Britt-Marie Was Here: A Novel

Written by:
Fredrik Backman
Narrated by:
Joan Walker

Unabridged Audiobook

Ratings
Book
115
Narrator
28
Release Date
May 2016
Duration
9 hours 18 minutes
Summary
The New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove, My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, and Anxious People captivates readers with this “warm and satisfying” (People) story “about a woman rediscovering herself after a personal crisis…fans of Backman will find another winner in these pages” (Publishers Weekly).

Britt-Marie can’t stand mess. A disorganized cutlery drawer ranks high on her list of unforgivable sins. She is not one to judge others—no matter how ill-mannered, unkempt, or morally suspect they might be. It’s just that sometimes people interpret her helpful suggestions as criticisms, which is certainly not her intention.

But hidden inside the socially awkward, fussy busybody is a woman who has more imagination, bigger dreams, and a warmer heart that anyone around her realizes.

When Britt-Marie walks out on her cheating husband and has to fend for herself in the miserable backwater town of Borg—of which the kindest thing one can say is that it has a road going through it—she finds work as the caretaker of a soon-to-be demolished recreation center. The fastidious Britt-Marie soon finds herself being drawn into the daily doings of her fellow citizens, an odd assortment of miscreants, drunkards, layabouts. Most alarming of all, she’s given the impossible task of leading the supremely untalented children’s soccer team to victory. In this small town of misfits, can Britt-Marie find a place where she truly belongs?

Funny and moving, sweet and inspiring, Britt-Marie Was Here celebrates the importance of community and connection in a world that can feel isolating.
Reviews
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Kerri N

Fredrick Backman is my new favorite author! I love this book, but I would definitely recommend reading "my grandmother asked me to tell you she is sorry" before reading this one, as Britt Marie is introduced in that book. I love this book, and everything else he has written!

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Briahna T.

I absolutely loved this book! The characters, including Britt Marie, are very well developed. I’ll only say I had hoped for a different ending... but the one that is written is poignant in its own way.

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Eric C.

A beautiful story. Throughout this book, I kept getting this warm fuzzy feeling. I loved the narrator, and she nailed all the accents, mannerisms of Britt-Marie and everyone else. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I highly recommend it.

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Jasmine M.

Freaking LOVE this story & the narrator. Such heavy, philosophical subject matter with true- to- life humor & a spotlight on how miraculous the life of ordinary people truly is. The narrator nails it with every character. ???

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Heather L

Loved this book and the character development!! The narrator is one of my all time favorites too!! Highly recommended!!

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Erin F.

The plot and characters were deep and thought-provoking. I sensed that the main character was probably on the autism spectrum, without the book ever saying so. The author develops the characters so well and they remain true to who they are throughout the story. My only misgiving was the cussing all throughout the book, which I could have done without.

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Gina M.

Loved the evolution of Britt-Marie. She’s proof that one life can have a big impact.

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Suzanne M.

Nice gentle book. Pleasant about self growth and exploration

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Nancy C.

I agree with the other reviewers. Fredrik Backman writes beautiful stories of human nature and relationships. If you have not read A Man called Ove, I strongly recommend you start with this story. My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry is another great audio book I truly enjoyed and had a hard time putting it down. It does introduce Britt Marie and would also recommend reading it first before listening to this story. The narrator Joan Walker does a wonderful job of narrating the story and using her inflection for the different characters. I enjoy listening to her and did not have a difficult time understanding her. I highly recommend this book

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Beatriz S.

I absolutely loved this book. I giggled and then I cried. this book is gold....everyone should have a Britt Marie in their life to be reminded of the frailty of the human spirit.

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Pam W.

Utterly adored this book. Made me chuckle out loud at times. Not many books do that to me. The narrator was phenomenal. I will listen to ANYTHING she narrates.

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B Jones

I realize I am in the minority, but I was seriously disappointed in this book. The story goes nowhere, you never seem to get to know the main character and I found the book dull instead of heartwarming or interesting. normally I like British narrators but I found this one difficult to understand at times. Don't waste your time!

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Dion S

Fredrik Backman is becoming one of my new favorite authors! His books make you feel, you may dislike the characters at first but then you feel deeply for them. Brit Marie was quite annoying but in the end I could relate. I love the many characters and nicknames given to them and you feel like you know someone like them. I'm a soccer mom so I was very surprised how soccer(football in the book) played a huge role. It was a nice addition to the story. I would urge anyone that is thinking of reading this, to first read, My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She's Sorry, in which the character of Brit Marie is introduced. That book is one of my favorites!

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Anonymous

This book is like nothing I've ever read before. It was a good book everybody should have to read this book was a good lesson she can learn from this book

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Jim Eller

This was as good as "A Man Called Ove." What a graceful and fun read.

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Barbara Brigham

I really enjoyed this book. Very creative with each character and life situation. Happy and sad, always loving.

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Heather Nigbor

Somehow I loose track of time in these books. A series of events seems to take place over time but that time ends up being within the same 24 hour period. Perhaps it is the insight and detail that is offered for efficiently that tricks me. Nonetheless, I so much enjoy these books. Britt-Marie drove me batty in the last book and then I fell I love with her here. I adore this book. I love the narrator's voice and expressiveness. I did not want it to be over. Please say there is another one!!!

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Margie Clark

Great well written book...so many thoughtful situations. Loved it!

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