Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Benny & Shrimp (Grabben i graven bredvid #1)

3.33 of 5 stars 3.33 · rating details · 1,661 ratings · 388 reviews

The bestselling "offbeat, down-to- earth love story"(The Observer, London)- now available in the United States

An international sensation, this addictively readable tale asks the question: Why is it so impossible to get a relationship between two middle-aged misfits to work? The answer lies in the story of Shrimp, a young widowed librarian with a sharp intellect and a home...more

Paperback, 209 pages

Published July 28th 2009 by Penguin Books (first published 1999)

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

This book is not yet featured on Listopia. Add this book to your favorite list »

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 2,431)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

May 05, 2013 Kung rated it 4 of 5 stars

1 พวกเขาเข้ากันได้ดีอย่างแมวกับหมา
ถ้าเรื่องรักในสวีเดนเกิดขึ้นได้ในสุสาน แล้วเรื่องรักใคร่ในประเทศไทยจะกำเนิดขึ้นหน้าเถ้าอัฐิในวัดได้หรือไม่ --- รู้สึกว่าแค่คิดก็ผิดแล้ว การจีบหนุ่มต่อหน้าหลุมศพสามีของ เดซิเร่ ดูจะก๋ากั่นเกินไปสำหรับบรรยากาศในวัดไทย

“ฉันฝันถึงกลิ่นหอมของดอกแอ๊ปเปิ้ล
เธอนั้นเดินเซเพราะน้ำหนักตะกร้า
ระหว่างเราสองคน ใครจะรู้เรื่องแอ๊ปเปิ้ลดีกว่ากัน”
(จากบทที่ 9, หน้า 43)

นายบ้านป่า กับ สาวสีเบจ เริ่มต้นความสัมพันธ์ได้โคเรียนเลิฟสตอรี่มากๆ เราชอบที่ Mazetti ให้โอกาสทั้งคู่ได้เล่าเรื่องจา...more 1 พวกเขาเข้ากันได้ดีอย่างแมวกับหมา
ถ้าเรื่องรักในสวีเดนเกิดขึ้นได้ในสุสาน แล้วเรื่องรักใคร่ในประเทศไทยจะกำเนิดขึ้นหน้าเถ้าอัฐิในวัดได้หรือไม่ --- รู้สึกว่าแค่คิดก็ผิดแล้ว การจีบหนุ่มต่อหน้าหลุมศพสามีของ เดซิเร่ ดูจะก๋ากั่นเกินไปสำหรับบรรยากาศในวัดไทย

“ฉันฝันถึงกลิ่นหอมของดอกแอ๊ปเปิ้ล
เธอนั้นเดินเซเพราะน้ำหนักตะกร้า
ระหว่างเราสองคน ใครจะรู้เรื่องแอ๊ปเปิ้ลดีกว่ากัน”
(จากบทที่ 9, หน้า 43)

นายบ้านป่า กับ สาวสีเบจ เริ่มต้นความสัมพันธ์ได้โคเรียนเลิฟสตอรี่มากๆ เราชอบที่ Mazetti ให้โอกาสทั้งคู่ได้เล่าเรื่องจากฝั่งของตนแบบนี้ มันทำให้เราเข้าถึงบุคลิกแมวๆ และบุคลิกหมาๆ ของทั้ง 2 ฝ่ายได้ดี ความสัมพันธ์ของทั้งสองทำให้เราตาร้อนตั้งแต่เริ่มต้นจนถึงท้ายเล่ม เมื่อแรกอ่านรู้สึกร้อนเพราะอิจฉา แต่ว่าหลังจากนั้นเราร้อนเพราะมีอะไรรื้นๆ ในตา
สิ่งที่ทำให้ยิ้มคือ การเริ่มต้นของบทสุดท้าย และสิ่งที่ทำให้หัวเสียอย่างมากคือ หน้าถัดไปหลังจากบทนั้น

2 จุดเริ่มต้น - จุดจบ
วันแรกของวันที่เหลือร่วมกันคือวันที่เท่าไหร่ อาจเป็นเมื่อวาน-วันนี้-พรุ่งนี้ ไม่มีใครตอบคำถามนี้ได้ ความสัมพันธ์ทุกรูปแบบมีระยะเวลาของมัน แต่กว่าจะถึงวันหมดอายุหรือรู้ตัว เราอาจเผลอซึมเอาบางส่วนจากอีกฝ่ายมาไว้ในตัวเสียแล้ว

“ก้าวผ่านเวลาไปทีละนาทีคงจะดีกว่า
กลืนมันเหมือนยาเม็ดขม
พยายามไม่คิดถึงยาที่เหลืออยู่”
(จากบทที่ 51, หน้า 196)

จุดเริ่มต้นของความขมอยู่ตรงไหน มันอาจจะเริ่มตั้งรกรากในใจตั้งแต่นาทีแรกที่ทั้งสองคนตัดสินใจเริ่มต้นความสัมพันธ์กัน ปฏิกิริยาเคมีของความไม่เข้ากันอาจทำให้ผลการทดลองผิดพลาด กลายเป็นความขมขื่นรุนแรงที่ค่อยๆ เผยตัวแผลงฤทธิ์ในวันที่เราอ่อนแรงจนไม่สามารถกำจัดความขมเหล่านั้นออกไปได้
ไม่ใช่ทุกคนที่รู้วิธีทำให้ของขมเจือจาง หรือสามารถรับรสนั้นได้ เว้นเสียแต่ว่าเขาจะฝึกมานานพอ
(less)

1 like · like · see review

Apr 02, 2013 Julie rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

J'ai vraiment beaucoup beaucoup aimé ce roman !

Le dernier paragraphe de la quatrième de couverture résume assez bien ce que je pense. Mais j'ajouterai tout de même que la psychologie des personnages est très fouillée. Ils sont "normaux", leurs sentiments sont très bien décrits.

De plus, le narrateur change à chaque paragraphe. Une fois c'est Désirée qui parle, une fois c'est Benny. Ce système nous permet d'avoir leurs impressions, on voit les choses avec les yeux des deux personnes.

On peut ainsi...more

like · see review

Jun 20, 2012 Endif rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

La prima cosa che mi ha incuriosita di questo libro è stata la copertina.
A pelle, mi piaceva il contrasto di colori. Poi, ho letto l’introduzione e ho trovato l’idea della trama molto originale. Quindi, così, mentre sbrigavo le faccende di casa, ho iniziato a leggere.
Quel giorno abbiamo mangiato pasta e formaggino. Perché li avevo in casa.
Odio le cose del tipo “un libro in un solo giorno”, ma è stato proprio ciò che è accaduto.
Desirée è una donna sola, che aveva trovato nel marito una scelta...more La prima cosa che mi ha incuriosita di questo libro è stata la copertina.
A pelle, mi piaceva il contrasto di colori. Poi, ho letto l’introduzione e ho trovato l’idea della trama molto originale. Quindi, così, mentre sbrigavo le faccende di casa, ho iniziato a leggere.
Quel giorno abbiamo mangiato pasta e formaggino. Perché li avevo in casa.
Odio le cose del tipo “un libro in un solo giorno”, ma è stato proprio ciò che è accaduto.
Desirée è una donna sola, che aveva trovato nel marito una scelta pragmatica e appropriata alla vita perbene che i suoi genitori le avevano inculcato come a lei confacente. Colori sbiaditi e aspetto anonimo, i suoi tratti distintivi, come se volesse urlare al mondo che si prende troppo sul serio per curarsi di inezie come il suo aspetto esteriore. Benny è un allevatore, formato alla dura vita nei campi e con tante rinunce alle spalle per proseguire l’attività di famiglia (attività continuamente sull’orlo del fallimento). E’ una persona pratica, una di quelle che guarda un libro solo per capire se è dello spessore giusto per ritrovare l’equilibrio di un tavolo traballante. E’ in una fase della sua vita in cui pensa sia appropriato sposare altre due braccia utili per il lavoro.
Nessuno è preparato al sentimento che, fulmineo ed inaspettato, scoccherà tra loro e a cui non riusciranno a sottrarsi.
Katarina Mazetti ha un’ironia spietata e non la risparmia a nessuno. I due protagonisti sono, nello stesso tempo, geniali e ridicoli. Non ci sono eroi, in questo libro, ma solo individui veri, con più debolezze e paranoie che nobili sentimenti e stralci di poesia. Nessun profumo aulico ed inebriante, ma solo puzza di stalla ed inettitudine alle fatiche domestiche.
Ho adorato "Il tizio della tomba accanto". In alcuni passaggi, mi sono ritrovata a scoppiare a ridere, per poi guardarmi intorno, timorosa di essere scoperta in flagranza di reato. La scrittura della Mazetti è fresca, briosa e sagace. Il pov alternato fa calare il lettore nella mente prima dell’uno e poi dell’altro personaggio, senza risentire di un grosso stacco narrativo, ma distinguendo, ugualmente bene, i due caratteri.
E’ una storia realistica.
Sapevo fin dall’inizio di non potermi aspettare un finale a cuoricini, non sarebbe stato all’altezza di questa scrittrice. Eppure, il finale lo trovo esattamente “giusto” per questi due *eroi di tutti i giorni*. Una storia che si basa sulle sfumature della vita, sulle divergenze che si tenta in ogni modo di far diventare convergenze, sulla tenacia con cui ci si aggrappa alle proprie convinzioni col rischio, spesso, di perdersi esperienze incredibilmente emozionanti strada facendo.
Lo consiglio davvero a tutti, precisando che in un viaggio, talvolta, non è importante dove si arriva, ma il percorso che si compie per farlo. E, soprattutto, in compagnia di chi.
Buonissima lettura a tutti XD(less)

1 like · like · see review

Jul 29, 2011 Elsa rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: sentiments

Rat des villes, rat des champs ... un mélo qui tombe à l'eau !

Un court roman qui débute sur une rencontre dans un cimetière. Chacun sur sa tombe epie l'autre, le scrute et lui trouve tous les défauts du monde. Et puis ce jeune agriculteur bourru et esseulé décide de mieux connaître cette intrigante jeune femme pâle et sans relief. Voilà donc cette jeune bibliothécaire, fraichement veuve et un peu snobinarde qui se lance dans l'aventure. Mais passée cette rencontre, l'histoire enfile un certain n...more

like · see review

Jul 07, 2011 Lett' rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Un super livre qui vaut la peine d’être lu. C’est l’histoire d’amour impossible entre une bibliothécaire et un fermier. Bien sur, il n’y a pas un happy end, car les circonstances font que de nombreux problèmes existent entre eux. Le sujet principal est le choc des cultures entre deux personnes. Dans le livre, les cultures sont même passé devant l’amour, puisqu’à part les sentiments, ils n’ont aucune vision similaire du monde.

Les personnages, sont très attachants, même les personnages les plus in...more Un super livre qui vaut la peine d’être lu. C’est l’histoire d’amour impossible entre une bibliothécaire et un fermier. Bien sur, il n’y a pas un happy end, car les circonstances font que de nombreux problèmes existent entre eux. Le sujet principal est le choc des cultures entre deux personnes. Dans le livre, les cultures sont même passé devant l’amour, puisqu’à part les sentiments, ils n’ont aucune vision similaire du monde.

Les personnages, sont très attachants, même les personnages les plus insignifiants, comme Marta. Je pense que la qualité de l’auteure est qu’elle arrive à construire des personnages tellement attachants que l’on se sent obligés de lire le livre, de plus, l’auteure accorde de l’importance et de l’individualité à tous ses personnages. Donc, du point de vue personnage, le livre est une mine d’or à exploiter ! Dans le roman, un chapitre, c’est le point de vue de Benny, l’autre chapitre, c’est Désirée. Cette idée est vraiment bien construite, car elle permet l’avis des deux personnages par la suite.

L’intrigue est à la fois saisissante et passionnante, car la lecture de ce roman ne nous laisse pas le choix d’arrêter, on se sent contraint de continuer la lecture. Pourquoi ? Car l’intrigue est passionnante, on se demande ce qu’il pouvoir bien se passer, mais aussi grâce à l’écriture qui coule dans le livre. Donc, l’écriture est excellente, mais, cependant, la lecture coupé (lire par-ci, par là) dégrade la compréhension du livre, car, j’ai ressenti une difficulté de me remémorer les actions antécédentes. Mais c’est possible que ce soit seulement une réaction personnelle. A part ce “défaut”, je pense que le livre est excellent, j’attend de lire la suite.

Parlons un peu de la fin de ce premier tome, sans parler des actions. J’ai trouvé que le dénouement de ce premier tome est vraiment parfait, je ne m’attendais pas à cela. J’attend avec impatience la sortie du numéro deux en poche, pour le dévorer.(less)

like · see review

Apr 09, 2011 Diane Morasco rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: my-library, arc

How much are you willing to sacrifice for love? What would you give up for happiness? Would you compromise -- meet half way for that one individual that stirs your soul? Caresses your spirit?

Allow me to introduce you to Benny & Shrimp. Benny's a Swedish farmer, a 30 year old country boy, w/ cows, calves & sheep. Shrimp ~ Desiree ~ is a widowed Swedish librarian, who happens to be a vegetarian.

Benny's searching for a farmer's wife & Shrimp wants someone cultured.

Enter a cemetery of al...more

like · see review

Feb 12, 2011 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Opposites might attract but are they able to make it work and stick together? In Benny & Shrimp, Katarina Mazetti tackles the very real issues of love and attraction in an offbeat and unusual way. Told in the alternating voices of Benny and Desiree (Shrimp) the reader follows the characters as they first loath each other, until they develop a curious physical attraction to each other. Desiree is a young, recently widowed librarian that dabbles in poetry and enjoys intellectual pursuits. Benn...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 14, 2010 Erin rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010

I hated EVERYTHING about this book. The terrible, stupid plot line, with its stupid conflicts and "twists" that I had to read TWICE because each event was delved into in excruciating detail by each character (the chapters alternated from Benny's voice to Shrimp's). The crappy poetry intro to each chapter. The annoying characters, especially the librarian, who lived up to all stereotypes of a librarian by being plain and boring and "shrimpy", AND all the stereotypes of crazy women by being moody...more

6 likes · like · see review

Sep 03, 2010 Audrie rated it 2 of 5 stars

I browse produce at the market the same way that I browse books at the library: whatever looks appealing at that very moment. I judge books by their covers (really, is there any other logical way to choose them?). Sometimes, an intriguing title, an interesting illustration, or an author's name will draw me in. Each time, I never know what it'll be.

Benny & Shrimp, what a strange title! And probably why I grabbed it off the "M" fiction shelf at the library. Definitely offbeat. The story begin...more

1 like · like · see review

Jul 14, 2010 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: review-copy, literary

Benny and Shrimp is a novel about discovering a new passion, and trying to make it work against the day to day problems of everyday life. When they meet at a cemetery - while Desiree (or "Shrimp") mourns her late husband, and Benny tends the shared grave of his parents - it is most definitely not love at first sight. Yet, against the odds, passion grows between Shrimp, the pale, bookish librarian and Benny, the overworked milk farmer. Katarina Mazetti writes in a quirky manner about the trials a...more Benny and Shrimp is a novel about discovering a new passion, and trying to make it work against the day to day problems of everyday life. When they meet at a cemetery - while Desiree (or "Shrimp") mourns her late husband, and Benny tends the shared grave of his parents - it is most definitely not love at first sight. Yet, against the odds, passion grows between Shrimp, the pale, bookish librarian and Benny, the overworked milk farmer. Katarina Mazetti writes in a quirky manner about the trials and tribulations of passion versus practicality: Shrimp is looking for a man who will come with her to the opera and who reads books for pleasure; Benny requires a woman who can keep the farmhouse running while he tends to the cows.

The chapters are told from alternate viewpoints, which made this read all the more pleasurable. Being able to see the same incident from both viewpoints ensured the reader always had sympathy and empathy for both parties in the relationship - unlike most love stories, where it is easy to throw your lot in with one injured party. Mazetti shows us that, most often, misunderstandings are the root of all problems in a relationship.

I adored the little bits of spiky poetry and commentary that headed up each of Shrimp's chapters - they gave a good measure of how she was feeling regarding Benny and the relationship:

"I have to get through the minutes one at a time, swallow them like bitter pills, try not to dwell on the vast number still left."

The strength of the novel is the realism with which the love story is presented. Benny and Shrimp are chalk and cheese and there is no automatic happy ending for them (although I am not going to spoil how it ends for the reader!) as there would be in a standard chick lit novel, say.

"A couple of times we rented a video. Or rather, we've never rented just one, because we can never agree. We rent two. Then she gets out her flowery bag while my video's on, and I fall asleep during hers. We're like chalk and cheese [...:] And I don't want it ever to end."

The chapters are short and sweet, which encourages you to keep reading further: 'just one more chapter...' The language is extremely quirky, and was the main factor in the novel that I struggled a little with - since it is a translation from Swedish (this book is a bestseller in Sweden), I am happy to accept that this might be the cause, but as an example the following sentence made me cringe a little:

"For some I'm a voter, for others a pedestrian, a wage earner, a consumer of culture, a human resource or a property owner. Or just a collection of split ends, leaking sanitary towels and dry skin."

One other issue I had with Benny and Shrimp is that later on in the story a character called Anita was re-introduced and I simply couldn't remember at what point I'd first heard about her - this is not because Anita was unmemorable, but because Benny and Shrimp completely dominate this novel. They are the only two characters I want to know about, and the periods where we hear about other characters are, to me, an unnecessary diversion. I do accept that other readers might feel differently, and enjoy the oddball cast of secondary characters.

In summary this was a beautiful but all too brief picture of a sweet love story between two extremely disparate characters. I have heard that a sequel is written in Swedish, but is waiting for translation into English: all I can say is that I want this translation done NOW so that I can hear more about Benny and Shrimp. Moving. (less)

like · see review

Mar 10, 2010 Emilyadamc rated it 5 of 5 stars

I loved this book from the very first page.
Every Page had something on it that made me smile, laugh, cringe or just nod my head in agreement. Katarina is so honest with her character's. There were a few times where it felt like she had dipped in my head and pulled some of the thoughts that I don't admit that I think, and then put them in her book. Shrimp was so many pieces of me, and that's probably not a good thing to admit, but it was refreshing. I loved Benny. He was just what I would pictur...more

1 like · like · see review

Feb 26, 2010 Jkdaun rated it 4 of 5 stars

Quarky, funny, and heart warming, an original. I was going to give this book a three but have to upgrade it to a four. The characters are staying with me, making me wish they could find a way to be together. They are just so right for each other despite all that is wrong. Two unique polar characters in there own right that should never be a good match prove to be a soul match. Despite their totally different lifestyles and personal philosphies, these two give each other something we all as human...more

like · see review

Oct 07, 2009 Jaime Huff rated it 5 of 5 stars

This book begs the question, do opposites attract and if so, can it work? That seems to be the theme of this book. Or is it, do two lonely people who are completely opposite fall for each other just out of need?

Frankly, I loved this book. It was a fast read, passionate and left me wondering about Benny and Shrimp's relationship. I wasn't sure what I wanted from them. I wanted Benny to find a wife. I wanted Shrimp to be that wife. However, at the same, I didn't want Shrimp to be that wife. Contr...more

2 likes · like · see review

Sep 20, 2009 Mishel Zabala rated it 4 of 5 stars

Benny is a Swedish dairy farmer who’s never been married. After recently losing his mother he feels it’s time to settle down and find a suitable wife who can support him on the farm. He needs help milking his twenty-four cows and someone to put a warm supper together for him. Someone who doesn’t mind the fact that he orders all his clothes from a catalogue and that the only reading material in his home has to do with tractors and farm related things.

Desiree aka Shrimp is a recently widowed libra...more Benny is a Swedish dairy farmer who’s never been married. After recently losing his mother he feels it’s time to settle down and find a suitable wife who can support him on the farm. He needs help milking his twenty-four cows and someone to put a warm supper together for him. Someone who doesn’t mind the fact that he orders all his clothes from a catalogue and that the only reading material in his home has to do with tractors and farm related things.

Desiree aka Shrimp is a recently widowed librarian that lives in the city. While her five year marriage with Orjan was pleasant with hardly any problems, Desiree found herself paired with someone she felt she didn’t really know. There was rarely any arguing between them but there wasn’t much passion either. She comes to the cemetery every day to visit Orjan’s grave mostly because she feels it’s the right thing to do.

It’s at the cemetery where the lonely two meet. They dislike each other at first for invading their personal and private moments with their departed loved ones. But after a sweet chance smile one day, the two are quickly attracted to each other despite their differences.

But all isn’t happily ever after for these two offbeat characters, it is in the “meat” of the story where Katarina alternates between both perspectives. Can the two find away to make it last? Even after finding out they have nothing in common but their deep attraction? It seems to be that very attraction that keeps the two inseparable.

I was quickly pulled into the story and just couldn’t stop turning pages. I think it was absolutely brilliant to have the chapters alternate and even cover the same event from both Benny and Shrimp’s point of view. I think you’ll fall in love with the characters and their story. Although the ending didn’t quite sit well with me, I think it would be fantastic to have another installment into their lives. Trust me; you’ll want it too after reading it.

Offbeat, charming, and just plain fun, Benny & Shrimp will surely warm everyone’s heart and keep you giggling along the way!
(less)

like · see review

Sep 19, 2009 Katrina rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: read-in-2009-favorites

Some books you fall in love with at the very beginning, from page one I was in amore with this little novel. It begins with Desiree sitting on the bench in front of her husbands grave. She is trying to feel bad enough about his death. Desiree is a librarian who lives in the city. Her apartment is in the minimalist in fashion and she dresses mainly in beige. While at the cemetery, she sees a farmer who is constantly planting things at the gaudy, over the top plot next to her late husband.

That far...more

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 14, 2009 IslandGirl Reads rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: light-fun

Blurb
It started in a cemetery, where they begrudgingly share a bench. "Shrimp," the childless young widow and librarian with a sharp intellect and a home so tidy tat her jam jars are in alphabetical order, meets Benny, the gentle, overworked milk farmer who fears becoming the village's Old Bachelor. Both driven by an enormous longing and loudly ticking biological clocks. they can't escape the powerful attraction between them..........

This is a quirky, down-to-earth love story between Benny and D...more

like · see review

Aug 02, 2009 Diane rated it 4 of 5 stars

f you are tired of reading books that have gorgeous heroines with fantastic jobs and great bodies who find love with a handsome, rich guy, and are looking for something a little more realistic, Benny & Shrimp by Swedish author Katerina Mazetti is out there for you just waiting to be read.

Shrimp is a young, sad widow visiting the grave of her husband, who died several months ago. On the bench next to her is Benny, visiting his parents' gravesite. Whereas Shrimp's husband's grave is spare, jus...more f you are tired of reading books that have gorgeous heroines with fantastic jobs and great bodies who find love with a handsome, rich guy, and are looking for something a little more realistic, Benny & Shrimp by Swedish author Katerina Mazetti is out there for you just waiting to be read.

Shrimp is a young, sad widow visiting the grave of her husband, who died several months ago. On the bench next to her is Benny, visiting his parents' gravesite. Whereas Shrimp's husband's grave is spare, just a natural stone chunk with plain lettering, Benny's parents' gravesite is garish, overly decorated with white marble, gold lettering, lots of plantings and statues.

Benny is a thirty-something milk farmer, living alone on the family farm, trying desperately to make it work. Shrimp works at the town library, lonely except for a single friend Marta. Benny wants to date, and his mum used to nag at him to find a girl, "as if they existed somewhere, a flock of willing girls, and all you had to do was go out and select one. Like taking your rifle out in hunting season to bag yourself a hare."

Benny decides to take a chance, and he follows Shrimp back to the library and taps her on the shoulder. Although she is at first rude to him, they go to lunch and when Shrimp tells Benny it is her birthday, he takes to her a department store and starts picking out gifts for her. (Aww- so sweet!)

So begins their intense love affair. Shrimp is not a woman many people would notice. She is thin, mousy and people were surprised when she married her much better looking husband. Benny is overweight, has three fingers on one hand, and smells like manure. But their physical relationship is hot. Shrimp says "He hadn't just turned my head, he rotated it so many times that it came off and I had to hold it on a string like a balloon, while my body twisted and wallowed."

Mazetti's way with words is delightful. She crafts her sentences so thoughtfully, it is a joy to read them. Benny describes Shrimp's all white and metal decor in her apartment by saying that "(B)efore I know it, somebody will stick their head around the door and say, "Do come in. The doctor will see you now!"

Benny and Shrimp are really opposites in many ways. He spends twelve hours a day farming, in muck and mud. He is looking for a wife, a partner to help him and live his lifestyle. Shrimp likes her lifestyle- she enjoys her job, books and opera. The life of a farmer's wife does not suit her. Can their love overcome these differences?

The author has written an adult novel, one in which two people who love each other have to decide if they can make a big sacrifice for the other. She puts her characters in situations that people can relate to, and just when you think you have this story figured out, she throws in a big curveball at the end of the story that you don't see coming.

I read Benny & Shrimp in one evening. I fell in love with Benny and Shrimp, (more Benny than Shrimp) and rooted for their unlikely love affair to last, even though a voice in my head said the obstacles were likely insurmountable. (Be quiet, voice in my head!)(less)

like · see review

Aug 01, 2009 Kat Bryan added it

I had heard good things about this book and it was even recommended in Entertainment Weekly this week, so when it arrived yesterday, I couldn’t wait to read it. I wasn’t disappointed. Even though the story takes place in Sweden, it could have been anywhere. Two very different people meet and for some reason, they’re just drawn to each other. Benny is a dairy farmer who inherited the family farm and works very long hours. He doesn’t know about housework, laundry, or cooking since his mother alway...more

like · see review

Jul 14, 2009 Ruth rated it 4 of 5 stars

Have you ever listen to a friend complain about a significant other and wondered what the other side of the story was? Benny & Shrimp is the other side of the story. It is the story of two lonely middle-aged people who meet in the graveyard. She is there visiting the grave of her husband; he is there visiting his parents. She calls their plot "The Forest" because of all the plants and she finds the gravestone gaudy and overdone. He finds her husband's plot to be devoid of all personality and...more

like · see review

Oct 18, 2009 Grace rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, read-in-2009

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. Katarina Mazetti's Benny & Shrimp is a quick and delightful tale of the chance meeting, courtship, and breakup of, perhaps, the two most unlikely people to be paired in a relationship.

Benny and Shrimp (Benny's nickname for Desiree) meet on a bench overlooking Benny's parents' grave and Shrimp's husbands grave. Benny is almost past his prime and the sole owner and worker of a dairy farm and Shrimp is librarian without much experience with loving families or passionate relationships. What hap...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 07, 2009 Debbie rated it 3 of 5 stars

This was a fun read that I read pretty much in one sitting. It’s written from the view points of both Benny and Desiree, whom Benny nick names Shrimp. Each chapter alternates view points between the two. It was amazing and touching to see the whirlwind romance as these polar opposites fell for each other. I had to read this when I saw Desiree was a librarian as that is what I hope to become some day but in some ways she was totally the stereotypical idea of a librarian which was not always flatt...more

like · see review

Mar 06, 2013 Sarah Hafiz rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Un court roman, une lecture légère. Le style de l'auteur est plat et sans reel intérêt, mais peu importé c'est surtout l'histoire qui compte. Parlons-en de l'histoire ! Il se trouve que le livre est quand même bourré de clichés et poncifs sur l'opposition : intellectuel de la vie Vs imbécile des champs. J'ai trouve les personnages trop caricaturés, ils manquent cruellement de nuances et surtout de profondeur. L'auteur n'approfondit jamais vraiment les chose et reste en surface. On peut parfois ê...more

like · see review

Jun 17, 2012 Sally Whitehead rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: books-read-in-2012

I first read about this book on the fabulous Mr B's website (www.mrbsemporium.com), and then diligently bought it there on my next visit. Since then it's been my most anticipated read of the year, so much so that as I cracked the spine a wave of apprehension came over me. Was this going to be this year's "Room", or "Pigeon English" and leave me wanting...? Was it going to be a ploddingly painful translation like "The Year of the Revolutionary Bread Making Machine"...?

Mercifully, no! I loved abso...more

like · see review

Feb 04, 2010 Cami rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: general-fiction

I learned that if the librarians stick a 'romance' sticker on the spine of the book you should take the sticker at its word and not be surprised by the odd intimate moments.
This was a Swedish novel translated into English and that alone made it an interesting read.
It's a story about two "middle-aged"(according to the book this is age 35 and 37) people who meet in a cemetary. She's trying to mourn her husband and he's genuinely sad to see his mother, the last companion he had on the family farm,...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 27, 2012 Izamari rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Desirée y Benny son tan opuestos como el día y la noche. Ella es una dama de sociedad con ideas un tanto feministas y el es un granjero al cual no le importa nada más que ordeñar a sus vacas a tiempo. Ella perdió a su marido y el perdió a sus padres. A simple vista, la muerte de sus seres queridos es lo único que los une, pero la verdad, es que ambos estan buscando lo mismo. Tener una familia propia que llene sus vacías vidas.
Sn tan diferentes pero Los opuestos se atrae, ¿podrán ser capaces de h...more

like · see review

Oct 30, 2009 Mary rated it 4 of 5 stars

This slim novel was as addicting as the blurb on the cover claimed. The chapters are 3-4 pages and alternate between Benny and Shrimp's version of the same story. It's a rather quiet story that had me smiling much of the time. The main characters are in their mid-late 30s and getting worried that life is passing them by. Instead of observing, they want to participate in life. So they take a leap and strike up an unlikely friendship that becomes much more - but what? They reach a point where they...more

1 like · like · see review

Sep 11, 2009 Sarah rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: adult-fiction, translated, contemporary, romance

I'm a librarian; my boyfriend's is a (part-time) farmer. So are the characters in this book, which might have been my subconscious reason for picking it up. That and a patron whose reading tastes align somewhat with mine recommended it to me.

Benny and Shrimp are the thirtysomething title characters. They're somewhat neurotic in their own ways, narrating this novel in alternating chapters. Their stories are told in an almost frenzied manner, jumping from one point to another and throwing in names...more

like · see review

Aug 24, 2009 Sensitivemuse rated it 4 of 5 stars

Benny and Shrimp by Katarina Mazetti features two middle aged people from two very different backgrounds. Shrimp is a widowed librarian who feels her biological clock ticking. Benny is a farmer, who had lived with his mother and after she passes away, he has a fear of becoming the Bachelor for Life. At a chance encounter at a cemetary, you read a story of a relationship of two very different people which leads to humorous and frustrating events.

You will find the story is divided into both Benny...more Benny and Shrimp by Katarina Mazetti features two middle aged people from two very different backgrounds. Shrimp is a widowed librarian who feels her biological clock ticking. Benny is a farmer, who had lived with his mother and after she passes away, he has a fear of becoming the Bachelor for Life. At a chance encounter at a cemetary, you read a story of a relationship of two very different people which leads to humorous and frustrating events.

You will find the story is divided into both Benny and Shrimp's point of view and interchanges with each chapter you read. I like the way this is done. You get to see both of their viewpoints and it makes it a very entertaining and fun read. You get to read what makes both of them tick and what they really think but never had the heart to say to spare each other's feelings. I actually started laughing in the first few chapters it was that funny! as the story progresses I found myself laughing more especially when they starting buying each other gifts. You can just imagine two very different people with very different tastes trying to give each other presents. It's hilarious. When they're experiencing a rough patch in their relationship, you get to see both sides of the perspectives and you can't help to wondering which one is more funny, Benny or Shrimp. Everything is done in a clear and concise way, that you won't feel confused as you read this book. It's all written clearly and simply which gives the story a good overall clean look and feel.

I love both of them. They're great characters. Shrimp lives the pampered cultured career woman life. She loves books, reading, her job, lattes, the opera, herbal teas. Yes you get the hint. Benny loves his farm, attending to his cows, he wants a wife that can take care of him and help maintain his farm. He loves "pimp daddy" clothing, that Shrimp thinks is absolutely gaudy, he has his mom's cross stitch work up on the walls of his house. So you can see how different they are. However when they come together it's like a chemistry and a passionate love which makes them feel as if they were teenagers on their first dates. Yet they have to work through enormous differences and a lot of sacrifices if they want to be permanently together. I loved how they argued; it mirrors all people's relationships; we fight over the most trivial things but yet in the end, love prevails and holds the bond together making forgiveness easier even if the apologies haven't been said.

Pick this book up if you want a light hearted fast read. It'll make you laugh and smile, and perhaps even cry.
(less)

like · see review

Jul 28, 2009 Diane rated it 4 of 5 stars

Benny & Shrimp is the story of two thirty-something misfits. Benny is a Swedish cow milk farmer who has never married. Desiree, A.K.A. Shrimp is a thirty-something, plain Jane librarian who dresses in beige and lives an organized life in her sterile apartment. She is a widow of two years.

Benny and Shrimp meet in the cemetery where they go each day to visit their dearly departed --Benny his parents, and Shrimp, her late husband, Orjan. When they first notice each other, their private thoughts...more

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 09, 2011 Ingrid Fasquelle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Lorsque nous avons convenu, avec deux amies, de faire de ce roman une lecture commune, j'étais évidemment partante, intriguée par son curieux titre et ses nombreuses critiques positives. Je venais pourtant de terminer La Délicatesse de D.Foenkinos que j'avais beaucoup appréciée et je me suis demandé si le choix du Mec de la Tombe d'à côté était alors judicieux... Au cours des premières pages, je n'ai pas pu me retenir de comparer les deux ouvrages, de regretter le style si particulier et si char...more Lorsque nous avons convenu, avec deux amies, de faire de ce roman une lecture commune, j'étais évidemment partante, intriguée par son curieux titre et ses nombreuses critiques positives. Je venais pourtant de terminer La Délicatesse de D.Foenkinos que j'avais beaucoup appréciée et je me suis demandé si le choix du Mec de la Tombe d'à côté était alors judicieux... Au cours des premières pages, je n'ai pas pu me retenir de comparer les deux ouvrages, de regretter le style si particulier et si charmant de Foenkinos... J'étais presque déçue quand finalement, la sauce a pris et la magie a opéré ! Ne me demandez pas quand ni comment, c'est comme pour Benny et Désirée ! Il a suffi d'un petit quelque chose pour que tout s'embrase et que je sois captivée par la lecture de cette histoire d'amour normale, presque banale...

J'ai aimé l'alternance des chapitres courts qui me permettaient de faire des pauses dans ma lecture. Au-delà de l'aspect purement "pratique", j'ai apprécié de m'immiscer tour à tour dans le coeur et les sentiments des personnages principaux. Autant j'adhérais totalement au point de vue de Désirée, autant au chapitre suivant je comprenais tout à fait l'état d'esprit de Benny ! Rien dans la vie n'est jamais aussi net et tranché, c'est judicieux de la part de l'auteur d'en avoir joué de cette façon. Je salue la facilité avec laquelle K.Mazetti réussit à créer des atmosphères aussi diamétralement opposées tout en conservant la consistance de son intrigue. Grâce à ce jeu des contrastes, j'ai sans doute été aussi tourmentée que Benny et Désirée lorsqu'ils se sont retrouvés contraints de faire un choix pour leur avenir ! C'est qu'elle est captivante cette histoire d'amour des temps modernes ! L'amour que se portent ces deux-là est tellement bouleversant, tellement puissant, tellement touchant qu'on ne peut pas croire, qu'on ne veut pas croire qu'il ne suffirait pas à envoyer valser les préjugés et à triompher du choc des cultures ! On frémit, on espère jusqu'à la dernière page et on se régale de la fin qu'a choisie K.Mazetti pour ces personnages...

Une jolie fable des temps modernes qui prouve à qui en a besoin que le destin n'est pas toujours tracé...(less)

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 81 82 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (34)

More editions...

Genres

Romance

35 users

Contemporary

10 users

Cultural > France

9 users

Novels

8 users

Womens Fiction > Chick Lit

7 users

European Literature > Swedish Literature

4 users

Adult Fiction

4 users

European Literature > Scandinavian Literature

3 users

Book Club

3 users

Romance > Contemporary Romance

3 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

Books by Katarina Mazetti

Entre le chaperon rouge et le loup, c'est fini

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Парень с соседней...

1 trivia question

More quizzes & trivia...

Quotes from Benny & Shrimp

“I don't believe in Love, although I've experienced it. I could say. When I can't sleep, I lie there imagining it's because I never actually gave it a chance. I kind of never reached the stage of thinking I had to put it first, in front of everything else.

Sometimes I feel I haven't really reached dry land yet, and maybe never will.” — 3 people liked it

“Ils auraient dû descendre le premier psychologue, comme ça on aurait eu moins de problèmes” — 2 people liked it

More quotes…

title link	preview: Benny & Shrimp
avg rating	preview: Benny & Shrimp Goodreads rating: 3.33 (1661 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6281647-benny-shrimp?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1348436152l/6281647.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6281647-benny-shrimp?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Benny & Shrimp by Katarina Mazetti[/url]

Benny & Shrimp (Grabben i graven bredvid #1)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website