MY FRIENDS

Fredrik Backman, the talented Swedish novelist, is a witty writer and a keen observer. Golden Voice narrator Marin Ireland grandly performs this story of art, friendship, and what it means to be a teen. Ireland replicates the snarky tone of Louisa, who has just released herself from foster care to go see the work of art that is the fulcrum of the plot. Ireland captures the spirit of four teenagers--Kim Kim, Joar, Ali, and Ted--whom we see 25 years earlier in flashbacks. She beautifully delivers Ted's slightly different accent and his melancholy mood as he and the chattering Louisa take a cross-country train ride to the quartet's homeplace. Backman has created indelible characters and laugh-out-loud moments. Ireland is simply splendid. A.D.M. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2025]