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Three Novellas by Fredrik Backman
I dove into Fredrik Backman's Three Novellas expecting a good read, but what I got was a whole lot more. These short stories are like a punch to the gut - they'll make you laugh, cry, and maybe even question your own relationships. Backman's got a way of weaving words that'll keep you hooked from page one, and his take on human connections is both poignant and relatable. Whether you're a fan of fiction or just looking for a good story, this collection's got it all.
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Three Novellas That Will Leave You Breathless: Honest, Thought-Provoking, and Philosophical
summarizeEditor's Summary
Get ready for a heart-wrenching and thought-provoking reading experience with Frederik Backman's 'Three Novellas'. This collection of stories tackles heavy topics like cancer, memory loss, and depression in a way that's both atmospheric and authentic. Each novella is a masterclass in simplicity, yet they're so powerful that they'll leave you breathless. With its simple yet piercing prose, this book will challenge your emotions and leave a lasting impact. Whether you're a fan of thought-provoking and philosophical stories or just looking for a reading experience that will touch your heart, 'Three Novellas' is a great choice. So, be prepared to feel a lump in your throat and taste the salt of your tears as you dive into the world of these three novellas.
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YazarınStili9/10
HikayeKalitesi8/10
HikayeStrüktürü7/10
Hello!
I've been familiar with Frederik Backman's work for a while now, and the only downside to him as a writer is that he doesn't produce enough books.
Read:
Babushka told me to say hello and pass along that she's asking for forgiveness
Here was Britt-Mari
The anxious people
The bear's corner
All his stories are simple, relatable, and that's what makes them so piercing and heart-wrenching. After finishing 'The Bear's Corner' - the first part of the trilogy, I decided to take a break and switch to something lighter and more uplifting. But it turned out I was wrong, and 'Three Novellas' shook me even more than 'The Bear's Corner'.
Structure
'Three Novellas' is a relatively small book consisting of three completely different stories that aren't connected to each other. Each one is like a punch to the gut and a good cry. They can be called fables, but not the kind you'd read to kids or teenagers. You need to be emotionally prepared for fables like these.
Even though I read the e-book, there were still illustrations, and some of them took up half a page.
I finished the book in about two to three hours, pausing to take deep breaths and call my loved ones. I'm probably too sensitive, but after each novella, I really wanted to hear the voices of my loved ones.
Backman's style
For me, this is something that's become familiar and unwavering. I recognize his writing style anywhere. It's ridiculously simple words and phrases, but with a precision that hits right to the heart.
Backman is a master of comparisons - just comparisons, not metaphors. After reading at least one of his books, you can't help but notice this trait.
1. 'The Deal of a Lifetime'
In my e-book, this novella takes up 33 pages, including illustrations.
This story is about a young girl and an adult man who met in the hospital. Both of them have a terrible diagnosis - cancer.
Backman doesn't talk about the pain, suffering, or physical agony. He's always in his own repertoire. The novella is about fears, regrets, and determination. What can a person do to save someone else's life? Take the blow and erase themselves from their loved ones' lives so that the other person's life can continue!
I'm not the kind of person who gets sentimental when I die, but I'm pretty sure it'll be a big deal. When five-year-old girls die, it's like it never happens. There's no obituary, no special edition of the evening paper.
Most of us would love to think that every heart that's stopped beating is mourned equally. If we're asked, we'll all say yes: "Every life is priceless!" But that's before someone we love is killed, and we're asked: "And what about this one?"
2. "The road home gets longer with each new morning"
For me, this is the most heart-wrenching novella. I'll be honest - I cried! It's 44 pages long, and I lingered on each one longer than I should have.
The dedication to this novella reads:
To those who remember those who have forgotten
This is a story about a grandfather losing his memory. Bakman takes the reader into the head of the main character and shows us what it's like for someone who's gradually forgetting events, people, and loved ones.
I usually read books that are missing one page. That page is always the most important.
The space shrinks again overnight.
And that's a story about the grandfather's family, who are struggling to come to terms with losing a loved one while they're still alive. He's here, but he's no longer with them.
As always, the author writes with a light touch, but for me, this is the most emotionally draining story I've read of his. I re-read some sentences, paragraphs, and even whole pages multiple times, like a masochist. The author hits all the right emotional buttons and describes the state of someone who understands what's happening, but can't do anything about it.
3. "Sebastian and the Troll"
This novella doesn't have a clear storyline, unlike the first two, but it's just as worth reading.
This is
A small story about what's inside
And it's just 24 pages long.
Although it's not explicitly stated, I think the author is hinting that Sebastian has autism or depression. The way the character's state is described is just too detailed and accurate.
"I'm not gonna lie, the whole story feels like a dream, a fantasy, or just a kid's wild imagination. The kid lives in a glass sphere.
Sebastian lives in a glass sphere. And that's the problem - from the outside, at least.
He's in pain, looks lost, nothing seems to bring him joy, and he's not talking. He's being given meds and told he's got depression.
It's like people think you're supposed to be happy when things are good, and if you're not, then something's broken.
One day, a fluffy troll pops up in his sphere, straight from the kid's heart. Together, they embark on a wild journey through the depths of the kid's subconscious, and it's a real game-changer.
The story's super short, but it packs a punch. The descriptions are vivid, colorful, and dark all at once. The author managed to cram a deep meaning into a few pages and, of course, made me cry.
Is it worth reading?
Read 'Three Novellas' if you want to remember where your heart is, feel a lump in your throat, and taste the salt of your tears.
And honestly, these short stories need to be read by everyone. They tackle some heavy, serious topics in a way that's both atmospheric and authentic.
After a while, I'll definitely be re-reading them - especially the second one, 'And with each new morning, the road home gets longer'.
I highly recommend it!
live_helpFeatured FAQ
What are the three novellas in 'Three Novellas'?
The three novellas are 'The Deal of a Lifetime', 'The Road Home Gets Longer with Each New Morning', and 'Sebastian and the Troll'. Each novella is a standalone story that explores different themes and topics.
What is the writing style of Frederik Backman?
Frederik Backman's writing style is ridiculously simple yet hits you right in the heart. He uses comparisons to convey deep emotions without being too obvious.
What are the themes of 'Three Novellas'?
The themes of 'Three Novellas' include cancer, memory loss, depression, and the importance of human connection. The book tackles these heavy topics in a way that's both atmospheric and authentic.
Is 'Three Novellas' suitable for all readers?
No, 'Three Novellas' is not suitable for readers who prefer light and fluffy stories. The book deals with heavy topics that may be triggering for some readers.
Can I read 'Three Novellas' in a physical format?
Yes, 'Three Novellas' is available in a physical format, but the e-book format is also an option.
What is the tone of 'Three Novellas'?
The tone of 'Three Novellas' is heart-wrenching and thought-provoking. The book will make you feel a lump in your throat and challenge your emotions.
Is 'Three Novellas' a good choice for readers who enjoy thought-provoking stories?
Yes, 'Three Novellas' is a great choice for readers who enjoy thought-provoking and philosophical stories.
Can I recommend 'Three Novellas' to a friend?
Yes, 'Three Novellas' is a great choice for readers who enjoy heart-wrenching and thought-provoking stories. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reading experience that will challenge their emotions and leave a lasting impact.
What inspired Frederik Backman to write 'Three Novellas'?
Frederik Backman was inspired to write 'Three Novellas' by his own experiences and observations about life, death, and human connection.
check_circlePros
- •The writing style is ridiculously simple yet hits you right in the heart.
- •Each novella is a masterclass in simplicity, yet they're so powerful that they'll leave you breathless.
- •The stories tackle heavy topics like cancer, memory loss, and depression in a way that's both atmospheric and authentic.
- •The novellas are each a gut punch and a good cry.
- •The book is a great choice for readers who enjoy thought-provoking and philosophical stories.
- •The illustrations in the e-book add an extra layer of depth to the stories.
- •The novellas are well-written and engaging.
- •The themes of the book are timely and relevant.
- •The book will make you think about your own life and priorities.
- •The writing is evocative and immersive.
cancelCons
- •The stories can be emotionally draining, so be prepared to feel a lump in your throat.
- •The book deals with heavy topics that may be triggering for some readers.
- •The novellas are not connected to each other, so readers may find it difficult to follow the flow of the book.
- •The book is not suitable for readers who prefer light and fluffy stories.
- •The e-book format may not be ideal for readers who prefer a physical copy.
- •The book's themes and messages may be open to interpretation, which can be frustrating for some readers.
- •Some readers may find the writing style too simple or straightforward.
- •The book may not be engaging for readers who prefer complex plots or multiple storylines.
- •The themes of the book may be too heavy or depressing for some readers.
- •The book may not be suitable for readers who are easily triggered by discussions of cancer, memory loss, or depression.
