What readers think of My Friends, plus links to write your own review.

This is a story about friendship—the lifelong, abiding friendship that begins in childhood and never ends.

This is a story about art—the kind that speaks to your soul and awakens feelings and passions you never before felt.

This is a story about grief—the kind that squeezes your heart with a dark, dark shadow and won't let go.

Written by Fredrik Backman, this is the story of four childhood friends who form a special bond the summer when they are 14 years old. Each of them has a special gift, and each of them lives with fear and some kind of abuse at home. But the four save each other that summer, and together they try to save one of their own—the one they call "the artist." It is that summer that the artist painted a picture of the sea with his three friends sitting on a pier that launched his stellar career.

The novel begins 25 years after that fateful summer, introducing to the mix an 18-year-old orphan named Louisa. She has always been drawn to the painting the artist created that summer, carrying a postcard of it with her always. A bizarre chance encounter with someone she thought was a penniless homeless man will forever change her life and link her with the four friends as she takes possession of the painting that is now worth a fortune.

While the book is good, it does not reach the level of excellence. In addition to some implausible coincidences that even artistic license is stretching a bit far, Backman drags out the story far too long. His writing style is unique, and it gets old fast when the story slows down as much as it does. While it is a sweet and heartwarming tale of love, loss, and hope, it is also melodramatic and maudlin—a bit over the top.

That said, there are many comforting and wise words about grief and grieving that will likely console anyone who has ever lost someone close…and haven't we all?

In addition, the dedication is superb: To anyone who is young and wants to create something. Do it.

Just a thought: The cover art is weird, almost creepy. It's a shame the publisher didn't try to create the painting that is the centerpiece of the novel.

MY FRIENDS
By Fredrik Backman

Read by, Marin Ireland, a favorite narrator, who always makes a story come alive. This is a tender, heartfelt, and beautiful story that explores the unbreakable power of friendship, the impact of art, and the lingering presence of the past. This is told across dual timelines, following Louisa, an aspiring artist who inherits a mysterious painting, and a group of teens whose lives were forever changed during one unforgettable summer 25 years earlier.

Backman crafts a beautifully told story that captures the nuances of friendship and connection, memories, the passage of time, art, grief, healing, identity, self-discovery, and the fragility of life. His characters are well developed: Louisa’s vulnerability and strength as she grapples with grief and loss on her journey of self-discovery, makes her relatable and inspiring. Ted, characterized by his loyalty and inner reflection, bridges the gap between the past and present. Joar, is a very memorable character, and his passionate and rebellious nature impact the dynamics of this story. Ali, who has a quick wit, independence, and a loyalty to those she loves. The artist, (C. Jat) has a mystery and depth to his character. His creation of the painting becomes the so called “spark” that ignites this narrative. He captures the essence of the group’s experiences, that influences the lives of others. Fish, is primarily in Louisa’s memories, but her presence is felt throughout the novel. I enjoyed the spirited banter of Louisa and Ted.

Backman’s writing is always beautiful and descriptive, gentle but powerful, and deeply character driven. There is a sadness that plays out in this story with laughter in the shadows. This has child abuse and dysfunctional family drama that plays out in this story. I throughly enjoyed the audiobook and know that I’ll return to it again —there’s so much depth in this novel to revisit and reflect on.

"Art is what we leave of ourselves in other people."

Teenagers on a pier, in that last moment before have to grow up. Memorialized forever in the form a painting. This painting is so beautiful, that many people love it. It is in the moment that this painting that is being show in an art house for an auction is the catalyst to a whole host of people and moments colliding together. That is our story.

I love this author. I always know the story is going to be beautiful - beautifully written with amazing characters that are both flawed and perfect. I was scared to start this one - because I knew it would emotionally wreck me, but I was so excited and scared to miss out - because I love this author's work.

In the end, it's another beautiful story that made me laugh, cry and remember what it is to be human. It's messy and ugly and beautiful and so amazing. Thank you, Mr. Backman. Another amazing story.

I really do like Backman so it pains me to leave a less than stellar review, but this one missed the mark for me. I liked the first half and enjoyed much of the humor, but after that the book just dragged on and on. The characters never felt real and I kept feeling like Backman was trying to impress us with how he could tell jokes and be funny. Yet at the same time there was a lot of violence in the book. Can't recommend this one.

Think this is my last Backman novel. What once felt fresh and quirky, now feels overwritten and full of platitudes. I thought the train trip would never end.