My Friends: A Novel
4.6 | 42,074 ratings
Price: 14.99
Last update: 12-22-2025
Product details
- ASIN : B0D9DSCFCC
- Publisher : Atria Books
- Accessibility :
- Publication date : May 6, 2025
- Language : English
- File size : 1.7 MB
- Screen Reader : Supported
- Enhanced typesetting : Enabled
- X-Ray : Enabled
- Word Wise : Enabled
- Print length : 448 pages
- ISBN-13 : 978-1982112844
- Page Flip : Enabled
- Best Sellers Rank:#69 in Kindle Store (See Top 100 in Kindle Store)
- Friendship Fiction (Books)
- General Humorous Fiction
- Humorous Literary Fiction
- Customer Reviews:4.64.6 out of 5 stars(40,779)
Top reviews from the United States
- AliAnother Backman "Best"!I have read absolutely every one of Fredrik Backman's books. I cannot give you a favorite. He has a way of writing that captivates and is truly amazing. I have to admit, My Friends, took a while to "get going" for me. This is a past and present story where it jumps back and forth. The premise is a "bit" far fetched, however, it is a work of fiction. Eventually, you really start getting into all the characters and story line. Louisa is by far the stand out here, followed by Joar IMO.
The "past" part of the book, finds kids that would crumple to nothing due to their individual lives, but as a group of friends, they support each other and manage to drive through all the bitterness of life. Adults let them down left and right, as adults do, but their bond weathers it all. In the "present" , the "past" is told by Ted to Louisa , whose effervescent, and bold personality just blows off the pages. Her likening to Ali, one of the friends from the past, is unmistakable.
Five misunderstood, misguided and left behind kids, from two generations, who all manage to claw their way to some version of happiness. This story will sit in my heart like all of Backman's books do. It has some of the strongest characters he has developed which makes for one GREAT story! Definitely recommend. - JudiZFabulous BookA friend of mine recommended this book. It was fabulous. Definitely in my top five books of the year. The story is simple and sweet and alternated between the present and twenty five years ago, when four friends grew up together the year they turned 14. With a gift worth a fortune, one of the friends adds an 18 year old woman into the mix of memories past and today's challenges. What sets this book apart is how deeply resonating each of the characters is at both fourteen and forty. Each one of the protagonists made me laugh out loud as well as made me cry. There are profound observations, pithy quotes and insanely silly, funny jokes. There is also the kindness of strangers and the cruelty of a world peopled with the broken. This book is a gift to all. If I could give it 10 stars, I would but, instead, I will just say that you should do yourself a favor and read this book!
- Mariaa wonderful homage to the differentLoved this book. It’s a bit slow going at first, but that just sets the stage. Wonderful,unique characters and an interesting plot. So much beautiful prose. A pleasure to read. A love letter to art.
- booksrockExcellent book!Very well written! Great story, very thought provoking! Made me think and feel deeply about the characters! One of the best books I’ve ever read!
- Florence JENNISso movingThis book moved me to tears. I was moved by the power of the feelings it stirred in me.
This author has a unique way of portraying teenagers wounded by life, and this aspect of his writing is the centerpiece of this beautiful book. The characters are memorable, the ending is hopeful, and I simply loved it. @FrederikBackman Thank you for such a powerful moment spent reading it - Kindle CustomerGreat book! Can't imagine anyone not liking it.This is one of those books I didn't just read, I savored it. I'd read other books by Fredrik Backman so I knew what a good writer he is. He introduces us to the characters in a natural way and develops them so that we see their hearts and souls and know the best things and the worst things about them all. We really get to know all of them, not just one or two main characters. This book is about humanity and is full of heart and love of humanity, as if it was written about real people who really did all these things (and maybe it was). It started great so I started reading fast, enjoying it. I slowed way down near the end because I just really didn't want it to end. Not at all. It was a good ending, I just didn't want it to come. The book's that good. Oh, and all throughout are the most creative turns of phrases, what a great writer he is.
- Julie SchiolaEnjoyed this bookFredrick Backman is very good at describing his characters. I would only say that every once in awhile it was a bit off, for example when Joar was very disrespectful to the minister at Ted’s father’s funeral. I do not believe Joar would have acted like that and I do not think it lends purpose to the story.
Otherwise it was a very good book, very much like A Man Called Ove and Anxious People. - Mark D RichardsonCan't recommend it highly enough!!!Frederik Backman accomplishes something that few writers can. He tells human stories, real flesh and blood characters with such depth that the reader almost believes he or she has known them. As in his previous novels, My Friends are revealed to us in much the same way we learn about real friends, layer by layer, story by story. I find that, just as with A Man Called Ove, Backman has the uncanny ability to make the reader laugh and cry while on the same page. Each character is inherently good, yet flawed--just as most humans are--reminding us of what it means to be human in a world that is often cruel. The astonishingly brutal environment in which these characters live lies is stark contrast to their tender hearts and the love and devotion they hold eternally for each other. Whenever I read one of his novels, I'm always surprised at every plot turn--you just can't out-guess him! My Friends is brilliant. Understated, but brilliant. It left an emotional impact on me. Can't recommend it highly enough.