Britt-Marie Was Here

A Novel

By: Fredrik Backman

Narrated by: Joan Walker

Length: 9 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

From the best-selling author of the "charming debut" (People) A Man Called Ove and My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry, a heartwarming and hilarious story of a reluctant outsider who transforms a tiny village and a woman who finds love and second chances in the unlikeliest of places.

Britt-Marie can't stand mess. She eats dinner at precisely the right time and starts her day at six in the morning because only lunatics wake up later than that. And she is not passive-aggressive. Not in the least. It's just that sometimes people interpret her helpful suggestions as criticisms, which is certainly not her intention.

But at 63, Britt-Marie has had enough. She finally walks out on her loveless 40-year marriage and finds a job in the only place she can: Borg, a small, derelict town devastated by the financial crisis. For the fastidious Britt-Marie, this new world of noisy children, muddy floors, and a roommate who is a rat (literally) is a hard adjustment.

As for the citizens of Borg, with everything that they know crumbling around them, the only thing that they have left to hold on to is something Britt-Marie absolutely loathes: their love of soccer. When the village's youth team becomes desperate for a coach, they set their sights on her. She's the least likely candidate, but their need is obvious, and there is no one else to do it.

Thus begins a beautiful and unlikely partnership. In her new role as reluctant mentor to these lost young boys and girls, Britt-Marie soon finds herself becoming increasingly vital to the community. And, even more surprisingly, she is the object of romantic desire for a friendly and handsome local policeman named Sven. In this world of oddballs and misfits, can Britt-Marie finally find a place where she belongs?

Zany and full of heart, Britt-Marie Was Here is a novel about love and second chances and about the unexpected friendships we make that teach us who we really are and the things we are capable of doing.

©2016 Fredrik Backman. All rights reserved. (P)2016 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All rights reserved.

Critic reviews

"[Narrator Joan] Walker's engaged, seamless narration combined with the heartwarming story makes for delightful listening." ( AudioFile)

Charming

I love this author's writing, the ability to turn peoples' foibles, eccentricities, or bad habits into something explainable, charming, even redeeming.

We first met Britt-Marie in "My Grandmother Asked me to Tell you She's Sorry." You do not need to read that book to appreciate this one.
It's the story of a town, of a people, of one person... the ripples in a pond, each person making a difference if they get an opportunity.
The writing is more repetitive and less charming than the author's previous works, but it's still a great way to spend some time :)

Another winner from Fredrik Backman!

This is the 2nd novel that I have read of Frederick Backman. Glad to know that he had another great story out there. I laughed & cried with Britt-Marie. I highly recommend letting her into your life.

inspiring fiction

the author once again succeeds at making us like a character who in other circumstances might be subject to ridicule. he not only makes us like them but inspires us with their steadfast and unavoidably conservative nature.

Love it!

I wish it would never have come to an end.i will get more of the books by Backman.

Frederik Backman

Another great novel by Frederik Backman. He has a unique ability to develop characters with flaws and charm.

Great book

It was a surprisingly good book. Enjoyed the story and the character Britt- Marie. Funny and heart warming. Good listening

Unexpected!

Thought it was going to drone on about this woman with OCD but it quickly takes to this fun adventure where she breaks free (pretty much) of her OCD and lives!

Light hearted, comical and heartwarming!

I thoroughly enjoyed Britt Marie & her tale in Borg. This book will remain one of my favorites of 2020. I highly recommend adding it to you reading list. It’s a wonderful feel good book!

Master author

I only read this book because it was highly recommended to me. I had read My Grandmother Asked me To Say She’s Sorry, so I knew the character Brit Marie but didn’t particularly like her.
The genius of this author to develop a captivating story of how life can change even the most rigid of us..... A laugh out loud and sad story of life!!

Wonderfully written

Another gem by Frederick Backman! he has a way with words that hit every emotion.