In My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry by Fredrik Backman, seven-year-old Elsa embarks on a life-changing adventure after her beloved, eccentric grandmother passes away, leaving her a series of letters to deliver to various tenants in their apartment building. As Elsa navigates this "treasure hunt," she learns about her grandmother's past, forms unexpected friendships, and discovers the hidden depths in the lives of those around her. The book addresses sensitive topics such as bullying, divorce, and death.

Readers who cherish heartfelt tales with quirky characters, and delight in the fusion of fantasy with real-life struggles, will enjoy Fredrik Backman’s My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry. This book appeals to fans of Katherine Center’s How to Walk Away and Gail Honeyman’s Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine.

Fredrik Backman's My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry is praised for its imaginative storytelling, emotional depth, and endearing characters. Critics highlight the unique grandmother-granddaughter relationship and humor. However, some find the pacing uneven and the narrative occasionally too whimsical. Overall, it’s a heartfelt, multifaceted read.

Heartwarming / Emotional / Nostalgic / Bittersweet / Humorous

- The book was originally published in Swedish in 2013 under the title Min mormor hälsar och säger förlåt and was later translated into English in 2015 by Henning Koch.
- My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry incorporates elements of Scandinavian folklore and fantasy, creating a whimsical and imaginative world that ties into the storyline.
- Author Fredrik Backman was inspired to write the book after overhearing a conversation between two women about imaginary lands in a café, which sparked the idea for the novel's unique narrative style.

**Elsa**  
The novel's protagonist, a precocious seven-year-old with a love for reading, particularly fond of the Harry Potter series. She stands out for her intelligence and struggles with fitting in among her peers.

**Granny**  
Elsa's eccentric and rule-defying grandmother, known for her storytelling and the creation of fairy tales set in the Land-of-Almost-Awake. She is Elsa's biggest supporter and defender.

**Mum**  
Elsa's orderly and organized mother who is expecting a baby with her boyfriend George. She manages her role as a hospital manager and navigates her complicated relationship with Granny.

**Britt-Marie**  
A rule-following resident of Granny's building who often clashes with Granny due to her strict adherence to regulations. She supports her husband Kent while also experiencing personal growth.

**The Monster/Wolfheart**  
A first-floor tenant in Granny's building, initially perceived as frightening but revealed to have a kind and gentle nature. He is deeply affected by his past experiences.

**Dad**  
Elsa's father, who is divorced from Mum and lives with his wife Lisette. He has difficulty with unexpected situations but grows closer to Elsa throughout the story.

**Our Friend/The Wurse**  
A large black dog kept by Granny, initially feared by Elsa but later becomes her protector and companion. Symbolically represented in Granny's fairy tales.

**Alf**  
A gruff taxi driver and guardian figure for Elsa, with a past connection to Granny and familial tension with his brother Kent.

**The Woman in the Black Skirt**  
A tenant who lost her family in the 2004 tsunami and now lives in Granny's building. She struggles with her grief but finds healing and connection with others.

**Kent**  
Britt-Marie's entrepreneur husband keen on profit from converting apartments, with an uneasy relationship with his brother Alf and a complicated personal life.

**Lennart and Maud**  
A kind couple living in Granny's building, loving parents and grandparents, who provide support and warmth to those around them.

**The Boy with the Syndrome**  
A young tenant who, despite his unspecified syndrome, is full of laughter and joy. He is a beloved presence in the community and represents innocence and happiness.

Fredrik Backman

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry?

Reading Age

Book Details