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The Deal of a Lifetime
The Deal of a Lifetime: A Novella | Fredrik Backman
The #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove and Beartown delivers an insightful and poignant holiday novella about a man who sacrificed his family in the single-minded pursuit of success and the courageous little girl fighting for her life who crosses his path. It all begins with a father telling a story to his son on Christmas Eve. But this isnt your typical Christmas story. The father admits to his son that hes taken a life but he wont say whosenot yet. One week earlier, in a hospital late at night, the man met a five-year-old girl with cancer. Shes a smart kidsmart enough to know that she wont beat cancer by drawing with crayons all day, but it seems to make the adults happy, so she keeps doing it. As the man tells his son about this plucky little girl, he slowly reveals more about himself: while he may be a successful businessman, idolized by the media and his peers, he knows he failed as a parent. Overwhelmed by the responsibility of fatherhood, he took the easy way out and left his wife and little boy twenty years ago to pursue professional success. Now he is left wondering if its too late to forge a relationship with his son, who seems to be his opposite in every wayprizing happiness over money, surrounded by loving friends in a cozy town where he feels right at home. Face to face with the idea that something is missing, the man is given the unexpected chance to do something selfless that could change the destiny of the little girl in the hospital bed. But before he can make the deal of a lifetime, he needs to find out what his own life has actually been worth in the eyes of his son. And so, he seeks him out and tells him this story Written with Fredrik Backmans signature humor, compassion, and knack for weaving tales that are believable and fanciful (St. Louis Post-Dispatch), The Deal of a Lifetime reminds us that life is a fleeting gift, and our only legacy is how we share that gift with those we love.
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CogsOfEncouragement
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Pickpick

Just 65 pages, and cuts to the heart.
#WinterGames #SnowAngels

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freeatlast1137
Deal of a Lifetime | Fredrik Backman
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Pickpick

A novella about a wealthy man coming to terms with his diagnosis and the way he had lived his life.

Fredrik Bachman is one of my favorite authors, I just love his writing style that makes you love the character even when they are not always the greatest.

15 likes2 stack adds
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TLuvs
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Super short, 66ish pages or 45 min audiobook, but I've never read FB before. Let's see how this goes. It has good reviews.

13 likes1 stack add
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JanuarieTimewalker13
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Pickpick

A strange but intriguing novella. Absentee father who lived his life for success, makes an extraordinarily self sacrificing choice. I‘ll read anything Backman writes. He‘s that good.

bookaholic1 I agree 3y
JanuarieTimewalker13 @bookaholic1 Not sure if you‘ve tried Jonas Jonasson yet, also Swedish, but I think you would like him. I‘m currently reading The Girl Who Saved The King Of Sweden and loving it!! I was just going through my posts and thought I‘d comment! 2y
38 likes3 comments
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HollyBolly
Pickpick

Soft pick. I think I just am not a huge fan of short stories. Not enough time to get invested.

megnews Same here 3y
23 likes1 comment
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AvidReader25
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Mehso-so

Not of favorite of his and really not a Christmas story. This short novella questions what you would give up to save someone else. There‘s not much time to delve into the characters, and I wasn‘t left with a huge emotional feeling. Just a quick read and not quite up to par with his novels.

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Ladygodiva7
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Book 36 of 2021.

Because, Fredrik Backman.

#MugsOfLitsy

14 likes1 stack add
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Lizwarnerpdx
Panpan

Another audiobook - but a different narrator. I didn‘t like this one. Maybe because of the style, the short length. But also I never grew to like the main character, even when he did something good. I‘ve liked everything else Bachman has written (that I‘ve read…) except this one.

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DavidDiamond
Deal of a Lifetime | Fredrik Backman
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Pickpick

Would you sacrifice your life to save another even if that meant erasing your entire existence so that no one would remember you? This is the central idea in this short novella by Fredrik Backman.

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Mem_ugh
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20 likes1 stack add
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MelKelsey
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Pickpick

Book 7

I love Backman's books-- the writing, stories, and characters. I listened to this novella about a man in the cancer ward. Each night he sees a woman who comes to collect the souls of those who die. He attempts to make a deal, to trade a life for a life, and learns the value of life. It's an emotional, poignant story. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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AmyK1
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Pickpick

A short story about the choices we make and how they affect others. It wasn‘t at all what I was expecting but it was still good. 26pts for #merryreaders #wintergames #wintergames2020

@Clwojick @StayCurious

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Tattooedteacher
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First book of my #dashingdecember #readathon done. This was a really short story about choices, redemption, and sacrifices. Unfortunately, some of them were sacrifices not made. It still has me thinking now and I went back to read sections again. Interesting.

Andrew65 I enjoyed this back in January. 4y
17 likes1 comment
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Tattooedteacher
Deal of a Lifetime | Fredrik Backman
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Santa‘s Underwear was big hit this week in the classroom.

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aperfectmjk
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Mehso-so

Just finished this quick novella. Santino Fontana is one of my favorite narrators, it's always a pleasure listening to him. To me, he's telling a story, and not just reading it.

#WinterGames2020 #readnosedreindeer #littenlisten #bookmasbingo #averymerrybingo #festiveflicks #bookspinbingo #bookishbingo #CrushTheRush #ReadYourWay @StayCurious @TheAromaofBooks @MidnightBookGirl @Jadams1776 @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick @TheSpineView @Traci1

Jadams89 🎄🎉 4y
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!! 4y
TheSpineView 👍📖📚 4y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick 🎄You're doing great!🎄 4y
28 likes4 comments
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Traci1
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Pickpick

⭐⭐⭐
I loved A Man Called Ove, so maybe I was expecting too much with this one, but it just didn't give me the feels I was anticipating. Not that it wasn't a good little story. It was. Just not Ove level emotion.

First story down for #wintergames #merryreaders @Clwojick +26 points
Book 1/25 (reset my December goal) #crushtherush @Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick
Book 1/25 #readyourway @TheSpineView

Clwojick I haven‘t loved any of his other books as much as Ove, but My Grandmothers asked Me To Tell You She‘s Sorry is my second favourite. 4y
Traci1 @Clwojick I have Grandma, so I'll try that one next. I had started Beantown, but it was so much hockey talk, and I didn't get very far. 4y
Traci1 *Beartown 4y
See All 6 Comments
TheSpineView 🤩📚🎄❄ 4y
Clwojick I bailed on Beartown twice. 🙈 4y
Kelly_the_Bookish_Sidekick A mediocre read but *yay* points!💙 4y
49 likes1 stack add6 comments
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sophierayton
The Deal of a Lifetime | Fredrik Backman
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Mehso-so

And the winner for the most depressing Christmastime story goes to.... Fredrik Backman for The Deal of a Lifetime.
He's a great writer, but this is my least favourite of his works I've experienced so far.

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Jen2
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Pickpick

Pooh always says it best! Liked this story, not at all what I thought it would be.

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rather_be_reading
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Mehso-so

Book 36 of 2020
#audiobook

RedxoHearts You've been busy! :) 5y
Geenie 👍👏 5y
YaYa_Reads @rather_be_reading I was in tears reading this 😩 5y
67 likes4 comments
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Panic70
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Pickpick

This one was between so-so and a pick. I decided on pick after I continued to think about it after the ending. My audiobook has a Christmas tree on the cover. This cover matches the story more. Also it‘s a novella. So it was a super quick read. My first book by Backman for #authoramonth2020

Soubhiville Logged📚 (be sure to tag me in your reviews so I see them 😊) 5y
Panic70 @Soubhiville I‘ll make sure I do that going forward! Need to look up this months author. 😁 5y
22 likes2 comments
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OriginalCyn620
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Pickpick

A wonderful story that gave me all the feels!
#authoramonth

Soubhiville Logged, that‘s 2📚 5y
58 likes1 comment
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Megabooks
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Pickpick

Oh Fredrik, why must I always cry at your books?

Beautiful little novella about the choices we make, how they affect other people, and why we make them. He lays it out so plainly, but his characters are so vivid.

Santino Fontana is becoming a favored #audiobook narrator.

#authoramonth @Soubhiville

NeedsMoreBooks I have the exact same question 😭 5y
Soubhiville Logged, that‘s 2 📚 5y
102 likes2 stack adds3 comments
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Megabooks
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1. These are my two most recent. An order of socks and a mug from Out of Print. And another booksleeve from Jena at StoryTimeSleeve on Etsy.
2. EVERYDAY!!! It‘s not a night without audiobooks. I‘m listening to the tagged one next.
3. Not new but...wonderful!

#wondrouswednesday @Eggs

Alwaysbeenaloverofbooks Thank you!! 💗💗 5y
Eggs Thanks for playing Meg! You go girl! on the audiobooking 👏🏻👏🏻 5y
See All 6 Comments
Crazeedi Thanks for tag!! How do you audio without falling asleep 😉😊 5y
Megabooks @Eggs Thanks!! 😁😁 5y
Megabooks @Crazeedi I watch tv on mute too. I‘ve started The Joy of Painting with Bob Ross. It‘s really the perfect show to watch on mute! 5y
59 likes1 stack add6 comments
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CareBear
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Pickpick

I finished my first book for unofficial #24in48. Short stories/novellas aren‘t really my thing but this still has the signature Backman pull on heart strings.

⭐️⭐️⭐️

#authoramonth

Soubhiville Logged 📚, that‘s 2 (edited) 5y
88 likes1 stack add1 comment
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throwmeabook
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Pickpick

A short, poignant story of missed opportunities, life choices and redemption. The illustrations were lovely. 💕 #AuthorAMonth2020 @Soubhiville

Soubhiville Logged, that‘s 2 📚 5y
36 likes1 stack add1 comment
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Amiable
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This novella includes Backman‘s usual poignant writing style. I just wish it was longer.

#AuthorAMonth

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NeedsMoreBooks
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Pickpick

Another short and beautiful novella about a famous and rich person who makes a deal of saving a young girl‘s life, both suffering from cancer. Told from the perspective of the father/successful businessman, the novella also touches upon missed chances, importance of time, value of family, and doing the right thing. #AuthorAMonth Chronic bingo for #jennyis30 completed in a day for #Booked2020

Cinfhen I almost started listening to this one today 💖 5y
NeedsMoreBooks @Cinfhen it is short and sweet 💖 5y
BarbaraTheBibliophage Nice job! 📚♥️👊🏻 5y
See All 8 Comments
alisiakae I wish my library had this book! (edited) 5y
Soubhiville Logged, that‘s 2 📚 5y
NeedsMoreBooks @4thhouseontheleft it is pretty good 😊 5y
NeedsMoreBooks @Soubhiville thank you 😊 5y
48 likes8 comments
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Andrew65
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Pickpick

My first book read for #authoramonth
A short but very poignant story. Very different in the way it‘s laid out with an ending that hits home and leaves you asking questions about life and the moral decision that is at the very heart of the book. The story quietly drills away at your brain afterwards and I think hits home more as the time grows after you finish it. Was going to so-so as not a fan of novellas but found I couldn‘t in the end!

Crazeedi I enjoyed all the books I've read by him, but this one I picked up, then put back! I cant seem to do Novellas 5y
Andrew65 @Crazeedi Usually I don‘t either or short stories. I need more depth in books. 5y
Andrew65 @Soubhiville I‘ve noticed this review doesn‘t have a logged on. Thanks 😊 5y
Soubhiville Gotcha! Logged📚. Thanks, sorry I missed it! 5y
Andrew65 @Soubhiville Must be impossible to keep on top of them all. Very grateful for the brilliant job you do. 😊 👍👏 5y
104 likes5 stack adds5 comments
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Andrew65
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Picked this up from the library today so going to start the #authoramonth Challenge with this book. Love Fredrik Backman‘s writing so am sure I‘ll enjoy it.

booksbrewsandbooze I love his writing too! 5y
Andrew65 @booksbrewsandbooze His writing is excellent. 5y
booksbrewsandbooze @Andrew65 One of the greats of our time! 5y
86 likes3 comments
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Eggs
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#authoramonth2020
@Soubhiville
Unusual but poignant

Andrew65 Haven‘t just finished I agree totally. 5y
Eggs 🙂🙂 @Andrew65 (edited) 5y
Soubhiville @Eggs is this your review? I‘m logging just in case. 📚 5y
Eggs Thanks @Soubhiville 💗 5y
76 likes1 stack add4 comments
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LauraJ
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Mehso-so

Predictable and a little sappy for me.
#AuthorAMonth @Soubhiville

Soubhiville Logged 📚😊 5y
44 likes1 comment
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Dakotabookgirl
Pickpick

Great short story!

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TamTracy
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Pickpick

This is a very touching story about family, parenting, death, and decisions. Beautifully written. Loved it.

BookNotes Love this author and the covers of his books. ❤️ 5y
TamTracy @CherylRussell Yes they are beautiful. ♥️ 5y
60 likes3 stack adds2 comments
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StillLookingForCarmenSanDiego
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Pickpick

A quick, yet thoughtful read.

72 likes2 stack adds
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KT1432
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Pickpick

As others have mentioned, this was not particularly Christmas-y, and it was different than I expected... actually rather sad. But I liked it. The premise of what would we give up to save someone else was interesting. Probably between 3 and 4 ⭐️s! #WinterGames #TMSkellington #HolidayRead

coffees 21pts!! 12-17 oh that one sounds interesting! :0 i'm always a fan of these questions 5y
17 likes1 comment
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britt_reads
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Pickpick

This wasn‘t as Christmasy as I was expecting, but I enjoyed the story.

#wintergames #teamfozziwig #holidayread
@BarkingMadRun @Clwojick @StayCurious

BarkingMadRead 🎄🎄🎄 5y
13 likes1 comment
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Liatrek
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Pickpick
BarkingMadRead 🎄🎄🎄 5y
53 likes1 comment
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Libby1
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Pickpick

I liked this. It‘s a simple, straightforward story.

How far would you really be prepared to go to save a life?

KathyWheeler I liked this book a lot. It wasn‘t what I was expecting, but I liked it. (edited) 5y
Libby1 @KathyWheeler - I felt the same. 😊 5y
69 likes2 comments
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Libby1
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Does anyone else think that those drinking glasses look like they‘re frowning?

It‘s as if they‘re pessimists, and the glass is always half empty with them.

hermyknee Haha yes I see it 5y
TrishB 😁😁 5y
tessavi Or they are disappointed to see Coffee hanging out with Beer. 5y
See All 6 Comments
Libby1 @hermyknee , @TrishB , @tessavi - I wonder if this was intentional? 😊 5y
RealBooks4ever 😆😆😆 5y
Libby1 @RealBooks4ever - 😊 Unfortunately, I think that‘s the kind of drinking glass I‘d be. 5y
66 likes6 comments
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Libby1
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I didn‘t expect beautiful illustrations. 💙

megnews Aw man, I read the ebook and there weren‘t any illustrations. 5y
sudi Beautiful illustration 😍 and i love the nail color too 💙 5y
LaurenELovesToRead OMG WOW! 5y
youneverarrived Oh wow 😍 5y
Libby1 @megnews , @sudi , @LaurenELovesToRead , @youneverarrived - it was a lovely surprise turning the page to find this illustration. I‘m wondering if the author drew them, as I couldn‘t find them accredited to anyone else on the book. 5y
75 likes5 comments
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MsLeah8417
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Pickpick

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

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MusicallyMorgan
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Pickpick

I‘ll never stopped being amazed by Fredrik Backman. ❤️

16 likes1 stack add
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Cityofamber
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Mehso-so

I tried this one again yesterday and was still disappointed. 🤷‍♀️😂

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Sills
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Need a short story-read Fredrik Backman"The Deal of a Lifetime"! Great short story plus nostalgic pictures artistically done to compliment the book? @JoanehSmith @ReadingisMyPassion

tpixie Yes!!! I‘m behind on Bachman! I need to catch up!! 6y
48 likes3 stack adds1 comment
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megnews
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Pickpick

Another great Backman #novella. I‘m going to have to try one of his full-length novels next.

Book 86/90 3/3/19

megnews @irre that‘s the one I think I‘m planning to start with 6y
ErikasMindfulShelf Yeah!! I love all his books. 6y
28 likes3 comments
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thebluestocking
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Mehso-so

I did not love this novella from one of my favorite authors. While the ideas were interesting, the worth of a life and the mechanisms of choice and death, there was not enough development of the characters to get the depth of feeling I‘ve come to expect from Backman.

MelissaSue81 It‘s definitely different from his usual books and I agree about the character development.. overall I liked it, but I‘m glad I borrowed it and didn‘t buy it. 6y
thebluestocking @MelissaSue81 Yes. I‘m definitely glad I borrowed it as well, especially since the ebook is $6!?! 6y
59 likes1 stack add2 comments
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Tomigirl44
Deal of a Lifetime | Fredrik Backman
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Mehso-so

I love Backman‘s books, but I have not been impressed by his short stories. I think there are only 2 books of his I haven‘t read now (Ove and sequel to Bear Town), and they are marvelous. His short stories seem more sedate and pedantic, but because I love his books so much I will always give him the benefit of the doubt and read anything he writes.

TheBookAddict A Man Called Ove had me laughing or crying at every turn of the page. I just loved it. I need to read the rest of his books. (edited) 6y
94 likes1 comment
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Tomigirl44
Deal of a Lifetime | Fredrik Backman
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Interesting ... I‘m not sure I‘d fully agree but there is something to what he says.

Lea Hmmm 🤭 6y
66 likes1 comment