Minnie's Fiction Addiction

My Friends is a poignant exploration of memory, grief, and the lasting bonds of friendship. Set in a quiet Swedish town, the story follows a group of lifelong friends as they grapple with the aftermath of a tragic event that altered their paths. Through shifting timelines and tender reflections, Backman unpacks the weight of silence, the complexity of guilt, and the deep-rooted love that can endure even the most painful rifts. It’s a story about the people who shape us, the moments we can’t undo, and the quiet ways we try to find our way back to each other.

👀 First impressions:
When I saw that Fredrik Backman had a new release, I knew I was in for something heartfelt, sharp, and quietly devastating. Known for his ability to capture the emotional nuances of everyday life, I expected My Friends to carry that signature blend of melancholy and hope. The title intrigued me, simple, yet full of promise. It hinted at intimacy, connection, and maybe even grief. I went in expecting to be emotionally wrecked, and Backman did not disappoint.

✅ What I Liked:
Backman’s writing remains as tender and thoughtful as ever. He has this uncanny ability to write about ordinary people with such emotional precision that their lives feel epic in their own quiet ways. My Friends is essentially a meditation on relationships, between old friends, between those left behind, and the unspoken things we carry through time.

The characters are beautifully flawed and deeply human. There’s a rawness to the way Backman writes about guilt, loyalty, aging, and the stories we tell ourselves. I also loved how he structured the narrative, past and present interwoven seamlessly, the emotional build-up subtle yet powerful.

The dialogue was especially strong. So much is conveyed in what is not said, which adds to the emotional tension. And of course, there were moments of dry, Swedish humour that made me chuckle unexpectedly.

❎ What I didn’t Like:
This is a quieter novel, so readers looking for a fast-paced plot or dramatic twists might find it a bit slow. There are stretches that dwell on introspection and memory, which I personally loved, but they may feel meandering to some. It’s less plot-driven and more about mood and connection.

📚 Why You Should Read This Book:
If you’re someone who values stories that explore the depth of human emotion and the bonds that shape our lives, this book is a must-read. It’s perfect for fans of character-driven fiction, quiet reflection, and beautifully crafted prose. My Friends will appeal to anyone who has ever mourned a friendship, questioned their past, or wondered about the people who shaped them. It’s the kind of book that invites you to slow down, feel deeply, and maybe even reach out to someone you’ve lost touch with.

💭 Final Thoughts:
My Friends is a deeply moving novel about time, loss, and the invisible threads that bind us. Backman writes with such warmth and clarity that even the silences in this book feel profound. It’s the kind of story that sits with you long after you finish it, inviting you to reflect on your own friendships and regrets. Thoughtful, emotionally rich, and delicately written, this is Backman at his most vulnerable and wise.

🛍️ Where to buy
To buy your own copy click HERE

Final Rating ★★★★★ – This book earns a full five stars for its emotional depth, lyrical writing, and the way it captures the quiet, aching truths of friendship and forgiveness with such grace and honesty.