Swedish Author Invasion
Reviews by Lois Plale
I enjoy reading international authors and a few years ago, I discovered two Swedish authors, both of whom are becoming popular in this country. They are Jonas Jonasson and Frederik Backman. Both authors use humor and a lot of heart. I have reviewed two books for each author.
Books by Jonas Jonasson
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared
Allan Karlsson is turning 100 and still in good health. The staff at the nursing home where he lives are planning a party and Allan is not interested in it at all so he climbs out the window and escapes. He ends up on a hilarious adventure involving a large amount of cash, some criminals, and even an elephant. There is also a Forest Gump-like back story describing the story of his life including finding himself involved in some of the major events of the 20th Century. The funniest parts are his adventures with Albert Einstein’s dumber illegitimate half-brother.
The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden
Nombeko Mayeki was born in South Africa and through her own determination and a series of absurd events, she ends up in Sweden involved with a pair of twins who are determined to bring down the Swedish monarchy.
Books by Frederik Backman
A Man Called OveThis book’s popularity has increased over the last couple of years since it was released in this country. Ove is the neighbor from hell. He wants things “just so” and is cranky with all of his neighbors. It turns out that there are reasons for his grumpy exterior. When I started reading this book I thought he was just an awful person, but by the end I just wanted to give him a hug.
Britt-Marie Was HereBritt-Marie is socially awkward and a fussy busybody. She walks out on her cheating husband, moves to a small town, and becomes the new caretaker for a soon-to-be-condemned recreation center. She ends up involved in the local people’s lives and coaching a losing kids’ soccer team, leading them to victory.
Frederik Backman’s books all seem to have the running theme that even those who we may dislike or think are strange in some way have their story.
Check availability on The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared
Check availability on The Girl Who Saved the King of Sweden
Check availability on A Man Called Ove
Check availability on Britt-Marie Was Here
About the reviewer: Lois Plale has been with Tredyffrin Public Library for about two years and enjoys reading quirky humor.
