The Deal of a Lifetime: A Novella

In furthering my holiday reading, I decided to pick up a book from one of those author’s I automatically buy each and every thing they publish—Fredrick Backman. The Deal of a Lifetime was quite different than Tess Thompson’s The Santa Trial. A lot of holiday reads (a least the ones I have read) seem to center around the magic of the holiday season. But The Deal of a Lifetime took a different spin on that. It centered more on the magic of humanity. At this holiday party, Backman has served up not a slice of fruitcake but a slice of life. The holidays for many are not always a time for joy and happiness. This time of year can also cause the darkest moments of our existence to surface. Many spend the end of year questioning the decisions they have made and who they are. And the protagonist of this story was no different. The Deal of a Lifetime is a short read (I read it in less than 90 minutes, even with lots of coffee breaks). It shows us that the maybe the magic of the holidays doesn’t come with a bow on it from a jolly (most likely diabetic), cookie addict, but instead from the most sacred parts of our soul. If you’re looking for a holly-jolly Hallmark story, you’ll end up being disappointed with this book. But if you’re looking for a heart-warming tale that reminds us it’s never too late to change. That our existence is about something bigger than ourselves. This is the book for you. I’ll warn you, though, the ending is both horrible and wonderful (tissues are required or a too-long sleeve will do as well). And that’s exactly why I loved it so much. Because life isn’t just horrible or just wonderful. It’s both. FTC DISCLAIMER: This book was reviewed outside of the request of the publisher and/or author.

I read this novella twice in an attempt to fully understand the message Backman was trying to convey. After the first reading I knew I had to read it again to really FEEL it. To me, it reads like a letter a father writes to his son. It's an apology of sorts - a goodbye, a heartfelt tale of regret. The father is dying of cancer and as he questions his own life he realizes that he was not the greatest person to those around him. He was selfish and petty. One of the other characters is an old lady who wears a gray sweater and represents a sort of grim reaper. She appears throughout the story at many crossroads where the father finds himself. Backman is amazing!!! This is the fourth book of his that has completely blown me away. Here he manages in just 65 pages to capture what really matters in relationships. However, the novella left me feeling at a loss, and I cannot put my finger on exactly why. If you haven't yet read it, I suggest reading it slowly, pausing, closing your eyes (that's what I did) and taking in the many beautiful, and often heartbreaking moments. Doing that gave me a much deeper understanding of the book. I've read many review where people expressed anger at having spent $18.00 for this book. When it arrived and I saw how small it was, and how short the story is, I too questioned paying so much for such a short tale. But as they say, the best things come in small packages and I have no regrets about paying that much for something that leaves me with so much to think about. I will definitely reread this novella many times over and maybe after I do I won't feel that nagging loss that I can't put my finger on.

Most of the reviews I've read talk about the cost of the book and rate the book based on their feeling of getting ripped off by the price. They don't discuss the actual story, the writing, the message conveyed or anything else to do with the actual book though. Is the book overpriced for its size? Sure, but I believe Amazon and every other online book store provides you with the details of the book prior to purchasing it. So it clearly says that the book is 65 pages long. If you thought it was too expensive for such a short book, there was no need to buy it in the first place. I bought it and I read it in 30 minutes. It is a really short book, with illustrations inside that give it the feel of a children's fairytale - although it isn't one - perhaps more of an adult fable. The story is profound. It is painful and it is very true to Fredrik Backman, who does not shy away from any topic, no matter how difficult it is to read about. The story plays out like a letter that a father is writing his son. It is an apology. It is a goodbye. It is sad and heartfelt and full of regret. In a span of very few pages, the father makes you hate him, love him, root for him and respect him. You can't begin to understand your own feelings towards this character, but he touches you somehow. He confesses that he's killed a girl. We're shocked. We don't get it. Is it a hit and run? Is he a doctor that made a surgical error? What's going on? He talks about an older lady in a grey sweater. We sees glimpses of his past. We begin to understand a little more. We now know what this older lady represents. We expect one thing. Another happens. His foreword at the beginning, in which he talks about the circumstances that led to writing this novella are just as good. Perhaps just as important to read. It really sets the scene for the whole story, and makes you think beyond the characters and into the writer's life, wondering if the story is in any way a reflection of feelings he's had or has been having, of conflicts he's been facing with his own family. Who knows? 65 pages - half of which are illustrations - but he still gets to me. Fredrik Backman is someone I love reading for, no matter how short the story, or how few the pages.

Although I love Frederick Backman‘s writing style and he is one of my favorite authors, I found this novella confusing. I got the main story but I think a lot of the details were lost on me. This is a story. I would like to read with somebody else so we could discuss it and maybe I would then understand the nuances in the story.

I love this author! I have read all of his books. This one is more like a short story, but good nonetheless.

This story will take at least one more read. It's an interesting look at life and redemption. And probably more when I read it again. Backman is a gifted writer. This short story is south a read!

Fredrik Backman makes you think and feel with every one of his books. The story is short but poignant. If you like his others, this won’t disappoint.

The Deal of a Lifetime is a compact, emotional punch—an introspective Christmas‑season novella that blends tenderness with a sharp meditation on regret, legacy, and what it truly means to give something of yourself.

I first read this book two years ago and was moved by how painfully profound it is. It is Christmas Eve and a father writes a letter to his son, telling him a story, but this isn't your typical Christmas story. He admits to his son that he has taken a life, and he won't say whose. Atleast not yet. The Deal of a Lifetime is a poignant telling of a father's relationship with his son, and of a man's dilemma with life, death, and forgiveness. Like all of Backman's stories, this one too takes you on an introspective journey through the past. Only this time, that past is at stake. Once again, you can't help but marvel at the simplicity of this story about love and the ultimate sacrifice, told with an extraordinary charm that is both tragic and beautiful. Back then I had read the ebook version of this title and, because I love Fredrik Backman's books, I was waiting to get my hands on the hardcover edition which I finally did last month. So naturally, I had to read it again, even though I rarely re-read books. But I'll make an exception for Fredrik Backman. Always.

This is such a short and yet extremely powerful book; Backman starts off the book by explaining how he came to write this story and I feel this makes it all the more powerful. Backman has a way of writing wherein he just puts his complete heart and soul into his words and it really leaps off the pages; especially with this one and that opening line! Whilst it's a short story you still have no idea of where the plot is going or what is happening until the end. This book is a really poignant tale about what we would do for others; those we love and those we barely know. There are illustrations throughout this book that really add to the story and really make this book something more special. Whilst this is a very short book it is still one I loved and the design is delightful. I think I could read anything by him and love it.

Como todos los de Backman, este libro, aunque sea muy cortito, te llega al corazón

I'm a huge fan of this author and he hasn't disappointed with this short story in any way. Be sure to read the author's now at the start as well. His wit and charm never cease to amaze me. Thanks Fredrik!

Ich habe diese Kurzgeschichte von Fredrick Backman in einem Rutsch durchgelesen. Eine kleine Geschichte die nach dem Lesen noch eine Weile bei einem bleibt.