Henning Koch Libri

A curmudgeon hides a terrible personal loss beneath a cranky and short-tempered exterior while clashing with new neighbors, a boisterous family whose chattiness and habits lead to unexpected friendship

Britt-Marie has a deep aversion to mess, considering a disorganized cutlery drawer an unforgivable sin. Rising at 6 a.m., she believes only lunatics wake up later. Though she insists she isn’t passive-aggressive, her well-meaning suggestions are often misinterpreted as criticism. Britt-Marie claims not to judge others, despite their ill-manners or questionable morals. Beneath her socially awkward exterior lies a woman with a rich imagination, bigger dreams, and a warmer heart than anyone realizes. After leaving her unfaithful husband, she finds herself in the dreary town of Borg, unprepared for her new life. As the caretaker of a recreation center set for demolition, she faces muddy floors, unruly children, and an unexpected roommate—a rat. Drawn into the lives of the town's quirky residents, including a handsome but unwanted local policeman, Britt-Marie grapples with her new reality. Her most daunting challenge is coaching a hopeless children’s soccer team to victory. In this community of misfits, will Britt-Marie discover where she truly belongs? This story is a humorous and poignant exploration of unexpected friendships and the gentle spirit's ability to transform lives.

A must-read for fans of Rachel Joyce's The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and Maria Semple's Where'd You Go, Bernadette Heartbreaking and hilarious in equal measure, the new novel by the author of the internationally 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 . . .

Exploring a blend of humor and haunting moments, the narrative features a diverse cast of characters who navigate their desires and fears. With a focus on the complexities of love, the stories reveal both the recklessness and wisdom of the characters, showcasing their journeys of longing and vulnerability. The collection emphasizes the unpredictable nature of relationships, illustrating how love can defy expectations and conventions.