Britt-Marie Was Here

March 7, 2016
The bestselling author of A Man Called Ove returns with this heartwarming story about a woman rediscovering herself after a personal crisis. Sixty-three-year-old Britt-Marie is a gentle, extremely straightforward and believably flawed protagonist who, after walking out on her husband of 40 years, gets a job as the caretaker of the almost-defunct Recreational Center in the fictional European town of Borg. Here she meets several characters including two young children—Vega and Omar, whose off-beat personalities and lifestyles contribute to her growing self-confidence and growth. Backman reveals Britt-Marie’s need for order and her obsession with bicarbonate soda and Faxin—a cleaning agent—with clear, tight descriptions. The true highlight is Backman’s exposition of Britt-Marie’s subtle actions—like the way she rubs her ring finger—and thoughts. These details of Britt-Marie’s character, what her husband cited as her being “socially incompetent,” increasingly endear her to the reader. Insightful and touching, this is a sweet and inspiring story about truth and transformation. Fans of Backman’s will find another winner in these pages.

Starred review from July 1, 2016

One Monday in January, 63-year-old Britt-Marie enters an unemployment office, having last worked as a waitress in 1978. After decades of fastidious living--perfect cutlery drawers, coasters under every drink, dinner at six, beds disinfected with baking soda--Britt-Marie needs a job. She's left her husband after his recent heart attack--news she received through his mistress. With limited choices, Britt-Marie is now the caretaker of a neglected recreation center in an equally run-down small town. Although not in her job description, she becomes the de facto soccer coach for a motley crew of local kids. Socially awkward though she is, Britt-Marie proves to be just the no-nonsense nurturer the children need; the adults--especially the town's only policeman--realize soon enough that beneath all that compulsive cleaning is a genuine, caring woman who deserves much more than a life merely serving others. Narrator Joan Walker takes on the eclectic cast with inspired energy, enhancing Backman's already delightful narrative with even greater charm. VERDICT Following the international success of Backman's debut, A Man Called Ove, any library growing its collection of feel-good fiction will want to acquire Britt-Marie with alacrity. ["Backman hits a nice note between overly sweet and hard-boiled fiction; excellent for book clubs": LJ Xpress Reviews 5/20/16 starred review of the Atria hc.; the May 2016 top LibraryReads pick.]--Terry Hong, Smithsonian BookDragon, Washington, DC

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