My Friends

I started this book as a self-proclaimed Fredrik Backman fangirl—and quickly realized I wasn’t just in love with the characters, I was one of them.My Friends is a quiet, beautiful nod to love, grief, and the power of art—even for those who think they know nothing about it. Backman builds characters like no one else, inviting us into the tender chaos of teenage friendship in a small town while gently exploring what it means to create, to lose, and to love.It’s a reminder that art doesn’t need to be understood to be felt. That healing can come just from being near something beautiful.“It’s art that helps me cope. Because art is a fragile magic, just like love, and that’s humanity’s only defense against death… Vincent van Gogh wrote: ‘I always think that the best way to know God is to love many things.’ ”If you’ve ever grieved, created, loved, or felt like an outsider—this book will find you.

SYNOPSIS | Louisa is an 18-year-old orphan who is grieving the loss of her best friend (Fish) when she breaks into an art auction in the hopes of seeing a world-famous painting. After this, she meets Ted who is a 39-year-old man grieving the loss of his best friend ('the artist'). As they travel to his hometown, he begins to tell her the story that led to the creation of the world-famous painting.WHAT I LIKED:- Backman's writing style (& his ability to bring humor to heavy topics) is impeccable- such a heartwarming yet gut-wrenching story chock full of quirky characters that you can't help but fall in love with- I don't annotate books but ooof this story had so many perfect quotes & moments that I wanted to remember later- the fact I laughed out loud, shed some tears and somehow managed to feel nostalgic about a childhood summer that I never experienced- "I love you and I trust you"WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:- that I have to wait to get my hands on another Backman story!

I've loved every one of Backman's books that I've read and My Friends was no different. Jumping back and forth between present time and about 25 years prior, it's the story of a group of friends, the extreme challenges they faced in their home lives, how dedicated they were to each other... and the importance of art and those that create it.

As with all of his books, this one was hilarious at times, but also heartbreaking. It truly was an emotional roller coaster - it seemed that every time something good or funny happened, it was then tempered by yet another heartbreaking revelation. But in a good way, in that you're emotionally invested in the story and characters and truly care about them.

A long story that unfolds slowly and begs you to keep reading (which is the point I think). Keen insights into the minds of forgotten children which makes a person wonder about the author’s childhood. Full of fun anecdotes and witty observations.

I have read all of Backman’s books, and this is probably my favorite. He is such a wonderful writer, his characters are so fleshed out and believable. I stayed up too late each night because I couldn’t stop reading. This is an enchanting book about childhood friendships and the healing power of art and having people that believe in you.

Like so many of Backman’s books, this one wanders all over the place. There are jumbled timelines, contradictions, unfinished plot lines, and threads left unpulled. But there is also, for a book about grief and loss, so much joy. The writing is lyrical and the characters, every damn one of them, are just so compelling. And the art… I so, so, so wish I could experience the art. The novel is a little too long, it lags in the middle, but in the end I didn’t really mind. I will be thinking about these humans for a long time.

I have read every book Backman has ever written. I would read any scrap of trash he writes words on. Read this. Then, if you haven’t already, read every other book he’s published (starting with “A Man Called Ove” and “Beartown.” I’ve gifted Backman’s books to at least 20 different people in my life and no one has ever been disappointed. “My Friends” is another stellar work.

Wow! I had to wait a few days before writing this review. This may end up being my favorite read of 2025. I did not read any reviews or spoilers and I’m so glad I went in blind. If you love character driven stories about found family this will not disappoint. I felt every emotion and savored each moment. I didn’t want to let the characters go. Backman does it again.

This story starts out slowly and perhaps a little confusing, as you try to figure out where the story is going. But you stay with it. Then, slowly but surely, you start loving it. You’re invested in the characters, and you don’t want it to end. The memory of Louisa, Ted, Ali, Kimkim and Joar will stay with you for a long time. And the painting of the pier will be permanently etched in your mind.

What a gift to be able to read this masterpiece. I enjoyed every sentence and felt so much emotion. Things I have felt but have not been able to put into words he was able to capture the exalt feeling. Some sentences just left me speechless. The way this story was told gives a beautiful picture of humanity and friendship. I easily give this book 5 stars.

A wonderful book. I loved the writing and all of the characters. I would have to stop every chapter or so to let the feelings sink into my heart. Then I wanted to start again and read more. Yes, I wanted to know what was going to happen and how it would end. But more than that I wanted to keep reading and feeling the story and the feelings of yhe humans who loved each other so much.

Read this slowly, don't rush. Took me almost a month. Else you won't see, feel, the nuances. And even then, I think ill have to read it again. And again. This is about Art. Oh, but it's about Life, too. Wait. It's about Love. Actually, it's about all three, all wrapped up in a tangle that you probably shouldn't try to undo. This is NOT for a beach read, or the light read, but for those who truly enjoy pondering.

As usual, his writing hits your soul on many levels. You will laugh, you will cry and many times wonder where this story will go. I savored every word and what a gift he bring to the world. Just like "the artist". Hard to rank this book compared to his others, as they are all 5 stars to me with their unique storytelling. Make sure you give yourself time, as you will reach a point and just can't put it down.

This was not an easy book for me to read. I kept wanting to skip to the end because I wanted to know how bad were the bad things. I didn't cheat but it was so hard. The story weaves around the friends in the painting and the artist, through the past and in the present. Louisa listens and learns about the losses and love they experienced. As much as I enjoyed the writing, it's repetition made it sometimes slow going for me, particularly when you're scared of what's to come. It was a bit too melancholy for me but did end better than I'd feared. If you love talking about how art moves and inspires you'll enjoy this. I would have liked less repetition and more plot movement. Overall, not my favorite but still beautiful.

Wonderful story and wonderful writing, it’s not often you get to enjoy both in the same book! Fredrick Backman has been gifted with the ability to write in such a way that a reader feels every bit of the emotions his characters experience and at the same time manages to mix in plenty of humor and masterful wisdom. This book is a keeper!

Few books can come close to Backman’s “Beartown” but this is of the same caliber. I just want to swim in the words, the descriptions. Backman is an artist with words. Absolutely beautiful prose. That word does not seem adequate but that is the best I can come up with. I became so invested in every character and their story and where they ended up. It was funny and heartbreaking and heartwarming. It is a coming of age that depicts how each generation invests in the next. He painted with words the devastation of cycles of abuse, and the resilience of the human spirit. I will likely reread. Highly recommended.

There are a few books one reads that they think about for a long time afterward. This is one of them. The way Backman writes draws out deep emotions some of us don’t have very often. This is a book about relationships and life. When I finished this book, I had more appreciation for both. Even small gestures of acceptance and trust in another person can change lives. Backman is an amazing writer. You will love this book.

The story: Four childhood friends, each enduring their own trauma, support each other, and one of them is on his way to becoming a world-famous artist. It all began when he painted them on a pier when they were fifteen years old. Twenty-five years later he died, but not before leaving the world-famous painting to an aspiring artist he met in an alleyway as she graffitied a wall. Now his remaining friends have a new purpose in life, someone who needs their support.My thoughts: I am giving the book four stars based upon the writer's ability, not the story. The story feels contrived, as if it was pieced together with odds-and-ends to reach four hundred pages. I read the author's books, but he disappoints me more often than not.

My sour is filled every time I read this author’s works. This story begins with a teenage girl, Louisa, who is very gifted. She is also very alone and has bounced around the foster care system. She is frightened and running from almost everything. By chance, she meets an artist who bequeaths her a painting. And thus the adventures begin, this story of “geniuses “ who find one another has brought me to tears. Anyone who has lost friends from long ago will appreciate the plot of “My Friends: A Novel”. Another masterpiece of emotions: tears, laughter, warmth, abuse, and faithfulness. I highly recommend this book.

I am a huge fan of Fredrik Backman. I picked up his Beartown by chance and that was it! In a matter of months I consumed most of his books and loved every single one of them. To say that I was excited to learn of his new book coming in 2025 was to say nothing. I was absolutely thrilled and shaking when I finally got the book and opened it. And Mr. Backman did not disappoint one bit. The book (as all of his books) is full of amazing characters who become your friends, the stories packed in one book are so rich, so versatile, and really get to you. My Friends is such a sweet book. I say it is sweet because the core idea is really amazing, heartwarming, and just wonderful. But the way how Backman presents it, how he unfolds the true meaning of it, is absolutely crashing, tragic, and heartbreaking. I mean, how can you not love the book that warms your whole heart but breaks it at the same time with every page?

Every book by Fredrik Backman carries its own unique human values. In My Friends, he takes readers on an emotional rollercoaster, from moments of joy to deep sorrow. He also weaves in sharp critiques of how society operates, highlights the beauty of friendship, and sprinkles in thought-provoking quotes that linger in your mind long after you've turned the last page.This is the story of four friends. And one girl who needs to connect with them, Twenty-five years old ago, four teenagers forged a bond that nothing can break. They find refuge from their bruising home lives by spending long summer days on an abandoned pier, telling silly jokes, sharing secrets, and committing small acts of rebellion. These lost souls find in each other a reason to get up each morning, a reason to dream, a reason to love.Four people, four different backgrounds, yet they all share one thing in common—a kind and compassionate heart. As I flipped from one chapter to the next, I found myself unable to hold back my tears. Their suffering resonated with me on a personal level, making it all too easy to step into their shoes and feel their pain. Watching them endure cruelty, harsh judgment, and a lack of appreciation from those around them stirred a whirlwind of emotions within me—sadness, frustration, and even anger. I couldn’t help but wonder why adults so often focus only on the surface, never looking deeper to truly understand. But sadly, that’s just how the world works nowadays—cold, indifferent, and blind to the emotions of others, leaving wounds that cut deep into the hearts of those who already carry so much pain. Fredrik Backman has never let me down, and My Friends is no exception. I truly believe this book will leave an unforgettable mark on every reader’s heart, thanks to the profound and beautiful values he brings to life.Reading My Friends made me truly understand the saying, money doesn’t buy happiness. For some, wealth can grant them everything they desire, wrapping their lives in luxury and comfort. But The Artist showed me a different truth—happiness, for him, was not something money could ever replace. To him, joy was woven into the memories he shared with his friends, the moments that made life meaningful. No amount of money could turn back time, nor could it bring back the one he had lost. Some things in this world are simply priceless.