And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer by Fredrik Bachman - 5 stars and a heart

[Barbara M]

A quick novella needing a box of tissues. Yes, it's sad but also very sweet, almost life-affirming.

This is the story of a grandfather talking with his beloved grandson whom he calls Noah Noah. He always says the name twice because he loves the name (and the boy) so much. The grandfather is trying so hard to hold onto his memories and they are leaving him.

The book is quick, I listened to this wonderful reading by David Morse in just an afternoon while in my quilting room. It was hard to see what I was doing, my tears got in the way. I probably cried more because my mother is deep into dementia, it's been progressing for the past 7 years and suddenly, it seems, it has gotten so much worse. Backman handles the story in a beautiful way showing the wonderful relationship he has with his grandson. There is also his son who plays a more minor part in the story because his father was working and they are so different. Grandson Noah shares his love of Mathematics, unlike the son who "preferred Words."

Backman writes this like poetry with beautiful images that are sometimes surreal. He wasn't going to release this according to the preface. He was writing it for himself but he was encouraged to get it published and I'm glad he did. I won't forget this story, I think it will be a favorite for this year.

[Book Concierge]

Lovely review, Barbara. I might just try this one this month.