Our take
Why choose this book?
There is an immediately recognisable gift recipient here: the person who complains about everyone but quietly helps anyway. Backman’s novel sets a rigid, lonely man against the mess of other people’s lives. Its appeal lies in the gradual discovery of the history beneath his difficult manner.
Who it suits
Readers who enjoy community stories, unlikely friendships and emotional character-led fiction.
Before you choose
The book includes suicide attempts and bereavement. It is not a light choice for every reader, despite the humor.
