"My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry" by Fredrik Backman - Islington Branch Book Club - Past Titles

About the Author: Fredrik Backman

Fredrik Backman is a Swedish author born on June 2, 1981, in Stockholm, Sweden. He studied comparative religion but left university to work as a truck driver, a job he held for several years. In addition to writing, Backman has also worked as a columnist and a freelance journalist.

Backman gained international acclaim with his debut novel, "A Man Called Ove" (2012), which became a bestseller in Sweden and several other countries. The novel tells the story of a grumpy yet lovable old man named Ove, who finds unexpected friendship and purpose in life.

Following the success of "A Man Called Ove," Backman continued to write novels that explore themes of community, friendship, and the human condition. Some of his other notable works include:

"My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry" (2013), a heartwarming tale about a young girl named Elsa and her special bond with her eccentric grandmother.
"Britt-Marie Was Here" (2014), which follows the titular character, a middle-aged woman who finds herself starting over in a small town and discovers unexpected connections with the people around her.
"Beartown" (2016), a powerful novel set in a small hockey town that explores the impact of a violent act on the community and its residents.
"Us Against You" (2017), the sequel to "Beartown," which delves deeper into the aftermath of the events in the first book and the tensions within the town.

Backman's writing is characterized by its humor, empathy, and deep insight into the human psyche. His novels often feature complex characters facing personal challenges and finding redemption through human connection and empathy.

In addition to his novels, Backman has also written non-fiction books and contributed to various publications. His works have been translated into numerous languages and adapted for film and television.

Fredrik Backman continues to write and is considered one of Sweden's most successful contemporary authors, known for his ability to touch readers' hearts with his poignant storytelling and memorable characters.

Synopsis

Elsa is seven years old and different. Her grandmother is seventy-seven years old and crazy--as in standing-on-the-balcony-firing-paintball-guns-at-strangers crazy. She is also Elsa's best, and only, friend. At night Elsa takes refuge in her grandmother's stories, in the Land-of-Almost-Awake and the Kingdom of Miamas, where everybody is different and nobody needs to be normal. When Elsa's grandmother dies and leaves behind a series of letters apologizing to people she has wronged, Elsa's greatest adventure begins. Her grandmother's instructions lead her to an apartment building full of drunks, monsters, attack dogs, and old crones but also to the truth about fairy tales and kingdoms and a grandmother like no other. My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry is told with the same comic accuracy and beating heart as Fredrik Backman's bestselling debut novel, A Man Called Ove . It is a story about life and death and one of the most important human rights: the right to be different.

Discussion Questions

Family Dynamics:
- How do the family dynamics within Elsa's family evolve throughout the story? What roles do each of the family members play in Elsa's life, and how do these roles change over time?
- Discuss the significance of Elsa's relationship with her grandmother. How does their bond shape Elsa's understanding of the world around her?
Themes of Forgiveness:
- How does forgiveness play a role in the narrative? Explore the different characters' journeys towards forgiveness and redemption.
- In what ways does the theme of forgiveness intersect with the theme of empathy? How do these themes contribute to the overall message of the novel?
The Importance of Stories:
- Analyze the role of storytelling within the novel. How do stories serve as a means of communication, understanding, and healing for the characters?
- Discuss the significance of the fairy tales and the Land-of-Almost-Awake in the story. What do these stories represent, and how do they influence Elsa's journey?
Character Development:
- How do the secondary characters, such as Granny's neighbors in the apartment building, contribute to Elsa's growth and development?
- Explore the character arcs of Elsa, Granny, and the other key characters in the novel. How do they evolve throughout the story, and what motivates these changes?
Loss and Grief:
- How does the theme of loss and grief manifest in the novel? How do different characters cope with loss, and what strategies do they employ to navigate their grief?
- Discuss the ways in which the novel portrays the complexities of grief, including its impact on familial relationships and personal identity.
Humor and Wit:
- Fredrik Backman infuses the narrative with humor and wit. Identify moments of humor in the novel and discuss how they contribute to the overall tone and themes.
- How does the author balance lighthearted moments with deeper, more emotional themes?
Symbolism and Imagery:
- Explore the symbolism of the various items and places mentioned in the novel, such as the wurse, the superheroine cape, and the Land-of-Almost-Awake. What do these symbols represent, and how do they enrich the story?
- Analyze the significance of Granny's letters and the quests they lead Elsa on. What do these quests symbolize, and how do they impact Elsa's journey of self-discovery?
The Power of Imagination:
- Discuss the role of imagination in the novel. How does Elsa's vivid imagination shape her understanding of reality, and how does it help her navigate the challenges she faces?
- Consider how the novel celebrates the creativity and resilience of children, highlighting the importance of imagination in both coping with adversity and finding joy in everyday life.
The Legacy of Stories:
- Reflect on the novel's exploration of the legacy of stories and the impact they have on future generations. How does Granny's storytelling shape Elsa's worldview, and what lessons does Elsa ultimately learn from her grandmother's stories?
- Consider the broader implications of the novel's message about the enduring power of storytelling to connect individuals across generations and cultures.

MLN Materials

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*ebook & audiobook on Libby
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