J's Musings

Review by Janhavi

I read this a few days ago and absolutely fell in love with the narration. I think that says a lot about judging an author by one book, especially their debut novel. I did not like ‘A Man Called Ove’. It was slow, gradual, and took more patience than I could give.

But this, this was the best thing I have read in a hot minute.

The story follows 8 people stuck in an apartment viewing hostage situation. The few hours over which the story takes place allow us to peek into the lives of each prospective buyer. How they interconnect and a glance at the lives of people outside the room too.

Despite being set in a rather simple setting, with no emphasis on the true oddness of the situation, the book manages to touch strings without getting boring.

Frederick Backman carries us through the complex processing of the human brain. How people live, and how it affects the way they act and react.

The wide variety of characters helps us look at the diverseness of people’s thoughts, behaviour and choices.

From a dedicated career woman to an old lady who seems to have no significance; everyone is extremely well written. From having depth and character, to being humanly prone to a fault; Backman has outdone himself with characters.

Not only that, but the writing style perfectly balances out the profound nature of the story. We see an almost constant humour and liveliness that helps cut through the heavy plot; like citrus in a deeply chocolatey pastry. In general, too, the writing boasts at suiting every character as needed. From a more clueless voice for one to a sterner voice for another; each character truly shines, and so does the writing by following them.

Despite being character focused, the novel has an engaging plot with almost constant action and interaction. This makes sure that despite being character driven, there is not a dull moment as you read.

The plot, like any book, has its ups and downs. But it can be said that even the more dull or sad moments are placed in open areas with freeing imagery so that suffocation or extreme darkness are not used to make you feel something.

In my opinion, this is a radically bright, sunny, and deeply human book that uses writing and tone to convey the constant fluctuation of emotions; without relying too much on the setting to make us feel something. Which makes this a refreshing and unconventionally uplifting book.

To truly understand it, go check the book out yourself.

Happy Wednesday,

Janhavi

Rating: 4.7/5