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My Grandmother Sends Her Regards and Apologises

From the bestselling author of A MAN CALLED OVE

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My Grandmother Sends Her Regards and Apologises

By: Fredrik Backman, Henning Koch - translator
Narrated by: Joan Walker
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Heartbreaking and hilarious in equal measure, this novel by the author of the New York Times bestselling phenomenon A Man Called Ove will charm and delight anyone who has ever had a grandmother.

Everyone remembers the smell of their grandmother's house.

Everyone remembers the stories their grandmother told them.

But does everyone remember their grandmother flirting with policemen? Driving illegally?
Breaking into a zoo in the middle of the night? Firing a paintball gun from a balcony in her dressing gown?

Seven-year-old Elsa does.

Some might call Elsa's granny 'eccentric', or even 'crazy'. Elsa calls her a superhero. And granny's stories, of knights and princesses and dragons and castles, are her superpower. Because, as Elsa is starting to learn, heroes and villains don't always exist in imaginary kingdoms; they could live just down the hallway.

As Christmas draws near, even the best superhero grandmothers may have one or two things they'd like to apologise for. And, in the process, Elsa can have some breath-taking adventures of her own . . .

(P)2015 Hodder & Stoughton©2015 Fredrik Backman Europe Family Life Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Women's Fiction Witty Heartfelt Funny Feel-Good Tear-jerking Thought-Provoking Royalty Comedy
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Critic reviews

There are clear themes here, nominally: the importance of stories; the honesty of children; and the obtuseness of most adults, putting him firmly in league with the likes of Roald Dahl and Neil Gaiman. A touching, sometimes funny, often wise portrait of grief.
The author's lightness of touch is definitely a contributor towards the novel's success. (It's already a best seller in his native country.) Fredrik conveys much in a few words . . . However a special warning to the ladies summed up in three words: wear waterproof mascara! I read the last few chapters verging between heart-glowing smiles and heart-wrenching sobs. I'll be ready for it the next few times I read it though and, indeed, the times after that.
Told with the same comic accuracy and beating heart as [OVE] . . . It is a story about life and death and one of the most important human rights: the right to be different.
A highly compelling read and it was easy to lose myself in the story
All stars
Most relevant
As the story unfolds it grips you, a wonderful complex story which keeps you interested to the last 'page'. The narration is delightful.

wonderfully engaging, great story well read.

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Would you consider the audio edition of My Grandmother Sends Her Regards and Apologises to be better than the print version?

Yes - the storyline is creative and imaginative which is so much more fun to listen to, than read. The style of writing is conversational, too which is better to listen to. The narrator fits perfectly with the style of the novel.

What did you like best about this story?

The characters and imaginary elements - a very true representation of the things parents and grandparents do to reassure children.

Have you listened to any of Joan Walker’s other performances? How does this one compare?

I haven't before but would listen to other performances by her.

Did you have an emotional reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

The relationship between Elsa and Granny is one that a lot of people could relate to - I didn't cry but I did laugh out loud and smile at the anecdotes.

Great story with memorable characters

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Great story, perfectly read! It was a bit of an emotional roller coaster though, very funny and also deeply sad in the very same breath.

Loved it!

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A man called Ove was one of my favourite books for years and this is close but not quite up there. It is a witty and well crafted novel with just enough depth to make it a joy to listen to.
Told through the eyes of a child the story is far from childish and there are enough adult topics explored to challenge the reader.
The constant stream of reveals is brilliant and there were many surprises.
And then I ma told the next book is even better....

Great Story but not quite Ove

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I don't give out very many five star reviews, so that alone is an indicator of how much regard I have for this book. The story is fresh, funny, and touching and the narrator does a great job. I wasn't sure this book would be for me, I worried it would be trite, that it would come across as trying too hard to be funny, but I'm so glad I made this purchase. I'll definitely listen to this again.

Lovely and Hilarious

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