite emotion), maybe check out this trailer and fundraiser for Always, Always short film by Eve R. In a very likely gross but well-intended misuse of the word, I think it’s a mitzvah to support independent art and storytelling when we can, even with $5. The script is quite moving, especially to those of us who have lost someone very important. So.

• No, seriously, midterms are in 36 days. Check your voter status (or register to vote) at Vote.gov. If you’re not sure, email me and I will help you figure it out!

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