What do you think?
Rate this book
Grabben i graven bredvid #1
Benny & Shrimp
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 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 so tidy that her jam jars are in alphabetical order; Benny, a gentle, overworked milk farmer who fears becoming the village's Old Bachelor; and an unlikely love that should not be as complicated as it seems. Reminiscent of the works of Carol Shields, this quirky, humorous, beautifully told novel breathes new life into the age-old conundrum that is love.
An international sensation, this addictively readable tale asks the 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 so tidy that her jam jars are in alphabetical order; Benny, a gentle, overworked milk farmer who fears becoming the village's Old Bachelor; and an unlikely love that should not be as complicated as it seems. Reminiscent of the works of Carol Shields, this quirky, humorous, beautifully told novel breathes new life into the age-old conundrum that is love.
209 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1998
About the author
Katarina Mazetti
102 books62 followersKatarina Mazetti began her career as a teacher and later moved into broadcast journalism. She is a prize-nominated author, commentator, musician, poet, and the producer of “Freja”, a program for women on Swedish radio. Benny & Shrimp has sold more than 450,000 copies in her native Sweden.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 730 reviews
September 15, 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 and obnoxious and over-reacting to everything.
The amazingly awful metaphors the author was fond of (seriously, like 5 per page). My favorite: "She had muscles down there like a milkmaid's hands after a whole summer up in the mountain pastures." And yes, its referring to what you think its referring to.
And then there was the ending. It was unexpected, but that didn't make it any less terrible. Since none of you will hopefully punish yourselves by reading this book, I will spoil it for you: They don't end up together, but Shrimp convinces him to father her children. Which he agrees to, even though by now almost engaged to someone else. And of course, she thinks he's NOT going to so she's crying or screaming or doing something irrational, but then he's there waiting to seduce her. The end. What the hell?
Anyway. Don't read it.
(note: I didn't even mention the creepy co-worker librarian with anti-social tendencies who spies on people instead of making friends.)
The amazingly awful metaphors the author was fond of (seriously, like 5 per page). My favorite: "She had muscles down there like a milkmaid's hands after a whole summer up in the mountain pastures." And yes, its referring to what you think its referring to.
And then there was the ending. It was unexpected, but that didn't make it any less terrible. Since none of you will hopefully punish yourselves by reading this book, I will spoil it for you: They don't end up together, but Shrimp convinces him to father her children. Which he agrees to, even though by now almost engaged to someone else. And of course, she thinks he's NOT going to so she's crying or screaming or doing something irrational, but then he's there waiting to seduce her. The end. What the hell?
Anyway. Don't read it.
(note: I didn't even mention the creepy co-worker librarian with anti-social tendencies who spies on people instead of making friends.)
May 14, 2019
เล่าเรื่องได้สนุก พิลึกแต่สนุก ความป่วนของชีวิตรักระหว่างหนุ่มบ้านนากับสาวคนเมืองผู้มีรสนิยมวิไล ความแตกต่างทางวัฒนธรรม ทัศนคติ และไลฟ์สไตล์ ที่เริ่มต้นในสุสาน และจะมาบรรจบกัน (แบบไหนฟะ) อ่านแล้วขำขันกับมุมมองของทั้งสองฝ่าย เมื่อคนเขียนแบ่งให้แต่ละคนเป็นผู้เล่าเรื่องสลับกันไปมา เวลาที่เราเห็นว่านางเอกคิดแบบนี้ แต่พระเอกคิดอีกอย่างนี่ฮาอย่าบอกใคร
เหมือนอย่างที่เบนนี่บอกแหละ ว่าเบียร์คุณมันเลี้ยงวัวยี่สิบสี่ตัวไม่ได้ ผมต้องการน้ำ เข้าใจมั๊ย ปั๊มน้ำผมเสีย ก่อนจะโยนเสื้อหนังให้แล้วไล่แฟนสาวผู้ซึ่งเพิ่งงัวเงียตื่นและกำลังคิดถึงบทกวีของนักเขียนสวีเดนไปใส่รองเท้าบู๊ต ลงไปยืนปล้ำกับปั๊มน้ำด้วยกัน
แล้วคุณคิดว่าแม่สาวห้องสมุด ผู้สามารถยืนถ่ายรูปรูปปั้นกรีกโบราณได้เป็นวันๆ และนิยมแช่อ่างน้ำร้อนพร้อมกลิ่นลาเวนเดอร์หอมๆ พลางครวญเพลงโอเปร่าด้วยเสียงอ่อนเสียงหวาน จะยอมไปขย่มปั๊มน้ำเครอะสนิมเหม็นกลิ่นขี้วัวกับเขาไหมล่ะ นี่ล่ะนะพลังแห่งรัก / ทุ่มด้วยขวดเบียร์
เหมือนอย่างที่เบนนี่บอกแหละ ว่าเบียร์คุณมันเลี้ยงวัวยี่สิบสี่ตัวไม่ได้ ผมต้องการน้ำ เข้าใจมั๊ย ปั๊มน้ำผมเสีย ก่อนจะโยนเสื้อหนังให้แล้วไล่แฟนสาวผู้ซึ่งเพิ่งงัวเงียตื่นและกำลังคิดถึงบทกวีของนักเขียนสวีเดนไปใส่รองเท้าบู๊ต ลงไปยืนปล้ำกับปั๊มน้ำด้วยกัน
แล้วคุณคิดว่าแม่สาวห้องสมุด ผู้สามารถยืนถ่ายรูปรูปปั้นกรีกโบราณได้เป็นวันๆ และนิยมแช่อ่างน้ำร้อนพร้อมกลิ่นลาเวนเดอร์หอมๆ พลางครวญเพลงโอเปร่าด้วยเสียงอ่อนเสียงหวาน จะยอมไปขย่มปั๊มน้ำเครอะสนิมเหม็นกลิ่นขี้วัวกับเขาไหมล่ะ นี่ล่ะนะพลังแห่งรัก / ทุ่มด้วยขวดเบียร์
July 5, 2015
Чудесный текст с названием, которое обещает расчлененку, а на самом деле - милейшая книжка про opposites attract, любовь и гибридизацию.
Очень смешно, очень трогательно, даже не знаю, почему ее до сих пор все всем не рекомендуют; спасибо, Аня!
Очень смешно, очень трогательно, даже не знаю, почему ее до сих пор все всем не рекомендуют; спасибо, Аня!
November 25, 2015
Le mec de la tome d'a côté ou comment illustrer le parfait clash social entre deux personnes qui s'aiment. On découvre Désirée, jeune veuve, moderne, bibliothécaire et Benny, agriculteur bourru qui déteste la culture, ne pense qu'à son lait, ses vaches et ses terres. Benny, le mec de la tombe d'a côté. Désirée, intriguée par cet homme, si différent. Baaaam la rencontre. Choc des cultures. Un roman qui m'a fait rire et pleurer. Une plume sublime, typiquement le genre suédois que j'aime. Je me plongerais donc dans d'autres romans de Katarina Mazetti.
March 11, 2010
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 picture a guy thinking.
I have to say it's not the usual romance, and the ending is not really happy, which usually bothers me, but this time I closed the book smiling. I couldn't put it down all night and had to stay up sitting in my overstuffed, rundown chair with a silly grin on my face reading till I finished. I was unable to put it down even though Lost was on!
It just spoke to me, something that few, if any, books do lately. I don't know if it was the writer, or the Swedish cultural influence, but I loved it. I might have to look into Swedish writers more often:)
I hope that if you read this book, you feel the same.
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 picture a guy thinking.
I have to say it's not the usual romance, and the ending is not really happy, which usually bothers me, but this time I closed the book smiling. I couldn't put it down all night and had to stay up sitting in my overstuffed, rundown chair with a silly grin on my face reading till I finished. I was unable to put it down even though Lost was on!
It just spoke to me, something that few, if any, books do lately. I don't know if it was the writer, or the Swedish cultural influence, but I loved it. I might have to look into Swedish writers more often:)
I hope that if you read this book, you feel the same.
September 2, 2020
Γνωρίζω ότι στους περισσότερους αναγνώστες δεν αρέσουν βιβλία του είδους του. Εμένα, όμως, τα βιβλία που στηρίζονται στο χιούμορ μου αρέσουν. Τα θεωρώ αγχολυτικά. Γι αυτό το λόγο δεν έδωσα σημασία στη βαθμολογία του συγκεκριμένου. Βέβαια, απογοητεύτηκα. Τρομερά βαρετό και ανούσιο. Δεν γέλασα καθόλου και γενικά δεν... Οπότε μείνετε μακριά...
September 14, 2015
17/20
Sans doute mon roman préféré de Katarina Mazetti. J’ai rigolé et j’ai adoré cette histoire et ce couple hors du commun qui s’étonne des sentiments naissants. Ils n’auraient jamais dû se rencontrer, et pourtant.. C’est mignon, c’est original et c’est drôle. Je lirai la suite !
Ma chronique : https://myprettybooks.wordpress.com/2...
Sans doute mon roman préféré de Katarina Mazetti. J’ai rigolé et j’ai adoré cette histoire et ce couple hors du commun qui s’étonne des sentiments naissants. Ils n’auraient jamais dû se rencontrer, et pourtant.. C’est mignon, c’est original et c’est drôle. Je lirai la suite !
Ma chronique : https://myprettybooks.wordpress.com/2...
August 22, 2009
Mini Synopsis:
Benny is a thirty something, single, hard working, Swedish dairy farmer living on his failing family farm. His mother whom worked diligently with him to keep the farm running has just passed away. “Shrimp” is a librarian whose intellectually based life is in the near by city. She has just lost her husband of several years.
Although opposites, the two cross paths numerous times with one another in the local cemetery when visiting their dead loved one’s graves. While both note their extreme differences and apparent incompatibility with the other, they soon cannot deny their physical chemistry. An unlikely and complicated relationship develops ending with unexpected and unconventional results.
My short thoughts:
It was a short, slightly sad, funny, and refreshing romantic story which did not end with everyone living happily ever after. I highly recommend this to any one who wants to easily step away from the conventional romance and who enjoys reading novels with a taste from another culture – or in this case two. I say this because the story was originally written in Swedish and then translated into “British English”. The text reflects this and makes the writing charming and quirky having idioms from both cultures which are interesting and enjoyable.
Benny is a thirty something, single, hard working, Swedish dairy farmer living on his failing family farm. His mother whom worked diligently with him to keep the farm running has just passed away. “Shrimp” is a librarian whose intellectually based life is in the near by city. She has just lost her husband of several years.
Although opposites, the two cross paths numerous times with one another in the local cemetery when visiting their dead loved one’s graves. While both note their extreme differences and apparent incompatibility with the other, they soon cannot deny their physical chemistry. An unlikely and complicated relationship develops ending with unexpected and unconventional results.
My short thoughts:
It was a short, slightly sad, funny, and refreshing romantic story which did not end with everyone living happily ever after. I highly recommend this to any one who wants to easily step away from the conventional romance and who enjoys reading novels with a taste from another culture – or in this case two. I say this because the story was originally written in Swedish and then translated into “British English”. The text reflects this and makes the writing charming and quirky having idioms from both cultures which are interesting and enjoyable.
January 30, 2022
Не знаю, читала ли я что-то более милое
February 3, 2012
Cela faisait longtemps que je voulais lire ce roman. Je crois que c'est son titre qui m'intriguait le plus, le résumé avait l'air appétissant aussi. Mais finalement j'ai été très déçue et je me suis accroché pour le finir...
Les personnages sont vraiment très caricaturaux et les stéréotypes qu'ils véhiculent sont vraiment insupportables, si bien qu'on ne s'attache absolument pas à eux. Si encore ils évoluaient au fil du roman, mais ce n'est absolument pas le cas, ils restent tout au long de l'histoire butés, égoïstes et clairement idiots, ils faut bien le dire.
J'ai trouvé l'écriture assez insupportable, les références aux ovaires de madame (!?!) très lassantes.
La fin n'a aucun sens.
Je me demande comment un tel roman a pu avoir autant de succès, ça reste vraiment un mystère pour moi...
Les personnages sont vraiment très caricaturaux et les stéréotypes qu'ils véhiculent sont vraiment insupportables, si bien qu'on ne s'attache absolument pas à eux. Si encore ils évoluaient au fil du roman, mais ce n'est absolument pas le cas, ils restent tout au long de l'histoire butés, égoïstes et clairement idiots, ils faut bien le dire.
J'ai trouvé l'écriture assez insupportable, les références aux ovaires de madame (!?!) très lassantes.
La fin n'a aucun sens.
Je me demande comment un tel roman a pu avoir autant de succès, ça reste vraiment un mystère pour moi...
March 24, 2022
Knihu som čítala po druhýkrát. Po cca ôsmych rokoch od dočítania som si pamätala iba niektoré detaily, s ktorými som sa pri opätovnom čítaní stretla ako so starými známymi. :-)
Mám túto knihu veľmi rada. Červené ženské lodičky a štíhle ženské nohy na obálke evokujú na prvý pohľad ľahší, alebo plytší príbeh, nie je tomu tak.
Zrážka dvoch ľudí žijúcich v odlišných prostrediach- knihovníčka a farmár, je pre mňa predobrazom mnohých vzťahov, ktoré možno navonok nemajú šancu na happyend. Magická príťažlivosť dvoch ľudí, ktorým by bolo možno lepšie jednému bez druhého je silou, ktorá je možná iba u ľudí, tajomnou, nevysvetliteľnou esenciou niektorých vzťahov, ktoré silou tornáda rozbíjajú a narúšajú naše očakávania a predstavy o láske.
Mám túto knihu veľmi rada. Červené ženské lodičky a štíhle ženské nohy na obálke evokujú na prvý pohľad ľahší, alebo plytší príbeh, nie je tomu tak.
Zrážka dvoch ľudí žijúcich v odlišných prostrediach- knihovníčka a farmár, je pre mňa predobrazom mnohých vzťahov, ktoré možno navonok nemajú šancu na happyend. Magická príťažlivosť dvoch ľudí, ktorým by bolo možno lepšie jednému bez druhého je silou, ktorá je možná iba u ľudí, tajomnou, nevysvetliteľnou esenciou niektorých vzťahov, ktoré silou tornáda rozbíjajú a narúšajú naše očakávania a predstavy o láske.
January 5, 2021
รีวิว 2/2021
หนังสือ: ชายหนุ่มหลุมข้างๆ
เขียน : Katarina Mazetti
แปล : ธนิดา ปาณิกวงษ์ เปอเล่
สำนักพิมพ์ : กำมะหยี่
ราคา : 190 บาท
พิมพ์ครั้งแรก : มกราคม 2556
.
.
ชอบการเลือกสรรหนังสือของสำนักพิมพ์กำมะหยี่ครับ มีเอกลักษณ์เฉพาะตัวหาจับตัวยากจริงๆ
.
.
.
ปกติผมไม่ค่อยได้อ่านแนวรักๆใคร่ๆ เรียกได้ว่าแทบจะเป็น 0 หนังโรแมนติกรอมคอมก็ไม่ค่อยได้ดูแล้ว
.
.
แต่พอมาลองอ่านเรื่องนี้พบว่าเห้ย มันสนุกดีนะ ผู้ชายอ่านได้ ไม่เลี่ยน ไม่เอียน อินไปกับตัวละครไม่ยาก นิสัยของคนใน���นังสือมันเรียลและจับต้องได้ มีความดิบ และ น่ารัก แสบสันต์ อยู่ในเล่ม
.
.
.
หนังสือเล่าเรื่องราวความรักระหว่าง
เธอ-เดซิเร่ บรรณารักษ์สาว ที่เป็นหนอนหนังสือ มีการศึกษาความรู้โตมาในตระกูลที่ดี ได้สูญเสียสามีคนเก่าไปจากอุบัติเหตุ
เขา-เบนนี่ ชาวไร่ เต็มขั้น ล่ำบึ้ก ซื้อตรง ขยันทำงาน
โดยเหตุการณ์รักๆนี้ทั้งหมดเกิดขึ้นในสวีเดน โดยเริ่มต้นที่หลุมฝังศพ
.
.
ชอบตรงที่หนังสือ แฝง วัฒนธรรม ค่านิยม ประเพณี ของสวีเดนไว้ได้เยอะมากและเเนบเนียน ทำให้รู้จักประเทศนี้มากขึ้น
.
.
.
.
สรุปความคิดเห็น ข้อสังเหตุ
- ความแตกต่างของชายหญิง คู่นี้ต้องอาศัย การปรับตัวและวางอีโก้ที่มากโข สนุกครับ
- ไม่มีตัวละครดีหรือร้าย ต้องตัดสินกันเอาเอง
- วิธีเล่าเรื่อง คือความคิดในหัวของทั้งสองตัวละคร ต่อเหตุการณ์เดียวกันเกือบทั้งเรื่อง อันนี้เท่ามาก
-
คะแนน 8/10
หนังสือ: ชายหนุ่มหลุมข้างๆ
เขียน : Katarina Mazetti
แปล : ธนิดา ปาณิกวงษ์ เปอเล่
สำนักพิมพ์ : กำมะหยี่
ราคา : 190 บาท
พิมพ์ครั้งแรก : มกราคม 2556
.
.
ชอบการเลือกสรรหนังสือของสำนักพิมพ์กำมะหยี่ครับ มีเอกลักษณ์เฉพาะตัวหาจับตัวยากจริงๆ
.
.
.
ปกติผมไม่ค่อยได้อ่านแนวรักๆใคร่ๆ เรียกได้ว่าแทบจะเป็น 0 หนังโรแมนติกรอมคอมก็ไม่ค่อยได้ดูแล้ว
.
.
แต่พอมาลองอ่านเรื่องนี้พบว่าเห้ย มันสนุกดีนะ ผู้ชายอ่านได้ ไม่เลี่ยน ไม่เอียน อินไปกับตัวละครไม่ยาก นิสัยของคนใน���นังสือมันเรียลและจับต้องได้ มีความดิบ และ น่ารัก แสบสันต์ อยู่ในเล่ม
.
.
.
หนังสือเล่าเรื่องราวความรักระหว่าง
เธอ-เดซิเร่ บรรณารักษ์สาว ที่เป็นหนอนหนังสือ มีการศึกษาความรู้โตมาในตระกูลที่ดี ได้สูญเสียสามีคนเก่าไปจากอุบัติเหตุ
เขา-เบนนี่ ชาวไร่ เต็มขั้น ล่ำบึ้ก ซื้อตรง ขยันทำงาน
โดยเหตุการณ์รักๆนี้ทั้งหมดเกิดขึ้นในสวีเดน โดยเริ่มต้นที่หลุมฝังศพ
.
.
ชอบตรงที่หนังสือ แฝง วัฒนธรรม ค่านิยม ประเพณี ของสวีเดนไว้ได้เยอะมากและเเนบเนียน ทำให้รู้จักประเทศนี้มากขึ้น
.
.
.
.
สรุปความคิดเห็น ข้อสังเหตุ
- ความแตกต่างของชายหญิง คู่นี้ต้องอาศัย การปรับตัวและวางอีโก้ที่มากโข สนุกครับ
- ไม่มีตัวละครดีหรือร้าย ต้องตัดสินกันเอาเอง
- วิธีเล่าเรื่อง คือความคิดในหัวของทั้งสองตัวละคร ต่อเหตุการณ์เดียวกันเกือบทั้งเรื่อง อันนี้เท่ามาก
-
คะแนน 8/10
July 29, 2023
Sākumā man ļoti patika it kā reālistsikais attainojums, kā būtu būt kopā diviem patiešām atšķirīgiem cilvēkiem (ka tas nav viegli, ja tiešām nav citu kopīgu interešu kā savstarpēja pievilkšanās) un ar laiku arī nepaliek vieglāk, bet ap grāmtas visu sāka apnikt, jo bija jau skaidrs, ka tā arī paliks. Abu varoņu beigu lēmums tiešām nepatika tīri cilvēcīgi. Kopumā likās, ka šis ideāli iederētos Vakara (ex-Lata) romānu sērijā, ja autore būtu latviete.
March 14, 2022
Toto bolo veľmi oddychove, ľahké čítanie. Odporúčam ak máte chuť na zábavnú love story ktora nieje pateticka. Práveže opačne, situácie a otázky ktoré kladu su velmi reálne a autorka vôbec nezlahčuje to že sa stretnú dvaja uplne odlišný ľudía vo svojih 35+ a žiadnemu sa nedá ustúpiť zo svojho života a svojih sposobov, a ani nieje moc ako... Mam pocit že všetcia mame takého, nejakeho chlapíka/ dievča z vedľajšieho hrobu...
August 28, 2023
Ko es tikko izlasīju? 🙄
Šī grāmata kādu brīdi tika apspriesta manā grāmatnieku burbulī kā savdabīgs un oriğināls gabals...
Man riebjas pamest grāmatas puslasītas un arī šo izmocīju - vispirms cerot, ka varbūt paliks labāk, pēc tam domājot, vai var palikt vēl sviestaināk. Jā, beigas stulbumā pārspēja visu.
Mani kaitināja viss - galvenie varoņi, otrā plāna tēli, rakstnieces humora izjūta.
Sen šitāds savārstījums nebija lasīts...
Šī grāmata kādu brīdi tika apspriesta manā grāmatnieku burbulī kā savdabīgs un oriğināls gabals...
Man riebjas pamest grāmatas puslasītas un arī šo izmocīju - vispirms cerot, ka varbūt paliks labāk, pēc tam domājot, vai var palikt vēl sviestaināk. Jā, beigas stulbumā pārspēja visu.
Mani kaitināja viss - galvenie varoņi, otrā plāna tēli, rakstnieces humora izjūta.
Sen šitāds savārstījums nebija lasīts...
June 1, 2023
Man patika. Savadabīgs, atšķirīgs un forši dīvains romāns.
December 24, 2017
Не знам за кой път си препрочитам тази книга и откривам нови и нови неща, които да ме разсмеят или натъжат.
Много мъдрост има в нея и нещата от живота такива каквито са.
Толкова свеж хумор.
Тук намерих "Бежовата" като любимо определение.
И това , че има хора на които дори с електрическа резачка да им отстраниш мозъка , пак няма да се забележи разлика.
Освен всичко останало, в тази книга намирам потвърждение, че любовта може да събере напълно противоположни хора и в крайна сметка да възтържествува.
Тук няма да намерите обичайната романтика или някакви възвишени чувства и действия.
Тук обаче ще намерите живота такъв какъвто е.
Много мъдрост има в нея и нещата от живота такива каквито са.
Толкова свеж хумор.
Тук намерих "Бежовата" като любимо определение.
И това , че има хора на които дори с електрическа резачка да им отстраниш мозъка , пак няма да се забележи разлика.
Освен всичко останало, в тази книга намирам потвърждение, че любовта може да събере напълно противоположни хора и в крайна сметка да възтържествува.
Тук няма да намерите обичайната романтика или някакви възвишени чувства и действия.
Тук обаче ще намерите живота такъв какъвто е.
March 26, 2022
Nech vas neodradi otrasna obalka, ktora s pribehom ma spolocne iba gumaky, ktore nosi jeden z protagonistov. Dvaja ludia okolo 35tky, ktori sa nahodou stretnu na hroboch, koho asi nie je uplne dolezite. Ale pritahuju sa tak, ze spadnu do vztahu, ktory sa ukaze...komplikovany. Lebo farmar, co chova kravy a knihovnicka, hm, uplne ine svety, ze? Kazda kapitola je na striedacku venovana jednemu z protagonistov, takze sa pozerame na niektore situacie z oboch stran a o to je to zaujimavejsie. Nikto sa na nic nehra, dialogy a konflikty nie su vykonstruovane, ale naozaj uveritelne. Ako najst k sebe cestu? Za mna velmi prijemna a aj vtipna kniha.
April 25, 2017
Un libro scandinavo che non é un giallo...
Un libro consigliato da un'amica che mai e poi mai avrei pensato potesse consigliarmi un libro così...
Un libro da leggere con una fumante tazza di te sul tavolino...
E ora, giunta all'ultima pagina, scopro che c'é pure un seguito...ma sarebbe comunque andato bene così!
Un libro consigliato da un'amica che mai e poi mai avrei pensato potesse consigliarmi un libro così...
Un libro da leggere con una fumante tazza di te sul tavolino...
E ora, giunta all'ultima pagina, scopro che c'é pure un seguito...ma sarebbe comunque andato bene così!
Shelved as 'dnfed'
April 30, 2020I feel like it's not for me at all. Too bad!
May 23, 2015
Elle est bibliothécaire et citadine, il est fermier et ne jure que par ses vaches. Tous les deux se jugeaient et se détestaient avant même de se connaître. Et puis il y a eu un sourire inattendu d'échangé. Leur lieu de rencontre quotidien : un cimetière. Peu banal. Tout comme leur relation !
Même si j'ai très vite accroché à l'humour mordant de Désirée et Benny, je partais tout de même avec une certaine appréhension puisque je lisais sur ce roman plus de critiques négatives que positives. Finalement, la surprise a été plutôt bonne !
L'histoire à la L'Amour est dans le Pré n'est pas forcément originale puisque l'auteur ne fait que traiter de l'amour malgré les différences comme tant d'autres l'ont déjà fait et continueront de le faire, mais il y deux points forts dans Le mec de la tombe d'à côté : Désirée et Benny. Pas si stéréotypés que ça (disons pas à l'extrême), ils sont dotés de pas mal de jugeote mais surtout d'humour et de sarcasme. Ils sont diamétralement opposés et pourtant, ils sont attirés comme des aimants même si la raison leur dit qu'ils ne sont pas faits pour être ensemble.
Leur relation évolue très vite mais c'est aussi ce qui rend leur couple original. Pour le coup ce n'est pas l'amour au premier regard mais bien au premier sourire. Ils s'amusent, ils s'adorent, ils s'embrouillent... mais relancent la boucle encore et encore et c'est de cette façon qu'ils se découvrent petit à petit. Ils sont trop différents, ils le savent, ça ne marchera jamais à long terme et pourtant ils ressentent LE truc. Et j'ai aimé que ces trentenaires un peu effrayés par l'avenir continuent d'écouter les papillons dans leur ventre même si ça n'est pas raisonnable, même si ça n'est plus de leur âge. Ils sont drôles - j'ai souri et même pouffé un tas de fois ! - ils sont touchants et cette romance a quelque chose de frais malgré son côté un peu désuet (le roman date de 1998 !)
Vraiment une petite romance toute sympa qui se lit très vite, qui peut faire réfléchir (oui, elle m'a fait réfléchir) et il me tarde de lire la suite !
Même si j'ai très vite accroché à l'humour mordant de Désirée et Benny, je partais tout de même avec une certaine appréhension puisque je lisais sur ce roman plus de critiques négatives que positives. Finalement, la surprise a été plutôt bonne !
L'histoire à la L'Amour est dans le Pré n'est pas forcément originale puisque l'auteur ne fait que traiter de l'amour malgré les différences comme tant d'autres l'ont déjà fait et continueront de le faire, mais il y deux points forts dans Le mec de la tombe d'à côté : Désirée et Benny. Pas si stéréotypés que ça (disons pas à l'extrême), ils sont dotés de pas mal de jugeote mais surtout d'humour et de sarcasme. Ils sont diamétralement opposés et pourtant, ils sont attirés comme des aimants même si la raison leur dit qu'ils ne sont pas faits pour être ensemble.
Leur relation évolue très vite mais c'est aussi ce qui rend leur couple original. Pour le coup ce n'est pas l'amour au premier regard mais bien au premier sourire. Ils s'amusent, ils s'adorent, ils s'embrouillent... mais relancent la boucle encore et encore et c'est de cette façon qu'ils se découvrent petit à petit. Ils sont trop différents, ils le savent, ça ne marchera jamais à long terme et pourtant ils ressentent LE truc. Et j'ai aimé que ces trentenaires un peu effrayés par l'avenir continuent d'écouter les papillons dans leur ventre même si ça n'est pas raisonnable, même si ça n'est plus de leur âge. Ils sont drôles - j'ai souri et même pouffé un tas de fois ! - ils sont touchants et cette romance a quelque chose de frais malgré son côté un peu désuet (le roman date de 1998 !)
Vraiment une petite romance toute sympa qui se lit très vite, qui peut faire réfléchir (oui, elle m'a fait réfléchir) et il me tarde de lire la suite !
July 28, 2009
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 about each other are less than flattering.
(Benny)....."And then she's there. Faded, like some old color photo that's been on display for years. Dried-out blond hair, a pale face, white eyebrows and lashes, wishy-washy pastel clothes, always something vaguely blue or beige".
(Benny)....."Suppose I've spent too long with just cows for company.....At the cemetery gates I ran into the beige woman. I thought she'd be looking at me warily, afraid smarmy Benny might fire off his lunatic smile at her again, so I knitted my brow and gave her a curt nod as I passed her".
(Shrimp)....." It was a clear, cold autumn day and I took my usual walk to the grave on my lunch break. The Forest Owner was sitting there on the bench; he glowered at me, as if I were trespassing in his own private cemetery. His paws were all soily; he'd probably just got the day's gardening stint out of the way. Wonder why he's only got three fingers".
A quirky, but down-to-earth story that will make you smile and laugh, and perhaps even renew your belief in the fact that, if your eyes and heart are open, there is someone out there for most everyone.
A satisfying read with a ending that left me wondering if a sequel, might not be in the works. Give Benny & Shrimp a try. I think you will be pleased you did.
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 about each other are less than flattering.
(Benny)....."And then she's there. Faded, like some old color photo that's been on display for years. Dried-out blond hair, a pale face, white eyebrows and lashes, wishy-washy pastel clothes, always something vaguely blue or beige".
(Benny)....."Suppose I've spent too long with just cows for company.....At the cemetery gates I ran into the beige woman. I thought she'd be looking at me warily, afraid smarmy Benny might fire off his lunatic smile at her again, so I knitted my brow and gave her a curt nod as I passed her".
(Shrimp)....." It was a clear, cold autumn day and I took my usual walk to the grave on my lunch break. The Forest Owner was sitting there on the bench; he glowered at me, as if I were trespassing in his own private cemetery. His paws were all soily; he'd probably just got the day's gardening stint out of the way. Wonder why he's only got three fingers".
A quirky, but down-to-earth story that will make you smile and laugh, and perhaps even renew your belief in the fact that, if your eyes and heart are open, there is someone out there for most everyone.
A satisfying read with a ending that left me wondering if a sequel, might not be in the works. Give Benny & Shrimp a try. I think you will be pleased you did.
September 20, 2009
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 farmer is Benny. He has just lost his mother, the one person who held his house hold together. Benny milks his 24 cows twice a day and her tends to all the farms needs, after that he has little time for cleaning, cooking or worrying how warm it is in the house. Benny hasn't done anything to the house since his mother died, so it is full of her cross stitch and fake plants with a thick layer of dust to hold it all together.
Sitting next to each other on that bench they see each other smile, and the sparks fly. Benny and Desiree (who he aptly names Shrimp) begin a whirl wind romance like none you have ever experienced. This novel was originally written in Swedish and now we have the tremendous opportunity to read this hilarious book by this inspiring author. If there was anything lost in the translation you would never know it. This novel is intelligent, hilarious, romantic, happy and melancholy all at one time. I would not be surprised to see this one on all the BEST SELLERS list very soon.
That farmer is Benny. He has just lost his mother, the one person who held his house hold together. Benny milks his 24 cows twice a day and her tends to all the farms needs, after that he has little time for cleaning, cooking or worrying how warm it is in the house. Benny hasn't done anything to the house since his mother died, so it is full of her cross stitch and fake plants with a thick layer of dust to hold it all together.
Sitting next to each other on that bench they see each other smile, and the sparks fly. Benny and Desiree (who he aptly names Shrimp) begin a whirl wind romance like none you have ever experienced. This novel was originally written in Swedish and now we have the tremendous opportunity to read this hilarious book by this inspiring author. If there was anything lost in the translation you would never know it. This novel is intelligent, hilarious, romantic, happy and melancholy all at one time. I would not be surprised to see this one on all the BEST SELLERS list very soon.
September 4, 2010
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 begins with Benny & Shrimp meeting each other in an unconventional 'pick up' spot - the cemetery. How romantic. The author does a good job getting under the skin of both of the main characters. The story is told in alternating first person viewpoints and unlike some other books, the "voices" of the characters are completely believable. I'm not sure if I agree with the reviewers on the jacket cover...it definitely didn't "restore my faith in love", although it did "put a smile on my face". The author created so many barriers between these two people getting together, that towards the end, I frantically kept wondering what would happen because the pages were running out and Benny and Shrimp seemed like they were still on two different planets and there was no figurative star bridge in sight. The ending was so abrupt and different from what I expected, that I'm still trying to figure out whether or not I liked it or if it was a let down. Borrowing Christy's phrase, the whole book was an "unromantic comedy" but maybe that's how life is some or most of the time.
Benny & Shrimp, what a strange title! And probably why I grabbed it off the "M" fiction shelf at the library. Definitely offbeat. The story begins with Benny & Shrimp meeting each other in an unconventional 'pick up' spot - the cemetery. How romantic. The author does a good job getting under the skin of both of the main characters. The story is told in alternating first person viewpoints and unlike some other books, the "voices" of the characters are completely believable. I'm not sure if I agree with the reviewers on the jacket cover...it definitely didn't "restore my faith in love", although it did "put a smile on my face". The author created so many barriers between these two people getting together, that towards the end, I frantically kept wondering what would happen because the pages were running out and Benny and Shrimp seemed like they were still on two different planets and there was no figurative star bridge in sight. The ending was so abrupt and different from what I expected, that I'm still trying to figure out whether or not I liked it or if it was a let down. Borrowing Christy's phrase, the whole book was an "unromantic comedy" but maybe that's how life is some or most of the time.
July 22, 2013
Nagyon jó alapötlet, nagyon jó stílus, humor, irónia, stb., és tetszett az is, hogy fejezetenként váltogatja az elbeszélőt, így ugyanaz a történet két szemszögből olvasható. (Sokszor épp ettől olyan vicces.) Szóval ügyesen leütögeti a saját magának feladott labdákat, sokat nevettem rajta. De teljesen egyetértek a molyról @ppeva értékelésével, hogy mondanivaló szempontjából mellesleg katasztrófa ez a könyv. Én is néha legszívesebben oldalba rúgtam volna (öhm) a főhős könyvtároskisasszonyt a maga sznobériáival és „ellenállhatatlan fellángolásaival”, amelyeknek valahogy a való világban is olyan fájdalmasan kevesen tudnak ellenállni. Mert tényleg sokan döntenek hollywoodi filmek tanulságaira alapozva a saját és utódaik sorsáról, amit bizonyos értelemben véve én is megbocsájthatatlannak tartok, legalábbis szívem mélyén nem tudom sajnálni azokat az embereket, akik a könyv végétől számított egy-öt-tíz évvel később keseregnek, hogy mennyire elbaltázott is az életük, és milyen rosszul tették, amikor a hormonjaik (bocs, hatalmas, lángoló, ellenállhatatlan szerelem) által vezérelve választottak örök társat, ezért kénytelenek elválni, és fejest ugrani a következő, immár igazi és tényleg örök, bár hasonló módon választott kapcsolatba.
Jaj, eltértem a tárgytól – azért jó könyv ez, kikapcsol és szórakoztat, csak nehogy komolyan vegyük és bedőljünk a tanulságainak. :)
(Még szerencse, hogy nem a tanulságai miatt vettem le a polcról.)
Jaj, eltértem a tárgytól – azért jó könyv ez, kikapcsol és szórakoztat, csak nehogy komolyan vegyük és bedőljünk a tanulságainak. :)
(Még szerencse, hogy nem a tanulságai miatt vettem le a polcról.)
October 7, 2009
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. Contradictory, huh? On the other hand, I wanted Benny, the lovable farmer, to enjoy the culture that Shrimp wants to share but at the same time I wanted Shrimp to adapt to farm life. Sigh. Tis love, I guess.
Sometimes books that were popular in their native language, doesn't translate well into English but that doesn't seem to be an issue here. From Swedish to English, the point, the prose and the love came across. Give this a chance, I am disappointed I didn't sooner. This is definitely one I will read again.
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. Contradictory, huh? On the other hand, I wanted Benny, the lovable farmer, to enjoy the culture that Shrimp wants to share but at the same time I wanted Shrimp to adapt to farm life. Sigh. Tis love, I guess.
Sometimes books that were popular in their native language, doesn't translate well into English but that doesn't seem to be an issue here. From Swedish to English, the point, the prose and the love came across. Give this a chance, I am disappointed I didn't sooner. This is definitely one I will read again.
October 30, 2009
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 know it's time to make a big decision. I don't want to give away any more of the book but I will encourage you to make time to read Benny & Shrimp. I'm glad I did and hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Note: Also included in the book is a Q&A with the author as well as discussion questions. In the interview Katarina Mazetti says she wrote a sequel a few years after Benny & Shrimp was published. Has anyone read it? I searched online but didn't find any mention of it. Maybe there isn't an English translation yet.
Note: Also included in the book is a Q&A with the author as well as discussion questions. In the interview Katarina Mazetti says she wrote a sequel a few years after Benny & Shrimp was published. Has anyone read it? I searched online but didn't find any mention of it. Maybe there isn't an English translation yet.
September 15, 2009
It's rare that I come across a novel that I can't find fault with. Benny & Shrimp happens to be one of those rare books.
Mazetti has a way of holding your attention despite the fact that nothing much happens. It's such a simple story, yet the romance between the main characters is anything but. Benny & Shrimp is not plot driven, it's character driven. Such stories require a great deal in the way of characterization and, with such lovable, quirky figures, Mazetti gives us just that.
The ways that both Benny and Shrimp describe their world and the events that occur between them are so honest. I quite enjoyed how the alternating points-of-view allowed for a complete understanding of both characters, their actions, and their developing relationship...
...To continue reading this review, visit my blog, The Eclectic Book Lover.
Mazetti has a way of holding your attention despite the fact that nothing much happens. It's such a simple story, yet the romance between the main characters is anything but. Benny & Shrimp is not plot driven, it's character driven. Such stories require a great deal in the way of characterization and, with such lovable, quirky figures, Mazetti gives us just that.
The ways that both Benny and Shrimp describe their world and the events that occur between them are so honest. I quite enjoyed how the alternating points-of-view allowed for a complete understanding of both characters, their actions, and their developing relationship...
...To continue reading this review, visit my blog, The Eclectic Book Lover.
February 5, 2010
So, there's a dairy farmer and a librarian. They meet in a cemetery. Her husband is dead. His parents are dead. "Who stands up for the dead? Looks after their rights, listens to their problems, and waters their potted plants?" p.1
The development of this relationship is truthful, unsentimental and as stubborn as the characters. I even liked the ending--nonfairytale-type.
p.36: "She looked like somebody who reads books all the time, voluntarily. Long ones, with small print and no pictures."
p.44: "And I was in love with her. There wasn't a sudden click or anything like that. It felt more like that time I accidentally leaned against the electric fence."
p.94: Life, steaming and messy, I've got the better of it, I put labels on it, seal it in folders, and file it in the archive."
The development of this relationship is truthful, unsentimental and as stubborn as the characters. I even liked the ending--nonfairytale-type.
p.36: "She looked like somebody who reads books all the time, voluntarily. Long ones, with small print and no pictures."
p.44: "And I was in love with her. There wasn't a sudden click or anything like that. It felt more like that time I accidentally leaned against the electric fence."
p.94: Life, steaming and messy, I've got the better of it, I put labels on it, seal it in folders, and file it in the archive."
October 7, 2018
Δεν υπάρχει περίπτωση κάποιος να με πείσει ότι γράφτηκε αυτό το πρώτο μέρος, και όχι το πρώτο βιβλίο όπως ισχυρίζονται, και επειδή πήγε εξαιρετικά καλά σε σχέση με τις πωλήσεις, γράφτηκε και η συνέχεια. Το βιβλίο σταματά απίστευτα απότομα και το δεύτερο μέρος είναι απλά η συνέχεια της ιστορίας. Ούτε μπορεί κάποιος να με πείσει ότι διαβάζονται αυτά τα δύο βιβλία ξεχωριστά όπως έγραφε το δεύτερο βιβλίο, μιας και αυτό αγόρασα πρώτα. Αυτά τα μαρκετινίστικα πολύ με εκνευρίζουν διότι υποτιμούν τη νοημοσύνη μας.
Κατά τα άλλο μου άρεσε η όλη ιστορία πακέτο με τη συνέχειά του.
Κατά τα άλλο μου άρεσε η όλη ιστορία πακέτο με τη συνέχειά του.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 730 reviews