Author Fredrik Backman is possibly most well-known for A Man Called Ove, which is one of those books I recommended to my mother, and now she is determined to read all of Backman's work. His latest book, My Friends, centers on an artist and the group of friends that encouraged him to draw and paint, leading to a career he never saw for himself, but his friends always believed was possible.
The Situation: Almost 18 year-old Louisa has what she has decided is a genius plan as she sneaks into a church. On this particular evening, the church is hosting an art auction full of pieces that only the extremely rich would be able to afford. The whole thing has Louisa infuriated because she knows these people do not want the art so they can look at it and appreciate it. To this crowd, the art is an 'investment,' and something else for them to brag to their other rich friends about. So she sneaks in and manages to make it over to her favorite piece, The One of the Sea. It is the painting that is on the postcard she carries with her, the one that says "Miss you, see you soon. - Mom" on the back. But things take a turn when someone else notices her, and her backpack, which is full of cans of spray paint.
The Problem: Through a series of mishaps after a genius plan that turned out to not be all that genius takes a turn, Louisa finds herself on an adventure she had not planned for. Something about the painting is that there are three figures in it. These are three friends hanging out on a pier that most people who view the painting never even see. But now, Louisa is on a cross-country adventure, learning all about the artist, and his three friends Joar, Ted, and Ali. More than two decades ago, the group of friends would spend every day of the summer on that pier, each escaping the harsh realities they had to face at home. Not only is Louisa getting the full story, but it has been determined that she, of all people, should have the painting...which seems ridiculous seeing as she does not even currently have a home.
Genre, Themes, History: This is a work of fiction where the setting is not specifically mentioned, but Louisa does take a journey from the town where the auction is being held, to the seaside town where the artist grew up. Along the way, she is told the story of those four friends who would hang out on the pier, and how the artist was encouraged to paint something for an art competition, the result of which was The One of the Sea. The power of friendship is evident not only in the artist's story, but in Louisa's as well, as she looks back on her time with her best friend Fish and all of the adventures they had together. But there is also the power of art and stories, and the possibility of happy endings.
My Verdict: Something I love about Backman's work are the slow reveals. As the story progresses, layers are gradually peeled back that not only offer more of the story, but provide more details about the characters, and they are usually details that the reader would have already assumed. So when those assumptions are proved wrong, it is indeed surprising, while also helping the reader see just how much is still unanswered. Backman also masterfully injects humor into serious moments, while not losing any of the tension or sincerity. This book is for the ones who love a good journey, or a good story about friendship, or even a book full of unique and quirky characters.
Favorite Moment: I love trains, so it delights me that Louisa's journey happens mostly by train.
Favorite Character: Ted is seemingly afraid of everything, which is not quite accurate, but he is afraid of quite a bit. For one, he does not like to fly (hence the train ride), but he is also a bit afraid of dogs, cars, and germs. But he is loyal to a fault, and will do his best to take care of his friends.
Recommended Reading: I recommend Backman's Anxious People, which has also been made into a series on Netflix.
