MY GRANDMOTHER ASKED ME TO TELL YOU SHE'S SORRY

Backman's stunning tribute to life, death, and fairy tales chronicles the story of Elsa, a 7-year-old tasked with delivering apology letters for her grandmother after her death. Joan Walker narrates this delightful novel with a perfect balance of reverence and playfulness, bringing out Backman's wonderfully authentic child's-eye perspective as well as his heartwarming humor. The story is populated with a rainbow of eccentric characters, and Walker provides each a distinct persona. Sadly, Elsa's dialogue is disappointing--often Walker sounds as though she's overreaching for a childlike pitch instead of expressing Elsa's character. This small glitch aside, the audiobook is utterly enchanting, a must for anyone who appreciates a good story. J.F. © AudioFile 2015, Portland, Maine [Published: AUGUST 2015]