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Deal Of A Lifetime
It is Christmas Eve and a father and son are meeting for the first time in years.
The father has a story he needs to share before it's too late. As he tells his son about a courageous little girl lying in a hospital bed a few miles away, he reveals even more about himself; his triumphs in business, his failures as a parent, his past regrets, his hopes for the future.
Now, on this night before Christmas, the father has been given the unexpected chance to do something remarkable that could change the destiny of a little girl he hardly knows. But before he can make the deal of a lifetime, he must find out what his own life has actually been worth, and only his son can reveal the answer.
With humour and compassion, Fredrik Backman's The Deal of a Lifetime reminds us that life is a fleeting gift, and our legacies rest in how we share that gift with those we love.
The father has a story he needs to share before it's too late. As he tells his son about a courageous little girl lying in a hospital bed a few miles away, he reveals even more about himself; his triumphs in business, his failures as a parent, his past regrets, his hopes for the future.
Now, on this night before Christmas, the father has been given the unexpected chance to do something remarkable that could change the destiny of a little girl he hardly knows. But before he can make the deal of a lifetime, he must find out what his own life has actually been worth, and only his son can reveal the answer.
With humour and compassion, Fredrik Backman's The Deal of a Lifetime reminds us that life is a fleeting gift, and our legacies rest in how we share that gift with those we love.
65 pages, Hardcover
First published October 31, 2017
3503 people are currently reading
41936 people want to read
About the author
Fredrik Backman
35 books91.4k followersFredrik Backman is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove (soon to be a major motion picture starring Tom Hanks), My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, Britt-Marie Was Here, Beartown, Us Against You, as well as two novellas, And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer and The Deal of a Lifetime. Things My Son Needs to Know About the World, his first work of non-fiction, will be released in the US in May 2019. His books are published in more than forty countries. He lives in Stockholm, Sweden, with his wife and two children. Connect with him on Twitter @BackmanLand or on Instagram @backmansk.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 7,603 reviews
October 30, 2017
PASS THE HANKIES PLEASE. 😭
"Hi. It's your dad. You'll be waking up soon, it's Christmas Eve morning in Helsingborg, and I've killed a person. That's not how fairy tales usually begin, I know. But I took a life. Does it make a difference if you know whose it was?"
What an opening! As a longterm reader of Backman I've become accustomed to staying perched on my toes; you never quite know what you'll be getting when you step into his version of reality. Will it be the whimsical, heartwarming atmosphere of A Man Called Ove? Will it be the dark, timely, and poignant world of Beartown? Honestly, I felt this brief story fell somewhere in between. It wasn't quite as heavy as his last full size novel, but it felt a little more sombre than Ove did. Backman tells us in the introduction that this was a short story originally posted in his local paper, was written around Christmas of 2016, and means a great deal to him. In fact, I felt the introduction was just as important as the fictional story that followed, so I beg of you, PLEASE don't skip it.
"Does it make a difference if I killed a good person? A loved person? A valuable life? If it was a child?"
I'm going to avoid talking about the plot as much as possible, but I'd like to touch on why I enjoyed this read so immensely. This is a love story, an apology, and a reckoning, if you will. Only Backman can provide us with 65 pages of narrative, with no character names and so little detail, and STILL take our breath away. The idea behind this story is simultaneously a tale as old as time and a wholly new idea. The Deal of a Lifetime: A Novella is a classic holiday theme told from a unique perspective that I've not encountered before.
"You might be all rich and powerful now. And maybe you do come home with expensive watches and fancy clothes. But you can't fool me, because I know who you really are. You're just a scared little boy."
^^^ This is a common theme across all Backman fiction, but it never becomes unimportant or less emotional. I truly believe one of the reasons he has become such a beloved author across a vast audience is his sheer talent at portraying the emotion behind growing up, the meaning behind the word "home", and how it changes permanently in ways both good and bad over time. Paired with the fact that this fabulous story has a gorgeous cover and lovely full color illustrations throughout, I would heartily agree with Goodreads reviewer Diane S. in her statement that this book presents as "an adult fable". If you're looking for an alternative to the cheesy or romantic holiday tales, I urge you to pick up a copy of The Deal of a Lifetime: A Novella, whether it be from your bookstore or your local library.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my copy. Don't forget to add Backman's upcoming sequel to Beartown to your To-Be Read list on Goodreads, titled Us Against You (out June 2018)!
"Hi. It's your dad. You'll be waking up soon, it's Christmas Eve morning in Helsingborg, and I've killed a person. That's not how fairy tales usually begin, I know. But I took a life. Does it make a difference if you know whose it was?"
What an opening! As a longterm reader of Backman I've become accustomed to staying perched on my toes; you never quite know what you'll be getting when you step into his version of reality. Will it be the whimsical, heartwarming atmosphere of A Man Called Ove? Will it be the dark, timely, and poignant world of Beartown? Honestly, I felt this brief story fell somewhere in between. It wasn't quite as heavy as his last full size novel, but it felt a little more sombre than Ove did. Backman tells us in the introduction that this was a short story originally posted in his local paper, was written around Christmas of 2016, and means a great deal to him. In fact, I felt the introduction was just as important as the fictional story that followed, so I beg of you, PLEASE don't skip it.
"Does it make a difference if I killed a good person? A loved person? A valuable life? If it was a child?"
I'm going to avoid talking about the plot as much as possible, but I'd like to touch on why I enjoyed this read so immensely. This is a love story, an apology, and a reckoning, if you will. Only Backman can provide us with 65 pages of narrative, with no character names and so little detail, and STILL take our breath away. The idea behind this story is simultaneously a tale as old as time and a wholly new idea. The Deal of a Lifetime: A Novella is a classic holiday theme told from a unique perspective that I've not encountered before.
"You might be all rich and powerful now. And maybe you do come home with expensive watches and fancy clothes. But you can't fool me, because I know who you really are. You're just a scared little boy."
^^^ This is a common theme across all Backman fiction, but it never becomes unimportant or less emotional. I truly believe one of the reasons he has become such a beloved author across a vast audience is his sheer talent at portraying the emotion behind growing up, the meaning behind the word "home", and how it changes permanently in ways both good and bad over time. Paired with the fact that this fabulous story has a gorgeous cover and lovely full color illustrations throughout, I would heartily agree with Goodreads reviewer Diane S. in her statement that this book presents as "an adult fable". If you're looking for an alternative to the cheesy or romantic holiday tales, I urge you to pick up a copy of The Deal of a Lifetime: A Novella, whether it be from your bookstore or your local library.
*Many thanks to the publisher for providing my copy. Don't forget to add Backman's upcoming sequel to Beartown to your To-Be Read list on Goodreads, titled Us Against You (out June 2018)!
February 20, 2024
Fredrik Backman is one of my favorite authors. And he has done the nearly impossible. Most authors are pigeonholed into one genre of books forever. If you are a mystery writer, your publisher doesn’t want you to write romance or children’s literature. However, Backman has somehow managed to escape this fate.
He authored two of the funniest books that I have ever read, A Man Called Ove and Anxious People. From time to time, Backman also pens some rather serious works including short stories. The Deal of a Lifetime is one of the rather serious short stories.
In The Deal of a Lifetime, while in the hospital, a deadbeat dad contemplates his life and meets a little girl with cancer.
Perhaps I would have enjoyed this more if I did not recently read The Life of Ivan Ilyich which also featured a man approaching death and contemplating his life. Although this short story was decent, it was trying to cover a variety of very important topics in a very short time. For example, the father is back in his hometown, and Backman devoted very little time to this concept.
There is a saying in literature that it is better to show the reader something rather than tell the reader. This short story was so short that it ended up doing much more telling rather than showing. It would have been much more moving to experience the instances of when the father disappointed his son. It would have been more poignant if the man described his experiences as a youth, going without, being ignored.
Given the time constraints, the characters were also underdeveloped. In my opinion, Backman should have expanded The Deal of a Lifetime into a full-length novel.
Overall, this was a decent short story, but it lacked the emotional pull that I expected from an author of this caliber.
2024 Reading Schedule
Jan Middlemarch
Feb The Grapes of Wrath
Mar Oliver Twist
Apr Madame Bovary
May A Clockwork Orange
Jun Possession
Jul The Folk of the Faraway Tree Collection
Aug Crime and Punishment
Sep Heart of Darkness
Oct Moby-Dick
Nov Far From the Madding Crowd
Dec A Tale of Two Cities
Connect With Me!
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He authored two of the funniest books that I have ever read, A Man Called Ove and Anxious People. From time to time, Backman also pens some rather serious works including short stories. The Deal of a Lifetime is one of the rather serious short stories.
In The Deal of a Lifetime, while in the hospital, a deadbeat dad contemplates his life and meets a little girl with cancer.
Perhaps I would have enjoyed this more if I did not recently read The Life of Ivan Ilyich which also featured a man approaching death and contemplating his life. Although this short story was decent, it was trying to cover a variety of very important topics in a very short time. For example, the father is back in his hometown, and Backman devoted very little time to this concept.
There is a saying in literature that it is better to show the reader something rather than tell the reader. This short story was so short that it ended up doing much more telling rather than showing. It would have been much more moving to experience the instances of when the father disappointed his son. It would have been more poignant if the man described his experiences as a youth, going without, being ignored.
Given the time constraints, the characters were also underdeveloped. In my opinion, Backman should have expanded The Deal of a Lifetime into a full-length novel.
Overall, this was a decent short story, but it lacked the emotional pull that I expected from an author of this caliber.
2024 Reading Schedule
Jan Middlemarch
Feb The Grapes of Wrath
Mar Oliver Twist
Apr Madame Bovary
May A Clockwork Orange
Jun Possession
Jul The Folk of the Faraway Tree Collection
Aug Crime and Punishment
Sep Heart of Darkness
Oct Moby-Dick
Nov Far From the Madding Crowd
Dec A Tale of Two Cities
Connect With Me!
Blog Twitter BookTube Facebook Insta
December 28, 2017
I debated about writing anything at all.
I liked Susanne’s review which ended in ‘enough said’!
I find the reviews of this novella as interesting as the story.
Many - I mean MANY of us are FANS of Fredrick Blackman...
BIG TIME FANS...ME TOO!!!
So... I’m thinking...GUT HONEST HERE:
It’s my opinion... it would be ‘easier’ to give this book 5 stars if you didn’t pay for it...
BUT I DON’T think I would have...and I LOVE BACKMAN...
This story drove me deep into my thoughts ( a ‘little’ odd - aware of the sadness)...
but for much of this short story I WAS IN MY HEAD ‘MORE’ than my HEART... naturally ...
And THAT was what was missing for me - which was never missing for me in every other book I’ve read by Backman.
In EVERY OTHER BOOK .., there has always been one spot at least where I was crying or at least on the verge of crying. I didn’t even come close. I UNDERSTOOD the story - The regret, the redemption, sadness,... but the transfer to ‘me’ as the reader in authentic ‘feeling’ was weaker than his other stories.
Plus... I CAN understand upsets if people paid $20 -something for this book. I’d feel upset if I had too. I’d feel cheated. It’s a normal feeling. It’s 96 pages with pictures.
I paid $4.99 willingly—a Kindle read.
I was shocked that Backman had a new book out and nobody told me. I missed the party—
I was late to even know that one of my most respected authors had a book out.
So I paid!! $4.99 is even HIGH - to be honest... not that I can’t afford it...but $1.99 Kindle is more appropriate. I feel Backman might have almost GIFTED this books to his fans....
THEY DO PAY for his novels!
A 99 cent gift would have had his readers jumping for joy.
Also.... my favorite book that he wrote, and I like them all, was BEARTOWN....
but I actually didn’t appreciate having an excerpt about BEARTOWN in ‘this’ book....
which was as long as the short story.
It’s not a style I like. I rather read the entire book and not have that long of an excerpt presented.
Last... I don’t think the book cover- with the Christmas tree... is a great match either. It’s much too festive .. The story isn’t.
So... did I LIKE the story? GET VALUE?
YES... I STILL DID!!!!
My heart wasn’t stone to it...
I adored the young girl in the hospital and much of the dialogue....
But..it didn’t KNOCK MY SOCKS OFF either.
I’m still glad I read it!! I’m even happy to be part of the community who shares our JOINT LOVE FOR THIS AUTHOR.
What’s exceptional about him is often is gift for reaching DEEP into our hearts...
OUR LOVE FOR HUMANITY expands.
We walk away being better people ourselves!
Fredrick Backman’s books ARE A GIFT to people!
Read it... enjoy it for what it is...
Pay no more than the $4.99 - or better yet get it from the library....
And definitely enjoy his other books!!!!!
Enough said!!!!!
📚💕📚💕 HAPPY HOLIDAYS
I liked Susanne’s review which ended in ‘enough said’!
I find the reviews of this novella as interesting as the story.
Many - I mean MANY of us are FANS of Fredrick Blackman...
BIG TIME FANS...ME TOO!!!
So... I’m thinking...GUT HONEST HERE:
It’s my opinion... it would be ‘easier’ to give this book 5 stars if you didn’t pay for it...
BUT I DON’T think I would have...and I LOVE BACKMAN...
This story drove me deep into my thoughts ( a ‘little’ odd - aware of the sadness)...
but for much of this short story I WAS IN MY HEAD ‘MORE’ than my HEART... naturally ...
And THAT was what was missing for me - which was never missing for me in every other book I’ve read by Backman.
In EVERY OTHER BOOK .., there has always been one spot at least where I was crying or at least on the verge of crying. I didn’t even come close. I UNDERSTOOD the story - The regret, the redemption, sadness,... but the transfer to ‘me’ as the reader in authentic ‘feeling’ was weaker than his other stories.
Plus... I CAN understand upsets if people paid $20 -something for this book. I’d feel upset if I had too. I’d feel cheated. It’s a normal feeling. It’s 96 pages with pictures.
I paid $4.99 willingly—a Kindle read.
I was shocked that Backman had a new book out and nobody told me. I missed the party—
I was late to even know that one of my most respected authors had a book out.
So I paid!! $4.99 is even HIGH - to be honest... not that I can’t afford it...but $1.99 Kindle is more appropriate. I feel Backman might have almost GIFTED this books to his fans....
THEY DO PAY for his novels!
A 99 cent gift would have had his readers jumping for joy.
Also.... my favorite book that he wrote, and I like them all, was BEARTOWN....
but I actually didn’t appreciate having an excerpt about BEARTOWN in ‘this’ book....
which was as long as the short story.
It’s not a style I like. I rather read the entire book and not have that long of an excerpt presented.
Last... I don’t think the book cover- with the Christmas tree... is a great match either. It’s much too festive .. The story isn’t.
So... did I LIKE the story? GET VALUE?
YES... I STILL DID!!!!
My heart wasn’t stone to it...
I adored the young girl in the hospital and much of the dialogue....
But..it didn’t KNOCK MY SOCKS OFF either.
I’m still glad I read it!! I’m even happy to be part of the community who shares our JOINT LOVE FOR THIS AUTHOR.
What’s exceptional about him is often is gift for reaching DEEP into our hearts...
OUR LOVE FOR HUMANITY expands.
We walk away being better people ourselves!
Fredrick Backman’s books ARE A GIFT to people!
Read it... enjoy it for what it is...
Pay no more than the $4.99 - or better yet get it from the library....
And definitely enjoy his other books!!!!!
Enough said!!!!!
📚💕📚💕 HAPPY HOLIDAYS
December 19, 2017
My reviews can also be seen at: https://deesradreadsandreviews.wordpr...
I have been seeing this everywhere and decided I had to give it a read.
I love that gorgeous cover!
Honestly I’m not sure how I feel about the story. I’m not going to go into the plot as the description itself is pretty long and goes into quite a bit of detail. I was definitely pulled in from the very first line and enjoyed the story, but just felt a bit like “that’s it?” when it was over. I knew the book was going to be short (96 pages) but I was still surprised when it ended as my Kindle said it was only at 56 percent. I’ve been having issues with my Kindle so I thought it was that, but then I realized the rest of it was an excerpt from the author’s novel, “Beartown”. Because I didn’t see it coming, I didn’t feel like I was at the end of the story and it took me a few moments to sort things out.
Overall, I’m still glad I read it, and I look forward to reading more from Fredrik Backman.
****UPDATE****
I was told recently that the author is donating proceeds from this novella to cancer research which I think is fantastic.
I have been seeing this everywhere and decided I had to give it a read.
I love that gorgeous cover!
Honestly I’m not sure how I feel about the story. I’m not going to go into the plot as the description itself is pretty long and goes into quite a bit of detail. I was definitely pulled in from the very first line and enjoyed the story, but just felt a bit like “that’s it?” when it was over. I knew the book was going to be short (96 pages) but I was still surprised when it ended as my Kindle said it was only at 56 percent. I’ve been having issues with my Kindle so I thought it was that, but then I realized the rest of it was an excerpt from the author’s novel, “Beartown”. Because I didn’t see it coming, I didn’t feel like I was at the end of the story and it took me a few moments to sort things out.
Overall, I’m still glad I read it, and I look forward to reading more from Fredrik Backman.
****UPDATE****
I was told recently that the author is donating proceeds from this novella to cancer research which I think is fantastic.
July 6, 2020
I read two books by Fredrik Backman this year and enjoyed them both. When I saw The Deal of a Lifetime floating around on Goodreads, the cover and author sent me right into an impulse buy and I used an Audible credit to purchase it. I didn't even read the blurb and assumed I was purchasing a Christmas read. It turned out to be very different from what I expected and my review below might contain something you consider a spoiler if you want to go in completely blind. Although, I don't feel that I reveal anything more than the blurb does.
The story begins with a father telling his son a story on Christmas Eve about how he killed someone. He's not disclosing details and you won't find out until the end of the story what really happens, but basically, he knows he hasn't been an exceptional father. He explains that he's been obsessed with his legacy and has chosen what he considers success over being a good parent to his son. That's what's been most important to him: leaving behind a legacy full of everything he thinks is important--wealth and security. Then he meets someone who's dying of cancer and he begins to question the decisions he's made. He begins to question how important life is. Do other people's lives matter? How important is someone else's life to you if you don't know them?
When I first started listening to this I began to feel like I wasn't going to be pleased with it. I appreciated that the places described in the story were real, taking place in the author's hometown, but when I started to contemplate that there might be a death, I was thinking for sure that I would hate it. By the time I got to the end, it hit me. Had my husband not been in the vehicle with me for the hour drive, I may have used an entire box of Kleenex and bawled my eyes out for another hour. The story is short and it's quite expensive to buy, but It's truly thought-provoking and what a powerful and meaningful message it sends. For that I'm giving this 5*****.
The story begins with a father telling his son a story on Christmas Eve about how he killed someone. He's not disclosing details and you won't find out until the end of the story what really happens, but basically, he knows he hasn't been an exceptional father. He explains that he's been obsessed with his legacy and has chosen what he considers success over being a good parent to his son. That's what's been most important to him: leaving behind a legacy full of everything he thinks is important--wealth and security. Then he meets someone who's dying of cancer and he begins to question the decisions he's made. He begins to question how important life is. Do other people's lives matter? How important is someone else's life to you if you don't know them?
When I first started listening to this I began to feel like I wasn't going to be pleased with it. I appreciated that the places described in the story were real, taking place in the author's hometown, but when I started to contemplate that there might be a death, I was thinking for sure that I would hate it. By the time I got to the end, it hit me. Had my husband not been in the vehicle with me for the hour drive, I may have used an entire box of Kleenex and bawled my eyes out for another hour. The story is short and it's quite expensive to buy, but It's truly thought-provoking and what a powerful and meaningful message it sends. For that I'm giving this 5*****.
November 7, 2017
3.5 Stars* (rounded down)
A short novella about the meaning of life, death and sacrifice by Fredrik Backman, one of my all-time favorite authors.
It is poignant, sincere and heartfelt. A quick, easy read. Enough said.
Published on Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter and Facebook on 11.6.17.
A short novella about the meaning of life, death and sacrifice by Fredrik Backman, one of my all-time favorite authors.
It is poignant, sincere and heartfelt. A quick, easy read. Enough said.
Published on Goodreads, Amazon, Twitter and Facebook on 11.6.17.
December 14, 2018
i love this time of year. its a time of kindness and warmth and giving. its a time that makes me believe in hope and humanity. its a time that reminds us what is truly important in life.
and i would lying if i said i didnt put off this book for seven months, just so i could read it during a time when i knew i would need a small dose of that holiday magic. and there is no one better to deliver that than fredrik backman.
this story is the epitome of christmas spirit - its a story about what it means to completely give of oneself without expecting anything in return, how selflessness and compassion are what can change a life for the better, and that the best gift is one that cannot be bought but one that is given in love.
what a perfect story for the best time of the year. a must read for everyone!
↠ 4 stars
and i would lying if i said i didnt put off this book for seven months, just so i could read it during a time when i knew i would need a small dose of that holiday magic. and there is no one better to deliver that than fredrik backman.
this story is the epitome of christmas spirit - its a story about what it means to completely give of oneself without expecting anything in return, how selflessness and compassion are what can change a life for the better, and that the best gift is one that cannot be bought but one that is given in love.
what a perfect story for the best time of the year. a must read for everyone!
↠ 4 stars
November 29, 2020
REREAD November 26, 2020. I first read this short story almost exactly one year ago in December 2019. Immediately below is my review from that time. I have now reread it, with my new review and rating below my old review.
3 stars
I had not read this author before except for his other novella so really didn’t know what to expect. I was confused at first. I had not read the blurb, so I went back to see what the story was about and got my bearings. I must say this very short novella (more of a short story) is poignant, and I loved the pictures, but it really didn’t tug at my heartstrings for whatever reason. Since I didn’t get the feelings I was searching for my rating of this one isn’t the best. I will try again with one of his novels.
RE-READ REVIEW:
5 stars
A year has passed since I first read Deal of a Lifetime. In that time frame I have read all six of Mr. Backman’s novels and have anointed him my favorite author. In my opinion, this man knows the mind of a human being and the complexities of human nature like no other author I have ever read. He also delivers the “feelings” to the reader like no other. After reading his six novels I wondered what it was that I had missed in his short story. Getting to know Mr.Backman’s works made it plain to me that it must have been me, not him. So I decided to reread Deal of a Lifetime. Yep, me and not him. Perhaps I understand Mr. Backman better now. I know I read the story with much greater attention and reflection this time around because I knew there must be something extraordinary about it that I missed. And I was right. In short, this is a very unusual story, a fable really, where the protagonist reflects upon his life and and comes to the difficult decision to pay penance by making the deal of a lifetime. Poignant and profound, this time it made me cry at the end. 5 easy stars.
3 stars
I had not read this author before except for his other novella so really didn’t know what to expect. I was confused at first. I had not read the blurb, so I went back to see what the story was about and got my bearings. I must say this very short novella (more of a short story) is poignant, and I loved the pictures, but it really didn’t tug at my heartstrings for whatever reason. Since I didn’t get the feelings I was searching for my rating of this one isn’t the best. I will try again with one of his novels.
RE-READ REVIEW:
5 stars
A year has passed since I first read Deal of a Lifetime. In that time frame I have read all six of Mr. Backman’s novels and have anointed him my favorite author. In my opinion, this man knows the mind of a human being and the complexities of human nature like no other author I have ever read. He also delivers the “feelings” to the reader like no other. After reading his six novels I wondered what it was that I had missed in his short story. Getting to know Mr.Backman’s works made it plain to me that it must have been me, not him. So I decided to reread Deal of a Lifetime. Yep, me and not him. Perhaps I understand Mr. Backman better now. I know I read the story with much greater attention and reflection this time around because I knew there must be something extraordinary about it that I missed. And I was right. In short, this is a very unusual story, a fable really, where the protagonist reflects upon his life and and comes to the difficult decision to pay penance by making the deal of a lifetime. Poignant and profound, this time it made me cry at the end. 5 easy stars.
February 14, 2023
The overall moral of the story is good, the execution is a bit lacking for me.
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.
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.
January 14, 2018
The Deal of a Lifetime by Fredrik Backman is a 2017 Atria Books publication.
Backman continues to amaze-
Every year there are a handful of holiday themed novels I never managed to read before the season was over, and this one falls into that category.
If I had been able to get my hands on a copy before Christmas, I wouldn't have had any problems working it into my schedule. In fact, I would have pushed it to the top of the pile, no matter how short or long it was. But, I missed any and all ad campaigns for this book, somehow, so by the time it cropped up on my radar the wait time at the library was so long I thought it might be NEXT Christmas before I got a copy.
Well, I obviously didn’t have to wait quite long- but the story was worth waiting for-
This is a very, very short story, and the plot line is written in such a way that to expound upon it, even briefly, would give too much away.
So, let me just say, this is a very thought- provoking story that prompts the reader to take stock, to cherish the small moments, to live life to its fullest, and to keep your priorities straight, and remember what is truly important in this life.
Although the story is a fantasy, it is very emotional, a little dark, and very atmospheric. As the holidays are often a time of reflection, Christmas was a perfect backdrop for this story to unfold.
But, despite the big Christmas tree on the cover, which clearly suggests this is a Christmas-themed story- it is one that can, and should be read and reflected upon all year round.
4 stars
Backman continues to amaze-
Every year there are a handful of holiday themed novels I never managed to read before the season was over, and this one falls into that category.
If I had been able to get my hands on a copy before Christmas, I wouldn't have had any problems working it into my schedule. In fact, I would have pushed it to the top of the pile, no matter how short or long it was. But, I missed any and all ad campaigns for this book, somehow, so by the time it cropped up on my radar the wait time at the library was so long I thought it might be NEXT Christmas before I got a copy.
Well, I obviously didn’t have to wait quite long- but the story was worth waiting for-
This is a very, very short story, and the plot line is written in such a way that to expound upon it, even briefly, would give too much away.
So, let me just say, this is a very thought- provoking story that prompts the reader to take stock, to cherish the small moments, to live life to its fullest, and to keep your priorities straight, and remember what is truly important in this life.
Although the story is a fantasy, it is very emotional, a little dark, and very atmospheric. As the holidays are often a time of reflection, Christmas was a perfect backdrop for this story to unfold.
But, despite the big Christmas tree on the cover, which clearly suggests this is a Christmas-themed story- it is one that can, and should be read and reflected upon all year round.
4 stars
December 12, 2019
An introspective fable reflecting on the choices we make and the differences in people.
This is a perfect fit for the upcoming holidays. The Christmas season is a time for caring and sharing, giving and receiving, friendship and fellowship. Often during this time of year we find ourselves considering what we value and what others value. We consider who we are, and what we will leave behind.
We all long for that which we don't have. To go back and make better choices, make up for our mistakes, choose a different path. But who is to say whether we've made the right or wrong choice, or even what the right choice is. People are who they are, no matter who we want them to be. Our choices are what makes each of us unique and wonderful individuals.
No matter what we choose to do, we are setting the course for our lives and those close to us. We are making a choice of this over that and it is only in and through those decisions that we grow and learn and live.
A beautiful novella that gives you pause to consider your own choices. A quick and easy read that was well worth it.
This is a perfect fit for the upcoming holidays. The Christmas season is a time for caring and sharing, giving and receiving, friendship and fellowship. Often during this time of year we find ourselves considering what we value and what others value. We consider who we are, and what we will leave behind.
We all long for that which we don't have. To go back and make better choices, make up for our mistakes, choose a different path. But who is to say whether we've made the right or wrong choice, or even what the right choice is. People are who they are, no matter who we want them to be. Our choices are what makes each of us unique and wonderful individuals.
No matter what we choose to do, we are setting the course for our lives and those close to us. We are making a choice of this over that and it is only in and through those decisions that we grow and learn and live.
A beautiful novella that gives you pause to consider your own choices. A quick and easy read that was well worth it.
December 8, 2017
3.5 Stars
"A second is always a second, that’s the one definitive walue we have on earth. Everyone is always negotiating all of the time. You’re doing the deal of your life, every day. This was mine.”
When you’re used to being charmed by Backman’s characters, by his stories, this one is a bit different. A different slice of life, Poignant, bittersweet, introspective, and yes, charming, but more in the darker slice of life way, still, look beneath, and you’ll find Backman. A story that examines the value of a life, and how, as life goes by, the value we place on things or people in our lives may change, those who value things over love, money over knowing another person may begin to reevaluate their choices. The value we place on the time we are given here should be infinite, even though the time here is not.
”The Deal of a Lifetime” is approximately half the length as last year’s “And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer: A Novella” (96 pages) It’s a weighty thought for so few pages, and yet Backman manages to wrap it with just the right amount of everything, hope, humour, compassion, and a sense of wistfulness - but still leave us wanting more.
"A second is always a second, that’s the one definitive walue we have on earth. Everyone is always negotiating all of the time. You’re doing the deal of your life, every day. This was mine.”
When you’re used to being charmed by Backman’s characters, by his stories, this one is a bit different. A different slice of life, Poignant, bittersweet, introspective, and yes, charming, but more in the darker slice of life way, still, look beneath, and you’ll find Backman. A story that examines the value of a life, and how, as life goes by, the value we place on things or people in our lives may change, those who value things over love, money over knowing another person may begin to reevaluate their choices. The value we place on the time we are given here should be infinite, even though the time here is not.
”The Deal of a Lifetime” is approximately half the length as last year’s “And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer: A Novella” (96 pages) It’s a weighty thought for so few pages, and yet Backman manages to wrap it with just the right amount of everything, hope, humour, compassion, and a sense of wistfulness - but still leave us wanting more.
November 29, 2017
"Maybe you will find this to be a strange story, I don't know...Anyway, this is the story. Thank you for taking the time to read it.
With love,
Fredrik Backman"
Dear Mr. Backman,
I purchased and read all your books within a year. How could you take advantage of one of your most ardent fans, by charging me $18 for a not much more than a hardcover greeting card? I've received birthday cards that stirred more emotions within me than "The Deal of a Lifetime." Plus, that title was like pouring salt in a wound. I cannot believe I'm going to do this to you, but I'm putting your second novella on my "terrible-twos" shelf.
This isn't goodbye; however, for you've written some of my favorite books. You know that special talent you have for getting us readers to laugh one minute, and then all of a sudden we have tears streaming down are cheeks. Well, I'm not walking away from experiencing those feelings again, but I'll most likely wait for a while, after your next book is released, and see what my friends have to say first.
Sincerely,
Linda
Would I recommend this novella? Only if you get it from your local library or have a $20 gift exchange for a Backman fan. 2 stars
With love,
Fredrik Backman"
Dear Mr. Backman,
I purchased and read all your books within a year. How could you take advantage of one of your most ardent fans, by charging me $18 for a not much more than a hardcover greeting card? I've received birthday cards that stirred more emotions within me than "The Deal of a Lifetime." Plus, that title was like pouring salt in a wound. I cannot believe I'm going to do this to you, but I'm putting your second novella on my "terrible-twos" shelf.
This isn't goodbye; however, for you've written some of my favorite books. You know that special talent you have for getting us readers to laugh one minute, and then all of a sudden we have tears streaming down are cheeks. Well, I'm not walking away from experiencing those feelings again, but I'll most likely wait for a while, after your next book is released, and see what my friends have to say first.
Sincerely,
Linda
Would I recommend this novella? Only if you get it from your local library or have a $20 gift exchange for a Backman fan. 2 stars
October 5, 2021
So, I’m listening to this audiobook as I drive, and I’m not sure if it was raining outside or inside my car?? Though I expected the outcome, I was hoping for a different, happy ending for all. If I understand correctly, this story was written on Christmas Eve - heavy stuff for that specific day, but further cementing this author’s genius for me.
November 24, 2020
I have read and loved all of Mr. Backman’s books. I picked this up because I loved the cover and knew it took place on Christmas.
First off I highly recommend that you DO NOT read this on Christmas. There is a lot of food for thought here and some really great writing but it is very dark in parts, and depressing.
As the blurb will tell you, a father and son have a meeting one night close to Christmas for the first time in a very long time. The father had been in hospital and met a brave little girl who is trying to survive her devastating diagnosis. This little girl has triggered something special in this man. He was a terrible father, he neglected his wife and son and was only concerned with amassing wealth and fame in the business world. They left him, when his son was still young.
The meeting with his son on this night goes well. His son doesn’t shun him, he explains that he has a good life. He owns a bar and has put his love and work into it. He is doing well and is happy. In spite of his father’s absence from his life, he has grown to be a wonderful, kind and deeply loving man.
There is a woman in a grey sweater, with a clipboard. She shows up when someone is about to die. The man sees her outside of the little girls room and wants to make a “Deal of a Lifetime” with the woman and have the woman take him and not the little girl. The woman then commences to explain how things would have to be if they changed places.
Truthfully when I first read this I thought “what the heck is Mr. Backman trying to tell me” I still think it’s strange that he wrote this book on Christmas eve while he was with his family. However he has admitted that he is a quirky guy. We’ve all seen the quirky characters he can make up in some of his books. During a virtual event with Mr. Backman he admits to always looking for the misfits, the different people to write about.
This book is an interesting novella and maybe I’ll never know exactly what he was trying to tell me except that life is precious and to be happy and to love and be loved is more precious than anything that money can buy. These are my words not his.
So if you are a fan of Backman, you will be touched if a little confused by this novella.
ADDENDUM: I've decided to up my rating to 3 and 1/2 rounded up to a 4* since I've been thinking about it a lot since I read it. That is a sign that something touched me in this book and made me think about life's choices.
First off I highly recommend that you DO NOT read this on Christmas. There is a lot of food for thought here and some really great writing but it is very dark in parts, and depressing.
As the blurb will tell you, a father and son have a meeting one night close to Christmas for the first time in a very long time. The father had been in hospital and met a brave little girl who is trying to survive her devastating diagnosis. This little girl has triggered something special in this man. He was a terrible father, he neglected his wife and son and was only concerned with amassing wealth and fame in the business world. They left him, when his son was still young.
The meeting with his son on this night goes well. His son doesn’t shun him, he explains that he has a good life. He owns a bar and has put his love and work into it. He is doing well and is happy. In spite of his father’s absence from his life, he has grown to be a wonderful, kind and deeply loving man.
There is a woman in a grey sweater, with a clipboard. She shows up when someone is about to die. The man sees her outside of the little girls room and wants to make a “Deal of a Lifetime” with the woman and have the woman take him and not the little girl. The woman then commences to explain how things would have to be if they changed places.
Truthfully when I first read this I thought “what the heck is Mr. Backman trying to tell me” I still think it’s strange that he wrote this book on Christmas eve while he was with his family. However he has admitted that he is a quirky guy. We’ve all seen the quirky characters he can make up in some of his books. During a virtual event with Mr. Backman he admits to always looking for the misfits, the different people to write about.
This book is an interesting novella and maybe I’ll never know exactly what he was trying to tell me except that life is precious and to be happy and to love and be loved is more precious than anything that money can buy. These are my words not his.
So if you are a fan of Backman, you will be touched if a little confused by this novella.
ADDENDUM: I've decided to up my rating to 3 and 1/2 rounded up to a 4* since I've been thinking about it a lot since I read it. That is a sign that something touched me in this book and made me think about life's choices.
December 18, 2017
I read this because Fredrik Backman has become over the last few years one of my favorite authors. I read it now because I thought it was a Christmas story, but it really isn’t. It’s a story for anytime, an allegory about how one lives a life, about the importance of knowing what really counts, about love. Moving in many ways, what we have come to expect from Backman. Recommended to all, but especially Backman fans. A very short review, I know but this piece of writing, described as a novella seems even short to be called that, but definitely worth reading.
August 15, 2024
”most of us so desperately want to believe that every heart which stops beating is missed equally.
yup, i cried.
December 26, 2020
This is a beautiful, meaningful novella, a story told by a father to his son on Christmas Eve. In "The Deal of a Lifetime" there's a five-year-old girl with cancer who is confined to the hospital. In a nearby room is another patient, a very wealthy man, a man who has forsaken his family but by his standards is an important man because in his world, with great wealth comes great worth: "I failed with you," he says of his son. "I tried to make you tough. You ended up kind." This is about the moment in time when the man ponders the five-year-old and questions his own life. "I'm not an ordinary person," he says, "everyone will hear about it when I die. When five-year-old girls die, no one writes about that, there aren't any memorials in the evening papers, their feet are still too small, they haven't had time to make anyone care about their footsteps yet."
How Backman manages in just sixty-two pages -- including illustrations -- to capture everything that matters in this world when you get right down to it, how he does that is remarkable. Sometimes it seems to me like Backman is better than most people: wiser, deeper, more loving and caring, more kind. And while I believe he's blessed with an amazing open heart, it's because in his writing he's so gifted at pinpointing the threads of goodness and greatness that bind us and make us beautiful. And the ones that don't. . This is not like "It's a Wonderful Life." It's challenging and it's not tied up with a bow. I have loved all of his books; he's my favorite contemporary novelist. "The Deal of a Lifetime" is a prose poem of great beauty and it's breathtaking, a thought-provoking tale where even the foreward made me cry. It's an instant classic Christmas story. It's the gift you didn't know is exactly what you need to give to yourself and everyone you love.
How Backman manages in just sixty-two pages -- including illustrations -- to capture everything that matters in this world when you get right down to it, how he does that is remarkable. Sometimes it seems to me like Backman is better than most people: wiser, deeper, more loving and caring, more kind. And while I believe he's blessed with an amazing open heart, it's because in his writing he's so gifted at pinpointing the threads of goodness and greatness that bind us and make us beautiful. And the ones that don't. . This is not like "It's a Wonderful Life." It's challenging and it's not tied up with a bow. I have loved all of his books; he's my favorite contemporary novelist. "The Deal of a Lifetime" is a prose poem of great beauty and it's breathtaking, a thought-provoking tale where even the foreward made me cry. It's an instant classic Christmas story. It's the gift you didn't know is exactly what you need to give to yourself and everyone you love.
November 21, 2021
This short novella surprised me! Backman did it again!
My only issue with it was that it was too short! I wanted more. Well, that's how I can tell the writing is just too good!
The story is written in such a way that you don't need to take time to get into the story or know the characters.
The plot deals heavily with terminal illnesses and how families deal with it.
There's this little girl getting treatment with her mother worried about her day and night.
There's this ruthless man who thought he would rule the world and have everything he wanted until life took a turn to rule his last days.
And there's this most normal paranormal character that made all the difference!
I love how this novell is written. I feel the story actually needs a few more lines towards the end. It ended too sudden for me.
Nevertheless, the story is heartwarming and sad at times. And it actually made me realise what it meant to make me feel about dysfunctional families, guilt, regrets and life in general.
My only issue with it was that it was too short! I wanted more. Well, that's how I can tell the writing is just too good!
The story is written in such a way that you don't need to take time to get into the story or know the characters.
The plot deals heavily with terminal illnesses and how families deal with it.
There's this little girl getting treatment with her mother worried about her day and night.
There's this ruthless man who thought he would rule the world and have everything he wanted until life took a turn to rule his last days.
And there's this most normal paranormal character that made all the difference!
I love how this novell is written. I feel the story actually needs a few more lines towards the end. It ended too sudden for me.
Nevertheless, the story is heartwarming and sad at times. And it actually made me realise what it meant to make me feel about dysfunctional families, guilt, regrets and life in general.
January 15, 2021
The Deal of a Lifetime is a short story written by Fredrik Backman in between his major novels. He wrote the piece for himself, possibly family, and hadn't intended to publish it. In it, he tells us from the beginning, as his main character, that he's killed someone. As the story progresses, we learn he has cancer and is in a ward with a young five-year-old who is also dying. Death visits, and it is time to make a deal over someone's life. Which way does it go?
For the most part, this was a wonderful story. Set at the holidays, it tugs at your emotions in all the same ways his books typically do. You will be slightly confused a first, then it becomes clear, and in the end you can't help but begin to tear up. In this one, we have less than 50 pages, and some are pictures. It almost got me there, but it didn't quite make it. I really wish this one was double the page count so we could learn more about the main characters... then it would've been a gut punch like all his rest. Still... if you're missing his works and you've devoured all the big novels, you should read this one.
For the most part, this was a wonderful story. Set at the holidays, it tugs at your emotions in all the same ways his books typically do. You will be slightly confused a first, then it becomes clear, and in the end you can't help but begin to tear up. In this one, we have less than 50 pages, and some are pictures. It almost got me there, but it didn't quite make it. I really wish this one was double the page count so we could learn more about the main characters... then it would've been a gut punch like all his rest. Still... if you're missing his works and you've devoured all the big novels, you should read this one.
November 13, 2017
Love.....Death.....Forgiveness.
In THE DEAL OF A LIFETIME, a man looks back on his life....reflects on what he missed....what is truly important, and with the influence of a little girl decides to make a change.
Just a short novella, but by Fredrik Backman.....always worth my while.
November 15, 2021
من به تو گفتم که ما در حقیقت در اعماقِ یک غارِ دنج زندگی میکنیم و آسمان مثلِ یک سنگ است که دربِ غار را بسته... تو پرسیدی: پس ستاره ها چی هستند؟؟ ... و من گفتم: آنها سوراخ هایی هستند برای اینکه نور بتواند بتابد داخلِ غار... بعد گفتم که چشمهایِ تو هم برایِ من همینطورند.. سوراخ های کوچکی که نور از آنها بیرون میتابد... بعد تو بلند
خندیدی
خندیدی
November 29, 2017
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 because what else would I rate this?? I mean really.
My reviews and (maybe) some other random thoughts can also be seen at
https://readingbetweenwinessite.wordp...
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I honestly don't think there is anyone that can make me cry like Fredrik Backman can. This teeny tiny 65 page novella gave me ALL the feels. I love his short stories with their beautiful illustrations and the gut wrenching "lessons". Backman is by far one of my favorite authors and I will read anything this man writes.
There isn't much else that I have to say about this short story except it is beautiful, moving, super fast to read, and you should totally read it. Especially if you are an avid fan of Backman like I am. I have loved everything he has written that I've read so far. I just can't sing his praises enough!!
Ok sorry, I'm done now. This is just a beautiful (short) book though, and the ending just killed me.
My reviews and (maybe) some other random thoughts can also be seen at
https://readingbetweenwinessite.wordp...
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I honestly don't think there is anyone that can make me cry like Fredrik Backman can. This teeny tiny 65 page novella gave me ALL the feels. I love his short stories with their beautiful illustrations and the gut wrenching "lessons". Backman is by far one of my favorite authors and I will read anything this man writes.
There isn't much else that I have to say about this short story except it is beautiful, moving, super fast to read, and you should totally read it. Especially if you are an avid fan of Backman like I am. I have loved everything he has written that I've read so far. I just can't sing his praises enough!!
Ok sorry, I'm done now. This is just a beautiful (short) book though, and the ending just killed me.
November 25, 2017
Not my favorite of Backman's work, honestly, but it was a sweet, quick read.
Read
December 22, 2017Some food for thought and perfect for the holiday season. Short but introspective. Beautiful cover art and many uplifting reviews from my GR friends led me to this one. May each reader take what they will from this novella. Fredrik Backman is special and does not cease to amaze me.
November 8, 2023
The only thing of value on Earth is time. One second will always be a second, there’s no negotiating with that.” pg. 20
The Deal of a Lifetime is an incredibly thought provoking short story a man dealing with cancer and is faced with an irreversible choice that makes him reflect on his life as a whole He does so by visiting his estranged son's bar on Christmas Eve, longing to make some kind of connection before it is too late. As someone who is estranged from their father, I had a tough time empathizing with the main character, however, I can appreciate the way in which this story explores life, death, and time. It is a provocative read with incredible writing, and really reminded me of A Christma Carol. I can't wait to read Backman's full length novels!
Read my reviews for Fredrick Backman's books here!
And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer - 4 stars
The Deal of a Lifetime - 4 stars
November 21, 2022
همش ۵٠ صفحه است ولی...
خدایا آخه قلم این بشر چیه که دست آخر باید دلت بگیره از نوشتههاش؟ 😢🥺🥺
خدایا آخه قلم این بشر چیه که دست آخر باید دلت بگیره از نوشتههاش؟ 😢🥺🥺
November 12, 2019
Fredrik Backman, I hate you. Why is it that you make me cry every single time?!
The Deal of a Lifetime is in the form of a letter written by a successful and famous but selfish man to his son. The man has been diagnosed with cancer and he seems to regret having been an absentee father because of his obsession with leaving behind a memorable legacy. His hospital room is adjacent to that of a five-year-old girl's who too has fallen victim to cancer. In his letter, he details the heartbreaking conversations that he overhears between the girl and her mother as he struggles to come to terms with the fact that cancer does not discriminate. Backman writes about love and redemption; of the constant struggle to find happiness.
This book is a short story by Fredrik Backman. That's two things that should motivate you to drop everything and read this. I loved it!
December 26, 2020
5★
“I failed with you. Fathers are meant to teach their sons about life, but you were a disappointment.
. . .
I bluntly asked you whether you were happy. Because I am who I am. And you replied: ‘It’s good enough, Dad. Good enough.’ Because you knew I hated that phrase. You were always someone who could be happy. You don’t know how much of a blessing that is.”
Backman introduces his story by saying he’d been thinking about his family and wanted to tell a story about the choices we make.
“A few words before the rest of the words.
This is a short story about what you would be prepared to sacrifice in order to save a life. If it was not only your future on the line, but also your past. Not only the places you are going, but the footprints you have left behind. If it was all of it, all of you, who would you give yourself up for?
. . . We discover we need someone to sweep us off our feet to realize what time really is.”
This is a thought-provoking little novella about a well-known, celebrated father who keeps himself away from home as much as possible because he really doesn’t know how to deal with having a family. He knows how he measures success – and, by his accounts, he certainly is a success – but he has no understanding of people who seem to march to a different drum – like his son.
Now we find him in a hospital with a sick little girl and a familiar elderly lady in a grey cardigan, while his son is still working in a bar that seems to be “good enough”.
There are some beautiful little illustrations throughout, which add to the charm. It was a perfect Boxing Day read, especially this year (2020) where so many people are having to reassess success and happiness.
“I failed with you. Fathers are meant to teach their sons about life, but you were a disappointment.
. . .
I bluntly asked you whether you were happy. Because I am who I am. And you replied: ‘It’s good enough, Dad. Good enough.’ Because you knew I hated that phrase. You were always someone who could be happy. You don’t know how much of a blessing that is.”
Backman introduces his story by saying he’d been thinking about his family and wanted to tell a story about the choices we make.
“A few words before the rest of the words.
This is a short story about what you would be prepared to sacrifice in order to save a life. If it was not only your future on the line, but also your past. Not only the places you are going, but the footprints you have left behind. If it was all of it, all of you, who would you give yourself up for?
. . . We discover we need someone to sweep us off our feet to realize what time really is.”
This is a thought-provoking little novella about a well-known, celebrated father who keeps himself away from home as much as possible because he really doesn’t know how to deal with having a family. He knows how he measures success – and, by his accounts, he certainly is a success – but he has no understanding of people who seem to march to a different drum – like his son.
Now we find him in a hospital with a sick little girl and a familiar elderly lady in a grey cardigan, while his son is still working in a bar that seems to be “good enough”.
There are some beautiful little illustrations throughout, which add to the charm. It was a perfect Boxing Day read, especially this year (2020) where so many people are having to reassess success and happiness.
December 13, 2017
Since this is a short book, I shall sum up my feelings in short poetry form:
Allegorical,
Yet missing the Backman warmth;
I am left bereft.
Allegorical,
Yet missing the Backman warmth;
I am left bereft.
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