Fredrik Backman, a renowned Swedish author, rose to fame with his debut novel, “A Man Called Ove.” Originally published in Sweden, the book had a slow start in the United States but eventually found its way onto The New York Times bestsellers list, where it remained for an impressive 42 weeks. According to The New York Times, the book has sold over three million copies to date. Backman has since released several other popular titles, including “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry” and “Anxious People.”
If you’re new to Fredrik Backman’s work, you may be wondering where to start with his books. While each of his novels tells its own unique story, the “Beartown” trilogy should be read in order, as it follows a continuous storyline. Backman’s books can be read in the order of their release dates, starting with “A Man Called Ove,” followed by “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry,” “Britt-Marie Was Here,” and the first two books of the “Beartown” series. His latest novel, “The Winners,” was published in 2022, marking the conclusion of the trilogy. In between the second and third books of the “Beartown” series, Backman also released “Anxious People.”
Backman primarily writes in Swedish, but his works have been translated into over 25 languages, including English. Despite his eventual success, Backman faced rejection from publishers early on, with one noting that they saw no commercial potential in his writing. The author currently resides in Stockholm, Sweden, where he lives with his wife, two children, and a dog. His busy home life has shaped his reading habits, as he has grown accustomed to reading in various unconventional and uncomfortable settings.
The “Beartown” trilogy consists of three books: “Beartown,” “Us Against You,” and “The Winners.” The first book delves into the challenges faced by a small town high school hockey team, illustrating how a community can come together to pursue a shared dream. The subsequent books further explore the intricacies of life in Beartown and the impact of community dynamics on its residents.
In 2022, a movie adaptation of “A Man Called Ove” was released, featuring Tom Hanks as the main character, Otto Anderson. The decision to change the character’s name from Ove to Otto was based on the film’s setting, which was relocated to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. This adjustment aimed to better align the character with the new environment and storyline of the movie.
Overall, Fredrik Backman’s literary journey from his humble beginnings to international acclaim showcases his storytelling prowess and ability to resonate with readers across different cultures and languages. Whether you’re diving into his novels for the first time or revisiting his works, Backman’s poignant narratives and rich characters are sure to leave a lasting impression on audiences worldwide.
