Britt-Marie Was Here: A Novel

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.

BUY THE BOOK

Published May 3, 2016

337 pages

Average rating: 7.2

174 RATINGS

|

These clubs recently read this book...

Community Reviews

Anonymous
Jan 14, 2025
8/10 stars
The first chapter of this book had me laughing out loud. Britt-Marie is an endearing character who is coming into her own at 64 having left her husband and moving to a little town called Borg. If you enjoyed A Man Called Ove you will enjoy this one.
MacyMcR
Jun 22, 2025
6/10 stars
I wasn’t super interested in this. It felt really cheesy and I had to push myself to finish it.
Anonymous
Apr 19, 2025
10/10 stars
I loved, loved, loved this book. Britt-Marie reminded me of Hyacinth on Keeping Up Appearances. I thoroughly enjoyed listening to this book the narrator was fantastic!
katietopp
Jan 01, 2025
6/10 stars
It was fine. I wasn't entirely attached to any of the characters. Was an easy quick read though.
Tia Maria
Dec 06, 2024
7/10 stars
Like a female version of Ove. I liked him better...

See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.