This was my first book (I knoooow) by Backman. It took me a while, maybe the first 1/3, to really get into and feel invested but oh my GAWD did I become invested. The characters fumble their way through this incredibly unusual circumstance, and you slowly fall in love with each and every one of them. There were so many moments I audibly reacted to this story, more than most, and it’s all down to the beautiful, intricate way Backman develops the characters. Twists and turns in the best, most heartfelt ways. 4.5 stars, thoroughly enjoyed the experience of reading this.

This is an incredibly beautiful book. The thing that struck me most was how well I could picture the atmosphere and settings. The author describes things in such a way as to bring them to life without being overly wrought or long-winded. You know from the beginning Hamnet is going to die, but the way Agnes’s grief is portrayed is so visceral and raw I was practically sobbing. As a mother, it seemed so genuine, the way she described dealing with his death. A true work of art, this novel, and well worth the read.