The Deal of a Lifetime: A Novella

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.

As a long time lover of Backman's books, I was excited to see this new book for sale. This book is much smaller and shorter in length than his other books. Took me about an hour to read the entire novella. Overall, I'd say I like the book but would like to give it another read. Its a good story on the surface, but could use some in-depth thinking about the deeper meaning to it all. This book is written with the same voice, attention to character detail, and emotional pulls as Backman's other books. Its worth a read if you are a fan of his work, but may not be worth purchasing.

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 was underwhelmed by this short story. Yes, there's is a tree on the cover, yes it takes place around Christmas...No, its not an actual Christmas story . I think that's a great thing as this can be read at any point during the year. I give it a 3.5 at best. The story is about wrong doings, redemption, forgiveness and insight. It's about perspective and change. All good things really, the story just felt a little disjointed and fell flat in the writing. A little dry. The premise was interesting however, so that was its saving grace. I think this is a toss up on who likes this sort of read.

A slight challenge to read and understand, but in the end it wasn’t about understanding, it was about accepting a different perspective on life.

I really liked this short story. Mr. Backman weaves an intricate story about humility, pride, and self-sacrifice. Yes, it’s a short read - about two hours to complete, but the story is still impactful.

Lovely and gratifying. Very much an enlightening love story for everyone. Love his short stories. So glad I found them.

This novella is different from the other books I’ve read of Mr. Backman’s literature and as I finish it I am moved beyond words. It is just a beautiful beautiful book about love. Please read it as soon as you get the chance.

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.

A stunning short story that, as is this author's genius, isn't what it seems right to the end. Love. That's what it's about. Simply. But. We all know love is surrounded by the thousand other words & emotions. Not all glaringly good ones either. But this incredible writer encompasses ALL of the emotions in a glorious, surprising & beautifully told tale.

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.