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Три новеллы
Новеллы Фредрика Бакмана проникнуты тем же мягким юмором и теплотой, что и его «полнометражные» романы-бестселлеры, изданные сегодня уже в сорока странах. Это современные притчи на вечные темы или – если хотите – своего рода сказки для взрослых. Бакман верен себе – его волнуют вопросы о смысле жизни, о смерти, о безжалостном времени и человеческой памяти. О том, что такое настоящая любовь, и что это значит – быть человеком.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published November 13, 2018
81 people are currently reading
4954 people want to read
About the author
Fredrik Backman
35 books91.6k followersFredrik Backman is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove (soon to be a major motion picture starring Tom Hanks), My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, Britt-Marie Was Here, Beartown, Us Against You, as well as two novellas, And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer and The Deal of a Lifetime. Things My Son Needs to Know About the World, his first work of non-fiction, will be released in the US in May 2019. His books are published in more than forty countries. He lives in Stockholm, Sweden, with his wife and two children. Connect with him on Twitter @BackmanLand or on Instagram @backmansk.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 296 reviews
December 21, 2023
Why I chose to read this book:
1. after reading a handful of Fredrik Backman's books, I've gotten to love his writing style, especially with his mastery of characterization, so I added this one to my WTR list; and,
2. even though December 2023 is my "Doorstopper Tome" Month, I wanted to read a splash of Christmas-themed stories as well.
Praises:
1. I was pleasantly surprised that the edition I signed out from my local library contains not one, but three of Backman's novellas:
- The Deal of a Lifetime: Would you give your life to save another? This phrase, as well as the title, hold different meanings than what most people think. Initially, I was a little confused by the back-and-forth timeline in this story, but when I got to the end, the story hit me over the head like a ton of bricks that I just had to reread it then and there! Are you happy with how you are living your life? Absolutely thought-provoking!
- And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer: This story about memory loss broke my heart, especially the parts when grandpa and grandma are together. My favorite of the three novellas!
- Sebastian and the Troll: I liked the inclusion of the troll, which are popular in Scandinavian folklore. A story about living with mental illness. As Backman writes, "a little story about how it feels" Heart-wrenching!
Overall Thoughts:
Although these inspirational novellas are short, I recommend that you take your time with them, savoring their moving messages.
1. after reading a handful of Fredrik Backman's books, I've gotten to love his writing style, especially with his mastery of characterization, so I added this one to my WTR list; and,
2. even though December 2023 is my "Doorstopper Tome" Month, I wanted to read a splash of Christmas-themed stories as well.
Praises:
1. I was pleasantly surprised that the edition I signed out from my local library contains not one, but three of Backman's novellas:
- The Deal of a Lifetime: Would you give your life to save another? This phrase, as well as the title, hold different meanings than what most people think. Initially, I was a little confused by the back-and-forth timeline in this story, but when I got to the end, the story hit me over the head like a ton of bricks that I just had to reread it then and there! Are you happy with how you are living your life? Absolutely thought-provoking!
- And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer: This story about memory loss broke my heart, especially the parts when grandpa and grandma are together. My favorite of the three novellas!
- Sebastian and the Troll: I liked the inclusion of the troll, which are popular in Scandinavian folklore. A story about living with mental illness. As Backman writes, "a little story about how it feels" Heart-wrenching!
Overall Thoughts:
Although these inspirational novellas are short, I recommend that you take your time with them, savoring their moving messages.
December 17, 2025
The Deal of a Lifetime and Other Stories is a short collection of three stories that Fredrik Backman wrote for himself; thankfully, he later went on to publish them ❤️🩹 Don't let yourself get fooled by the cute Christmas tree cover, this book is sad, beautiful and emotional, and it has forced me to think about things I usually avoid.
The first story, The Deal of a Lifetime, is a story set on Christmas Eve that intertwines the lives of a man who built an empire and a little girl who is fighting a terminal disease.
The second story, And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer, is about a grandpa reminiscing about his past and making jokeswith his grandson.
The final story, Sebastian and the Troll, is about a little boy fighting depression.
As usual, it is written in Backman's beautiful style that pulls you in and forces you to ask all the hard questions: Is someone's life more worth it than another's? How do you say goodbye to the people you love the most?
It was a beautiful read, and I will recommend it, but make sure you are in a good headspace for it. I think I will go call my family to tell them how much I love them now ❤️
Pre-read:
I feel like this book is going to break my heart but that's okey because it's Fredrik Backman 😌💔
The first story, The Deal of a Lifetime, is a story set on Christmas Eve that intertwines the lives of a man who built an empire and a little girl who is fighting a terminal disease.
The second story, And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer, is about a grandpa reminiscing about his past and making jokeswith his grandson.
The final story, Sebastian and the Troll, is about a little boy fighting depression.
As usual, it is written in Backman's beautiful style that pulls you in and forces you to ask all the hard questions: Is someone's life more worth it than another's? How do you say goodbye to the people you love the most?
It was a beautiful read, and I will recommend it, but make sure you are in a good headspace for it. I think I will go call my family to tell them how much I love them now ❤️
Pre-read:
I feel like this book is going to break my heart but that's okey because it's Fredrik Backman 😌💔
December 17, 2018
I don't even know how to begin rating this short collection! I have found myself very torn on whether I am overrating this book because I adore this author so much that I'm willing to overlook some really rather mediocre stories, or that I'm underrating the book because these pale so much in comparison to his full novel-length books. I suppose it doesn't really matter, because in the end the result is the same either way: a middle of the road 2.5 stars.
The Deal of a Lifetime and Other Stories comprises 3 short stories that are all rather gloomy.
I found the cover of an almost uplifting-looking Christmas tree to be incredibly misleading and very close to being disrespectful grab at the holiday shopping market. I feel so sorry for anyone who picks this up thinking it will make a great Christmas gift for a Backman lover or to introduce someone to his work - the stories within are not a good representation of what to expect from most of his books, and they're definitely not going to make for a fun read on Christmas afternoon.
One of the things I love most about the author's other works is that he slowly builds these intricate lives that weave together in often unexpected ways. The slow reveal of a crusty old man's inner heart, or the gradual strength found by a middle-aged wimpy woman are compelling to read. It's delightful to discover these lives that seem so different from my own are nonetheless made relatable through Backman's keen insights and attention to detail. None of the stories in this volume are long enough for Backman to work his usual magic.
Of the three stories in this collection, I did not care at all for The Deal of a Lifetime . It just left me very cold. This one plays a bit with the otherworldly, and I had similar problems with it that I had with his novel "My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry". For this one I give 1.5 stars.
I liked most And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer , but it was also the longest of the three tales, and so had the most chance for character development. Although this was certainly not a cheerful story, it fell more to the bittersweet side of things, and was not as gloomy as the other two. For this one I give 3.5 stars.
I had already read Sebastian and the Troll , and I think I actually liked this more on a re-read. This is definitely one I will keep in mind to recommend to those who are struggling with depression. The insights here might be just the right words for the right person at the right time. The problem is that for everyone else, it's just going to be either weird or really sad. 3 stars for this one.
Overall, I would probably only recommend this book to completionists.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for providing me with a DRC of this book.
The Deal of a Lifetime and Other Stories comprises 3 short stories that are all rather gloomy.
I found the cover of an almost uplifting-looking Christmas tree to be incredibly misleading and very close to being disrespectful grab at the holiday shopping market. I feel so sorry for anyone who picks this up thinking it will make a great Christmas gift for a Backman lover or to introduce someone to his work - the stories within are not a good representation of what to expect from most of his books, and they're definitely not going to make for a fun read on Christmas afternoon.
One of the things I love most about the author's other works is that he slowly builds these intricate lives that weave together in often unexpected ways. The slow reveal of a crusty old man's inner heart, or the gradual strength found by a middle-aged wimpy woman are compelling to read. It's delightful to discover these lives that seem so different from my own are nonetheless made relatable through Backman's keen insights and attention to detail. None of the stories in this volume are long enough for Backman to work his usual magic.
Of the three stories in this collection, I did not care at all for The Deal of a Lifetime . It just left me very cold. This one plays a bit with the otherworldly, and I had similar problems with it that I had with his novel "My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry". For this one I give 1.5 stars.
I liked most And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer , but it was also the longest of the three tales, and so had the most chance for character development. Although this was certainly not a cheerful story, it fell more to the bittersweet side of things, and was not as gloomy as the other two. For this one I give 3.5 stars.
I had already read Sebastian and the Troll , and I think I actually liked this more on a re-read. This is definitely one I will keep in mind to recommend to those who are struggling with depression. The insights here might be just the right words for the right person at the right time. The problem is that for everyone else, it's just going to be either weird or really sad. 3 stars for this one.
Overall, I would probably only recommend this book to completionists.
Thank you to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster Canada for providing me with a DRC of this book.
November 10, 2018
The three stories are The Deal of a Lifetime, And Every Morning The Way Home Gets Longer and Longer, and Sebastian and the Troll. The second lengthy novella is perhaps my favorite for its concentration on the grandparent/grandchild relationship. But Iove all Backman's stories so they're all pretty great!
July 7, 2020
These short stories are very personal, and according to the author, never meant to be published.
And his short prologue explains very well.
What all 3 stories have in common: death.
I absolutely loved the writing. There are great dialogues.
His translator is excellent. To translate emotion can be a difficult task.
The first story was, in my opinion, full of anger, at least that’s what I got from it. But it shows a knowledge of the human nature. I just couldn’t stop reading it and I wished it was longer.
The second story was full of love and a heartbreaking one. It was very touching and some lines were hilarious or very cute. The relationship between the grandfather and the little boy was amazing.
The third story was also sad (but too short) about this little boy living in a bubble glass that is about to break.
Yes, I love Fredrick Backman.
And his short prologue explains very well.
What all 3 stories have in common: death.
I absolutely loved the writing. There are great dialogues.
His translator is excellent. To translate emotion can be a difficult task.
The first story was, in my opinion, full of anger, at least that’s what I got from it. But it shows a knowledge of the human nature. I just couldn’t stop reading it and I wished it was longer.
The second story was full of love and a heartbreaking one. It was very touching and some lines were hilarious or very cute. The relationship between the grandfather and the little boy was amazing.
The third story was also sad (but too short) about this little boy living in a bubble glass that is about to break.
Yes, I love Fredrick Backman.
March 30, 2019
This is what was written on the inside of the front flap on the book.
From beloved author Fredrik Backman comes an array of stories about discovering and treasuring what is truly important in life.
THE DEAL OF A LIFETIME is a stirring novella set on Christmas Eve. It tells the story of the intertwining destinies of a man who has built a global business empire but lost his family in the process and a courageous little girl fighting for her life and it asks the question: if you had the chance to change your legacy, would you take it?
In the novella AND EVERY MORNING THE WAY HOME GETS LONGER AND LONGER, an elderly man sits on a bench with his son and grandson, reminiscing and telling jokes. As he recalls his most precious memories and faces his regrets, the man discovers he has one last thing to do: help his family learn to say goodbye without fear.
Finally, in SEBASTIAN AND THE TROLL, a young boy living inside a glass bubble wakes up one morning to discover a troll sitting beside him. The troll warns the boy that his bubble is about to break and that he must learn to fight the nightmares that surround him. The pair sets off to find a path through the darkness and, along the way, the young boy discovers the person he might become.
With his signature humor, compassion and charm, Backman reminds us that life is a gift and what matters most is how we share it with those we love.
"I read this beautifully imagined and moving novella in one sitting, utterly wowed, wanting to share it with everyone I know."
- Lisa Genova, author of STILL ALICE
"The book is illustrated, it's sentimental, it has a whiff of 'It's a Wonderful Life' about it." - Star Tribune
From beloved author Fredrik Backman comes an array of stories about discovering and treasuring what is truly important in life.
THE DEAL OF A LIFETIME is a stirring novella set on Christmas Eve. It tells the story of the intertwining destinies of a man who has built a global business empire but lost his family in the process and a courageous little girl fighting for her life and it asks the question: if you had the chance to change your legacy, would you take it?
In the novella AND EVERY MORNING THE WAY HOME GETS LONGER AND LONGER, an elderly man sits on a bench with his son and grandson, reminiscing and telling jokes. As he recalls his most precious memories and faces his regrets, the man discovers he has one last thing to do: help his family learn to say goodbye without fear.
Finally, in SEBASTIAN AND THE TROLL, a young boy living inside a glass bubble wakes up one morning to discover a troll sitting beside him. The troll warns the boy that his bubble is about to break and that he must learn to fight the nightmares that surround him. The pair sets off to find a path through the darkness and, along the way, the young boy discovers the person he might become.
With his signature humor, compassion and charm, Backman reminds us that life is a gift and what matters most is how we share it with those we love.
"I read this beautifully imagined and moving novella in one sitting, utterly wowed, wanting to share it with everyone I know."
- Lisa Genova, author of STILL ALICE
"The book is illustrated, it's sentimental, it has a whiff of 'It's a Wonderful Life' about it." - Star Tribune
December 18, 2018
This book contains 3 novellas by Fredrik Backman. His books, A Man Called Ove, Beartown, and Us Against You were among my favourite novels of recent years. These short stories focused on illness, depression and death. I found them maudlin. Their overwhelming sadness and resolution failed to resonate with me. I felt my emotions were being manipulated, and the stories left me cold. Although his longer novels were not focused on death, reading them frequently brought tears to my eyes. These short stories left me cold and failed to evoke an emotional response. Waiting impatiently for Beartown 3.
February 16, 2019
Every one of Fredrik Backman’s books has made me a better person in some way. This one is no exception. I love the way he writes and this book, for such a small book, had a lot to say. I’m not gonna lie, I had to put the book down once or twice to shed a tear or two. Excellent! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
August 15, 2024
The Deal of a Lifetime and Other Stories is a collection of three short pieces, two novellas and a short story, by Fredrik Backman. Having read a few Backman books now, I'm starting to get a picture of the type of writer he is. His books are very sentimental and are written in a quirky way that's easy to read, despite the underlying depressing subject matter. Backman will write about kids living with cancer, men who grow old and have to cope with being alone, grandparents succumbing to Alzheimer's disease and slowly forgetting everything, things like that. His stories do seem somewhat designed to make his readers cry and become emotional, but they're also reflective and have some meaning to them.
For me, the stories in this collection were just too short. I didn't really care about any of the characters, because by the time I felt I was getting to know them a bit the story was over. I'm also not the biggest fan of oversentimental writing, which seems to be Backman's thing, so that affected my enjoyment of these stories as well. If you like what Backman's selling, this isn't a bad collection to check out. Just don't expect it to have much of a lasting impact because of the brevity of the stories.
My rating for each story and cumulative rating for the book as a whole are below:
The Deal of a Lifetime: 3.5/5
And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer: 3/5
Sebastian and the Troll: 2/5
8.5/15 = 56.66% = 2.83 stars (rounded up to 3)
For me, the stories in this collection were just too short. I didn't really care about any of the characters, because by the time I felt I was getting to know them a bit the story was over. I'm also not the biggest fan of oversentimental writing, which seems to be Backman's thing, so that affected my enjoyment of these stories as well. If you like what Backman's selling, this isn't a bad collection to check out. Just don't expect it to have much of a lasting impact because of the brevity of the stories.
My rating for each story and cumulative rating for the book as a whole are below:
The Deal of a Lifetime: 3.5/5
And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer: 3/5
Sebastian and the Troll: 2/5
8.5/15 = 56.66% = 2.83 stars (rounded up to 3)
December 25, 2025
Nors tokia trumputė, bet kiek joje jėgos! Šiek tiek mistiška, bet talpinanti savyje gausybę šilumos, meilės ir skausmo. Tai knyga apie kaltę, pasiaukojimą, meilę, rūpestį. Apie pagalbą ir drąsą. Apie žmogiškumą. Apie šeimą. Man labai patiko!
March 17, 2020
Fredrick can do 50 pages what many others can’t with an entire novel. His ability to create an a character you fully understand, hate and love over such a short span it’s truly magical.
February 26, 2023
Deși proza lui Backman mă emoționează de fiecare dată, recunosc că el e genul de autor care știe exact pe ce "butoane" ale sufletului să apese astfel încât proza sa să sensibilizeze garantat publicul.
Din păcate acest lucru s-a simțit mult mai puternic în cele trei nuvele scurte ale sale. Subiecte precum copiii suferinzi de boli incurabile, bătrâni ce-și pierd treptat memoria, pierderea omului drag, nu au cum să te lase rece. Însă atunci când se simte faptul că autorul recurge în mod deliberat la aceste tipare, tranformandu-le într-un laitmotiv al operei sale, efectul așteptat nu se mai produce.
Cu toate acestea nu pot contesta că Backman reușește de minune să împletească tristețea cu o anumită doză de speranță și bunătate, elemente atât de necesare în aceste vremuri sumbre...
📖 "Настоящая неудача - это когда не можешь сделать ещё одну попытку."
📖 "Мы летаем в космос не потому, что боимся пришельцев. Мы боимся, что их там нет. Это Вселенная слишком велика чтобы жить в ней в одиночку."
(Три новеллы / Фредрик Бакман; Синдбад, 2022)
Din păcate acest lucru s-a simțit mult mai puternic în cele trei nuvele scurte ale sale. Subiecte precum copiii suferinzi de boli incurabile, bătrâni ce-și pierd treptat memoria, pierderea omului drag, nu au cum să te lase rece. Însă atunci când se simte faptul că autorul recurge în mod deliberat la aceste tipare, tranformandu-le într-un laitmotiv al operei sale, efectul așteptat nu se mai produce.
Cu toate acestea nu pot contesta că Backman reușește de minune să împletească tristețea cu o anumită doză de speranță și bunătate, elemente atât de necesare în aceste vremuri sumbre...
📖 "Настоящая неудача - это когда не можешь сделать ещё одну попытку."
📖 "Мы летаем в космос не потому, что боимся пришельцев. Мы боимся, что их там нет. Это Вселенная слишком велика чтобы жить в ней в одиночку."
(Три новеллы / Фредрик Бакман; Синдбад, 2022)
November 14, 2022
Wow. Just wow. I never thought words so simple could come together so beautifully. This book has three short stories by Fredrik Backman that are each their own work of art. Backman’s writing style reminds me of a Bob Ross painting that turned into writing - every words as fundamental as a simple stroke of oil paint before you realize you are looking at a masterpiece.
For the first time after reading, I don’t feel like I want more because everything that has been said is perfectly enough. I’m so glad I decided to buy this little book on a whim because it might be one of my favorites.
For the first time after reading, I don’t feel like I want more because everything that has been said is perfectly enough. I’m so glad I decided to buy this little book on a whim because it might be one of my favorites.
March 26, 2020
When even the acknowledgements make you cry.
December 5, 2020
I love love love Fredrik Backman's writing. This book was very difficult to read the year I lost my Dad but it is so beautifully written. It will stay with me.
May 17, 2021
Fredrik Backman is on a quest for my tears. I was sobbing at the middle story, I don’t think I’ve ever been so moved by a work of creative fiction
February 3, 2023
Zamanın və sevdiklərimizin əhəmiyyəti haqqında üç qısa hekayə! Qısa amma səmimi və ürəkdən! Bakman artıq çoxdan mənim sevdiyim müəlliflərin siyahısındadır.
December 12, 2025
❤️🖤🥹🌊🧌
"Kai kuriems iš mūsų galbūt reikia žmogaus, kuris kasryt užkluptų mus kaip audra, kad suprastume, kas iš tiesų yra laikas. Kad prisimintume, ką prarandame, kai nesame dėmesingi."
Trys dienos, trys paveikios istorijos. Manau tai viena tų knygų, tinkanti tiek mažam tiek senam, lyg pastaruoju metu, toks nepelnytai nuvertintas Mažasis princas. Tad drąsiai imkite ir skaitykite savo vaikams, skaitykite patys, dovanokite. Puikiai tinka advento laikorarpiu. Moko įsiklausyti, apmąstyti savo gyvenimą. Kalba apie dvasinę sveikatą.
Pirmasis apsakymas: Svarbiausias gyvenimo sandoris, tai lyg flirtas su Mirtimi. Kai apsvarstęs statai va bank.
Antrasis: Ir kasryt kelias namo vis ilgesnis ir ilgesnis. Ši istorija man buvo ašaringiausia. Kaip demencija paliečia visą šeimą.
Trečiasis: Sebastianas ir trolis. Turbūt buvo paslaptingiausia, labiausiai pasakiškai papasakota, kiekvienas ją supras savaip. Apie depresijos ir nerimo liūną.
Autorius meistriškai pasitelkdamas alegoriją kalba apie kūniškas ligas ir dvasines žaizdas. Prisipažinsiu, iki šiol intuciškai rinkau visas autoriaus knygas, bet nusprendžiau pradėti nuo šios ir pažinčiai puikiai tiko.
"Kai kuriems iš mūsų galbūt reikia žmogaus, kuris kasryt užkluptų mus kaip audra, kad suprastume, kas iš tiesų yra laikas. Kad prisimintume, ką prarandame, kai nesame dėmesingi."
Trys dienos, trys paveikios istorijos. Manau tai viena tų knygų, tinkanti tiek mažam tiek senam, lyg pastaruoju metu, toks nepelnytai nuvertintas Mažasis princas. Tad drąsiai imkite ir skaitykite savo vaikams, skaitykite patys, dovanokite. Puikiai tinka advento laikorarpiu. Moko įsiklausyti, apmąstyti savo gyvenimą. Kalba apie dvasinę sveikatą.
Pirmasis apsakymas: Svarbiausias gyvenimo sandoris, tai lyg flirtas su Mirtimi. Kai apsvarstęs statai va bank.
Antrasis: Ir kasryt kelias namo vis ilgesnis ir ilgesnis. Ši istorija man buvo ašaringiausia. Kaip demencija paliečia visą šeimą.
Trečiasis: Sebastianas ir trolis. Turbūt buvo paslaptingiausia, labiausiai pasakiškai papasakota, kiekvienas ją supras savaip. Apie depresijos ir nerimo liūną.
Autorius meistriškai pasitelkdamas alegoriją kalba apie kūniškas ligas ir dvasines žaizdas. Prisipažinsiu, iki šiol intuciškai rinkau visas autoriaus knygas, bet nusprendžiau pradėti nuo šios ir pažinčiai puikiai tiko.
March 1, 2022
It's difficult for me to rate this book fairly.
I feel like I've just been to a restaurant where I ordered apple pie and was served steak. It doesn't matter how exquisite the steak may have been – it's not what I had been expecting.
The Deal of a Lifetime and Other Stories is listed in 'Oprah Daily's 35 Best Christmas Books.' Confirming that image, the book's cover boasts a large evergreen tree with a bright star shinning on top.
This Christmas branding is disappointing and deceitful.
The title story predominantly takes place on Christmas Eve. No other references to anything Christmas-related are mentioned again in any of these short stories.
Instead, the themes focus on illness, dementia, depression, death and regret. All thought-provoking issues…but definitely not an uplifting holiday read. The unparalleled power of love also runs through these stories. Perhaps they are better suited to a quiet new year reflection.
If the book had more appropriate labelling, it would have allowed me to read it with better timing and headspace. In that scenario, I may have gained more from this read than I did.
Sadly, this collection left me feeling hijacked.
I feel like I've just been to a restaurant where I ordered apple pie and was served steak. It doesn't matter how exquisite the steak may have been – it's not what I had been expecting.
The Deal of a Lifetime and Other Stories is listed in 'Oprah Daily's 35 Best Christmas Books.' Confirming that image, the book's cover boasts a large evergreen tree with a bright star shinning on top.
This Christmas branding is disappointing and deceitful.
The title story predominantly takes place on Christmas Eve. No other references to anything Christmas-related are mentioned again in any of these short stories.
Instead, the themes focus on illness, dementia, depression, death and regret. All thought-provoking issues…but definitely not an uplifting holiday read. The unparalleled power of love also runs through these stories. Perhaps they are better suited to a quiet new year reflection.
If the book had more appropriate labelling, it would have allowed me to read it with better timing and headspace. In that scenario, I may have gained more from this read than I did.
Sadly, this collection left me feeling hijacked.
December 3, 2020
I found Fredrick Backman’s collection of novellas in my library catalogue as I was searching for Christmas themed books.
This short book is a compilation of three short stories. Each are, in their own unique way, poignant and heartwarming; heartbreaking and evocative all at the same time.
Backman certainly has a gift in portraying the deep felt emotions and real life physical and emotional experiences of his characters.
This book is labeled as a holiday book, but I think it deserves to be read anytime of the year!
This short book is a compilation of three short stories. Each are, in their own unique way, poignant and heartwarming; heartbreaking and evocative all at the same time.
Backman certainly has a gift in portraying the deep felt emotions and real life physical and emotional experiences of his characters.
This book is labeled as a holiday book, but I think it deserves to be read anytime of the year!
December 22, 2023
This author has the ability to slay me in about 10 words. That being said I cried the entirety of this book. Page to page I teared up Backman writes life as if he’s done it 4x over and all while wearing a cape. He writing is humble in a way most author’s wish they could emulate and I cannot wait to dive into another of his reads head first with no warning.
Happy Holidays 😍🙌🏽everyone!
Happy Holidays 😍🙌🏽everyone!
April 8, 2025
Great short stories, but a little gloomy.
- “if you had the chance to change your legacy, would you take it?” A life for a life.
- “learn how to say goodbye without fear” this one hit close to home - when the mind goes before the body does… so tough. “That’s why we get the chance to spoil our grandchildren, because by doing that we’re apologizing to our children.”
- “a young boy who struggles with depression and how he finds the courage to discover the person he might become.”
Backman has such a way with words that really reel you in. Great characterization and flow. I also enjoyed the drawings in the version I read.
- “if you had the chance to change your legacy, would you take it?” A life for a life.
- “learn how to say goodbye without fear” this one hit close to home - when the mind goes before the body does… so tough. “That’s why we get the chance to spoil our grandchildren, because by doing that we’re apologizing to our children.”
- “a young boy who struggles with depression and how he finds the courage to discover the person he might become.”
Backman has such a way with words that really reel you in. Great characterization and flow. I also enjoyed the drawings in the version I read.
December 29, 2023
Even through three shorts stories, Backman still has me in my feels. There’s a good chance he’s going to be my favourite author for a long time to come.
February 23, 2024
4 rather than 5 because I didn’t want it to end so soon
April 11, 2025
I love Fredrik Backman, but these are the kind of stories that try so hard to pull at your heartstrings, that they end up having the opposite effect.
October 20, 2024
Первая новелла вонзила в меня иглу.
Вторая новелла вскрыла грудную клетку и вырвала сердце.
Третья новелла разгладила трещины на душе.
После прочтения Бахмана хочется обнять любимых. Обнимите их.
Вторая новелла вскрыла грудную клетку и вырвала сердце.
Третья новелла разгладила трещины на душе.
После прочтения Бахмана хочется обнять любимых. Обнимите их.
June 24, 2021
So there are three stories in this, and the longest one, And Every Morning The Way Home Gets Longer and Longer, I have already read and given 5 stars.
However, the other two stories in this collection I did not like AT ALL. The title story had a weird writing style, an incoherent premise, and was a bummer in a not-good way. The final story was really short but was just absurdly cheesy (even for Backman) and was about with depression who manifests a troll from his imagination to help him learn to be happy. I get that it's a short story, but it was such a simplistic, "just think happy thoughts and then you'll be happy" message that it left a bad taste in my mouth.
I'd give both of those stories one or two stars. However, I can't rate the collection that low, because the largest story is incredible. So I'll give the entire collection 3 stars, with the caveat that I only personally liked the middle story.
However, the other two stories in this collection I did not like AT ALL. The title story had a weird writing style, an incoherent premise, and was a bummer in a not-good way. The final story was really short but was just absurdly cheesy (even for Backman) and was about with depression who manifests a troll from his imagination to help him learn to be happy. I get that it's a short story, but it was such a simplistic, "just think happy thoughts and then you'll be happy" message that it left a bad taste in my mouth.
I'd give both of those stories one or two stars. However, I can't rate the collection that low, because the largest story is incredible. So I'll give the entire collection 3 stars, with the caveat that I only personally liked the middle story.
October 9, 2019
Слегка наивные три сказки-притчи, которые хочется растащить на цитаты, потому что порой все мы нуждаемся в ком-то мудром рядом - логисте в сером свитере, дедушке или даже тролле.
*Космос слишком велик, чтобы на него сердиться, но жизнь достаточно длинна, чтобы успеть подобрать себе в дорогу компанию*
*Космос слишком велик, чтобы на него сердиться, но жизнь достаточно длинна, чтобы успеть подобрать себе в дорогу компанию*
September 8, 2025
And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer was the most painful short story I’ve ever read. We lost our Granddad to dementia and we miss him every day.
“What does it feel like?”
“Like constantly searching for something in your pockets. First you lose the small things, then it’s the big ones. It starts with keys and ends with people”
“What does it feel like?”
“Like constantly searching for something in your pockets. First you lose the small things, then it’s the big ones. It starts with keys and ends with people”
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