Fredrik Backman is a Swedish author who rose to fame with his debut novel “A Man Called Ove.” The book, originally published in Sweden, initially had a slow start in the United States. However, after 18 months, it rose to The New York Times bestsellers list and remained there for 42 weeks. Today, the book has sold over three million copies. Backman has continued to release popular titles such as “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry” and “Anxious People.”
Readers can choose to read Backman’s books in any order, as each book tells its own story. However, there are three novels in the “Beartown” series that should be read in order. Some of Backman’s notable works include “A Man Called Ove,” “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry,” “Britt-Marie Was Here,” the “Beartown” series, and “The Winners.” Backman has also published a novella, a short story, and a collection of essays. He primarily writes in Swedish but his novels have been translated into over 25 languages, including English.
Backman initially faced rejection from publishers who did not see commercial potential in his writing. However, the success of his debut novel led to widespread recognition and popularity. The “Beartown” trilogy includes the novels “Beartown,” “Us Against You,” and “The Winners,” which focus on the decline of a small town high school hockey team and the community that comes together to achieve a big dream. Backman is based in Stockholm, Sweden and lives with his wife, two kids, and a dog. His busy home life has shaped his reading habits, preferring to read in less comfortable settings to avoid falling asleep.
In a movie adaptation of “A Man Called Ove” released in 2022, the main character was renamed Otto instead of Ove to better fit the setting of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The movie starred Tom Hanks as Otto Anderson. Backman’s success as an author has led to numerous bestsellers and critical acclaim, with his books resonating with readers around the world. Despite facing rejection early in his writing career, Backman’s perseverance and storytelling skills have solidified his place as one of the most beloved authors of contemporary fiction.
