REVIEW: My Friends (Fredrik Backman)

Book: My Friends

Author: Fredrik Backman

Premise: In the corner of one of the most famous paintings in the world three tiny figures sit at the end of a pier. Most people don’t even notice them. But Louisa, an aspiring artist herself, sees. Determined to learn how it came to be, Louisa embarks on a cross-country journey.

[⚠️ TW: domestic abuse, self harm, substance abuse] 

I haven't read a Fredrik Backman book for a while, which is shameful as I really enjoy them. He manages to seamlessly mix heartbreak and humour. On page one I was chuckling, elsewhere I wanted to cry. The story is told in two parts: modern day with Louisa and Ted, and the past with Ted and his friends. It's a story about how your friends help carry you through hard times - and all of these characters had really hard childhoods. Really enjoyed this book. Now I need to catch up on the rest of Fredrik's catalogue!