Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

سباستین و ترول

Rate this book
فردریک بکمن، رمان نویس خوش فکر و خلاق سوئدی، هر چندوقت یک بار خوانندگانش را با کاری غیرمنتظره غافلگیر می کند. او که با رمان هایی مثل مردی به نام اوه و مادربزرگ سلام رساند به فهرست محبوب ترین و پرفروش ترین نویسندگان جهان راه یافته حالا با داستانی متفاوت بازگشته است. سباستین و ترول اثری است کوتاه، اما عمیق که به احساسات گوناگون می پردازد و تصوری است از مواجهه با مشکلات زندگی و در عین حال امید به تغییر. این اثر نشان می دهد که می توان پوسته ها را کنار زد و از دریچه هایی جدید به زندگی نگریست. تصویر های اختصاصی و زیبایی که در این کتاب کار شده جذابیت متن را دو چندان کرده است.

48 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 2017

18 people are currently reading
4696 people want to read

About the author

Fredrik Backman

35 books91.8k followers
Fredrik 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.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
788 (47%)
4 stars
568 (33%)
3 stars
255 (15%)
2 stars
48 (2%)
1 star
14 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews
Profile Image for Dennis.
663 reviews329 followers
February 26, 2020
The fact that I just finished one more Fredrik Backman novel, and also that someone close to me is suffering from mental health issues, prompted me to read this again.

I had planned a re-read anyway, as you can see from my original review. And I did indeed like the story better this time around. However, it wasn't just the wrong moment when I read this half a year ago. The writing is quite simply a tiny bit too metaphorical for me here, Backman's thoughts somehow too elusive in some places.

Still, I'm rounding up to 4 stars now. It's a gloomy (but not depressing) story, which I was more in the mood for today.

********

2019 review:

Imaginative, dreamlike story from one of my favorite authors.

It's about a boy living in a bubble of glass, disconnected from the outside world. A boy that never laughs when one is supposed to laugh. A boy that's never happy. A boy that just wants it to stop hurting.

I took this as a metaphorical approach towards depression, anxiety and overcoming one's fears. Sebastian certainly needs things to change. Does that mean though that he himself has to change?

”What if there’s something wrong with me after all?”
The troll looks to be taking this under serious consideration.
”Maybe something’s wrong with the wrong?”


Oh yeah, there's a troll in this story, too.

I guess every reader will take something different away from this. I mainly liked the ending, and what it says about us, every one of us, really. Backman's writing is always good, of course. However, there was some disconnect between me and this story. And I can't really put a finger on it. There are some humorous moments, in that typical quirky way that Backman writes so well. There are also some profound truths about life and people. And there's the sadness, of course. The guy does all these things so well. Always. But I somehow didn't love this particular story. Maybe he has set the bar too high for himself already. But more likely it just wasn't the right moment for me and this short story. Because I can't really see anything wrong with it.

3.5 stars, rounded down for now. I'll mark this one for a re-read.

Want to read it yourself? It's free: http://www.fredrikbackman.com/2018/01...
Or, as the author suggests, donate whatever you think it’s worth to a charity of your choice.


Buddy-read with Trish, who loved it.
Profile Image for Rosh ~catching up slowly~.
2,389 reviews4,925 followers
July 8, 2021
The word "troll" is synonymous with online bullying. God knows we have enough of trolls everywhere online. But here's a short story about a different kind of troll. And a little boy who considers himself broken. And how the troll helps him mend.

This story is a beautiful allegorical narrative for the troubles we face on the inside. It's so easy for others to point fingers at a person but only that person knows what battles he/she is fighting with himself/herself. So do we listen to others, do we give up on ourselves, or do we try our best to face each day a step at a time?

Go for this lovely and meaningful story. It's a quick read, hardly 5-10 minutes required. And it brings forth a good message. And it is adorned with beautiful imagery.

Do I need to give you another reason to read it?
It's by Fredrik Backman.

One can never have too much Backman.

May we have more of such trolls everywhere and less of the other kind; the world will be a better place.

Those interested in this short story can find it here:
https://www.fredrikbackman.com/2018/0...



***********************
Join me on the Facebook group, Readers Forever! , for more reviews, book-related discussions and fun.
Follow me on Instagram: RoshReviews


Profile Image for Yasamanv.
289 reviews37 followers
September 18, 2025
+من نمی تونم بهت یاد بدم چه کار کنی آزارت ندن، سباستین
_پس چی می تونی یادم بدی؟
+که بجنگی
_با چی بجنگم؟
+با همه اون هایی که امشب می آن
_کی ها؟
+کابوس هات، ضعف هات، کمبودهات، هیولاهات
Profile Image for Zari.Books.
245 reviews20 followers
February 1, 2025
یه کتاب کوچولو از بکمن قلب ها با موضوع افسردگی و ناامیدی🥺🫂
بکمن حتما خودش حداقل یه بار درون گودال افسردگی با کله افتاده.وگرنه مگه میشه یه نفر بدون اینکه این اتفاق رو تجربه نکرده،همینقدر ملموس بنویسه؟
ای کاش زود به زود بخونمش و به حرفای ترول گوش بدم:)
Profile Image for Haniyeh.
150 reviews76 followers
April 1, 2023
ناامیدی، ترس، تنهایی، قضاوت دیگران، گم شدن هویت آدمی و...
شاید ما هم مثل سباستین با مشکلاتی اینچنینی درگیر باشیم.
فردریک بکمن با این کتاب داره تلاش میکنه به ما نشون بده که میتونیم از بحرانها عبور کنیم و شاید یکی از مهمترین عوامل، اینه که به خودمون اعتماد کنیم و دست از گوش سپردن به نظرات دیگران بکشیم.
مفاهیم دیگری هم در کتاب گنجوده شده که پیشنهاد میکنم با خوندنش اونهارو دریابید.

لینک کتاب در فیدیبو:
https://www.fidibo.com/book/113623
Profile Image for Elyse Walters.
4,010 reviews12k followers
December 24, 2020
A little life lesson....
a short story by the talented Fredrik Backman

Sweet & touching!

Goes perfect with your morning coffee or tea!
Profile Image for Marilyn (not getting notifications).
1,068 reviews488 followers
December 25, 2020
I have loved all Fredrik Backman’s books and this short story was no exception. It’s message was clear, strong and hopeful. I highly recommend it.
Profile Image for N.a.f.a.s.
310 reviews33 followers
June 22, 2023
خوندنش حس خیلی خوبی داشت
اتمام
۱/تیر/۰۲
پنج شنبه
16:07
Profile Image for Carol.
1,370 reviews2,353 followers
December 31, 2020
"The best and the worst in life just happens to us, but the in-between....that's what keeps us going."

SEBASTIAN AND THE TROLL is a short story of severe sadness and pain expressed with such emotion AND in such an imaginative way that Fredrik Backman repeatedly does so well.

You can feel the suffering and anguish from Sebastian AND experience the heartbreak and distress of a mother as her son fights the demons inside his personal bubble.

You will hear the voice of a troll who does not lie, but tells it like it is......"At night they come. All of them. Your nightmares. Your weaknesses. Your inadequacies. Your monsters." Fight.

This is a dark (free) story that does leave the reader with a bit of hope that Sebastian will keep fighting and win the battle.

Thank you my GR's friends for the link!

Profile Image for Yasamin.bookworm .
51 reviews14 followers
March 2, 2023
بکمن یه بار دیگه غافلگیرم کرد.
یه داستان کوتاه در مورد افسردگی.
عکس های داخل کتاب هم خیلی قشنگ بودن 🥺
Profile Image for PattyMacDotComma.
1,776 reviews1,058 followers
September 7, 2019
4★
“Sebastian reaches his hand out. The troll is soft, its fur thick.
“You’re not from my imagination. My imagination isn’t this good.
The troll takes a deep bow.
‘Thank you.’
‘What do you want from me?’
Sebastian asks.
‘What do you want for you?’ the troll asks.
‘I want it to stop hurting’


This is a very short story, available online, about a boy who lives in a glass bubble. Sometimes he can hear his parents crying, sometimes not. He tells us he doesn’t eat much anymore, and he’s very tired of having nightmares.

The troll says he has come from inside Sebastian, and they have quite a conversation. The troll is a chatty fellow, with humour and common sense. Sebastian comes across as depressed, possibly autistic or in some way removed from ‘normal’ behaviour, and he mentions that at a time when there were some little holes in the glass, his parents slipped some pills in for him.

He says he knows his parents wish something bad had actually happened to him so they could fix it. His monsters and fears are wonderfully described, and that terrible feeling of being chased that many of us have had is all too real.

Backman is known for his quirky characters, but Sebastian isn’t like the ones I’m familiar with (so far).

I really enjoyed this, but then I’m a pushover for a good short story. Read it for yourself and make a note of what you think. 😊
http://www.fredrikbackman.com/2018/01...
Profile Image for WrittenbySahra.
411 reviews128 followers
March 4, 2022
کتاب کوچولوی آبی غمگینی که عمیقا شیرینه.
می‌دونین، هرچی فکر کردم برای این کوچولوی 44 صفحه‌ای نتونستم توصیف بهتری بنویسم.
افسردگی شیرین نیست، می‌دونم. اما جوری که بکمن درد و رنج رو روایت میکنه مثل شهده.
سباستینِ توی شیشه، پوستش پر از تَرَکه. بعد یه غول از لای یکی از اون ترک‌ها میاد بیرون و به سباستین یاد میده که چطور باید بپره.

(صحرا همینجوری که یه آهنگ غمگین گوش می‌داد این کتاب رو خوند و با هر جمله‌اش بغض کرد. خوندنش اگه توی حال روحی خوبی نیستین، پیشنهاد نمی‌شه.)
Profile Image for Reyhaneh.r.
143 reviews37 followers
March 6, 2025
『هو النور』
"شاید خنده‌هات شکسته‌ان، نه خودت. شاید یکی اون‌ها رو شکونده."
آخر آقای بکمن، چه می‌کنی؟ این همه آدم راجع به افسردگی می‌نویسند، صحبت می‌کنند و سخنرانی می‌کنند. چرا هیچ‌کدام چنین اثری بر قلب آدم نمی‌گذارند؟ بکمن با قلم جادویی خود به احساسات جان می‌بخشد و به آن‌ها شخصیت می‌دهد تا ملموس‌تر شوند.

گویی بکمن قلب و مغز خود را بیرون آورده است، با عنصر تخیل ترکیب کرده و به تو می‌گوید: "من درکت می‌کنم."
در این حین، در غالب یک شخصیت خیالی چیزهایی را می‌گوید که تا مدت‌ها در ذهنت می‌ماند. شاید هم برای من، کتابی درست در زمانی درست‌تر بود.

"شاید او برای اولین بار بخندد. یا بارها و بارها جوری بخندد انگار که بار اول است. خنده‌هایی که انگار کسی خیلی خیلی وقت پیش بر زمین جنگلی _ تکه‌تکه‌شده _ پس از طوفان بازیافته و آن را با خودش به خانه آورده و تیمارش کرده تا آن‌قدر قوی شود که بازگردد به طبیعت."

تک‌تک جملات کتاب را با بغض خواندم. کتاب کوتاهی است که در یک نشست نیم ساعته خواندنش تمام می‌شود، اما من هر صفحه را چندین و چند بار خواندم. به خود آمدم و دیدم کل کتاب نشانه‌گذاری شده است. احساس می‌کنم با قرار دادن فقط دو قسمت از متن کتاب در حقش اجحاف کرده‌ام، اما اگر می‌خواستم قسمت‌های موردعلاقه‌ام را بگذارم باید کل کتاب را قرار می‌دادم. دوست دارم در آینده نسخه فیزیکی‌اش را بخرم و بارها و بارها بخوانمش. مطمئنم تبدیل به کتابی شد که قرار است به عزیزانم هدیه‌اش کنم. از صمیم قلب دوست دارم انسان‌های بیشتری این کتاب را بخوانند.
_شنبه ۴ اسفند ۱۴۰۳
Profile Image for Stephanie Anze.
657 reviews123 followers
April 28, 2018
"His darkness is a heaviness and a tiredness that pulls the bones of his chest inwards and downwards until he can't breathe."

"Sebastian lives in a glass bubble" the story begins. Its a bubble that gets thicker and thicker and separates Sebastian from others. It keeps him from making connections and just from feeling happy or just feeling overall. That is until he gets a rather unusual visitor that helps him see himself in a different light.

WOW! This story is amazing. There is a reason why Fredrik Backman is one of my all-time favorite authors. Heartfelt, moving, profound, beautiful and touching this short story packs a punch. At just seven pages long, this work has left a mark bigger on me than some of the lengthier books I have read this year. I just love it. I cried tears of sadness but also of joy. This story is the hug you need when you are feeling down. Its the balm that soothes a tired soul. It really feels as if Backman is talking directly to you. The best part? Backman published this on his blog so there is no waiting. You can read it right now. In fact, do yourself a big favor and read it. First time reading this author? You will be amazed. Already familiar with him? You will love him even more. I had no idea what was in store when a sat down to read this unassuming short story so I had no preconceived notions. This work is perfect in every respect. Highly recommended!
Profile Image for Elina.
90 reviews18 followers
September 12, 2022
01.06.21

غول می‌پرسد:"به چی فکر می‌کنی؟"
سباستین آرام جواب می‌دهد:"دارم فکر می‌کنم شاید بادکنکه نه افتاده و نه فرار کرده. شاید فقط یکی ولش کرده."
غول می‌پرسد:"چرا یکی باید یه بادکنک رو ول کنه بره؟"
"شاید چون خواسته که بادکنکه خوشحال باشه‌."
Profile Image for Trish.
2,393 reviews3,747 followers
August 25, 2019
Children always have so much more space inside them than grown-ups can take remembering.
So very true.

I've read two of this author's books so far, both hitting me quite hard emotionally. So I thought I'd read a short story of his next. Not much space/time to drive that knife into my heart, right? WRONG!

This story is about Sebastian, a boy living in a bubble. A very depressed boy with lots of pain and dark thoughts that people cannot really understand. As is always the case with mental health, their reactions range from helpless to outrageously stupid.

But then a troll appears and helps Sebastian.

”A life. A hundred thousand years of all the best and all the worst”, the troll whispers.
”And in-between that?”
The troll smiles, almost happily.
”Oh, yes! THAT! All the in-between. You get to choose that. The best and the worst in life just happens to us, but the in-between… that’s what keeps us going.”


I don't think there is a single thing this author has written that isn't brilliant. The depiction of depression and many people's reactions to mental health problems was spot on and also very creative and lyrical. Most importantly though is that the story's message, while highlighting the fear and darkness to make those of us who are blessedly unafflicted understand, is of light and hope.

You can read it for free here or donate to a charity of your choice an amount you think this story is worth: http://www.fredrikbackman.com/2018/01...

This was a buddy-read with Dennis who, sadly, didn't love it as much as I did (he barely ever has any taste ;P).
Profile Image for BAHAR.
136 reviews78 followers
January 3, 2023
اونا واقعا نمی‌تونن تو رو اذیت کنن، پس باید کاری کنن خودت، خودت رو آزار بدی! 🥺
Profile Image for رزی - Woman, Life, Liberty.
340 reviews120 followers
January 20, 2024
محتواش عین خواب‌هام بود.
دارم فکر می‌کنم که دیگه از این ادبیات استعاری برای اشاره به افسردگی و... خوشم نمیاد و کلیشه‌های غرق شدن و پرواز کردن و سقوط و فلان یکم خسته‌م کرده.
Backman has done better
Profile Image for Y_falahati.
153 reviews9 followers
May 9, 2022
اگر کسی بیاد به من بگه خوشحال نیست، حالش خوب نیست و نمیتونه شاد باشه، بهش توصیه میکنم کتاب های بکمن و بخونه. و این آخری؟ چیزی فراتر از خوبه…
بکمن قطعا تا ته چاه افسردگی رفته…
وگرنه محاله کسی بتونه از بیرون اینقدر دقیق و زیبا توصیف کنه…
تجربه ثابت کرده هرچی کتاب های کوتاه تری نوشته، بیشتر تونسته تو همون زمان کم و تعداد صفحه های کمش، روح آدمو بکشه بیرون، وارسی کنه، ترک هاشو ببینه، قصه ها و غصه هاشو بشنوه و ببینه، چسب زخم بزنه، تیمار کنه و بذاره سر جاش…
روانشناس حاذقی هم میتونه باشه حتا!
.
«همه‌اش همین وسطه. تو باید انتخاب کنی. خوب و بدهای زندگی برای هرکسی اتفاق می‌افته، اما این وسط…. این وسطه که همین خوب‌ها و بدها کاری می‌کنن بتونیم ادامه بدیم.»
Profile Image for Devanshi.
358 reviews192 followers
November 12, 2020
”What’s up there?” he asks and points to the top of the cliffs where the rope is attached.
”A life. A hundred thousand years of all the best and all the worst”, the troll whispers.
”And in-between that?”
The troll smiles, almost happily.
”Oh, yes! THAT! All the in-between. You get to choose that. The best and the worst in life just happens to us, but the in-between… that’s what keeps us going.”


Why did a 7 page story make me cry and a 400 pages emotional novel didn't? 🤔 Everything has to do with the art of expressing emotions with words!
Profile Image for Renegade ♥.
1,339 reviews
December 27, 2020
5 stars

"I’m sorry," Sebastian says.
The troll nods, with his sorrow in its eyes.
"I know, Sebastian. I know how sad you are.”
Sebastian reaches his hand out. The troll is soft, its fur thick.
"You’re not from my imagination. My imagination isn’t this good.”
The troll takes a deep bow.
"Thank you.”
"What do you want from me?” Sebastian asks.
"What do you want for you?” the troll asks.
"I want it to stop hurting,” Sebastian asks.
"What?” the troll asks.
"You should know, if you’ve been inside me. Everything. I want everything to stop hurting,” Sebastian begs.
The troll doesn’t lie to him then. Sebastian really likes the troll for that.
"I can’t teach you how to make it stop hurting, Sebastian.”
"Then what can you teach me?” Sebastian breathes in reply.
"How to fight.”
"Fight against what?”
"Against everybody that’s coming tonight.”
"Who?”
"Your nightmares. Your weaknesses. Your inadequacies. Your monsters.”

And at night, they come. All of them.




Free story link:

http://www.fredrikbackman.com/2018/01...
Profile Image for Farjaneh_.
258 reviews123 followers
December 2, 2024
《هو النور》
و مطالعه برای بار سوم💙
کتاب یک داستان کوتاه لطیفه درباره‌ی افسردگیه که اتفاقاتش در یک فضای تقریبا فانتزی رخ میده تا درک ما رو از احساسات شخصیت بهتر کنه.
من اول برای هدیه دادن خریدمش اما وسوسم کرد و نگهش داشتم. خوندمش، بعد هم دلم نیمد زیباییش رو با کسی شریک نشم💫
به مناسبت هفته‌ی کتاب که با بچه‌های نور دورهمی داشتیم(باشگاه کتابخوانیمون که همینجاست) کتاب رو آوردم و بلندخوانیش کردیم.
به نظرم انتخاب خوبیه برای مطالعه در یک نشست، ۳۰ صفحه متنه، ۱۰ صفحه تصویر و برای من خوانشش با صدای بلند حدود ۳۵ دقیقه زمان برد.
دوستش داشتم💛
Profile Image for Olivia's Bookish Places & Spaces.
278 reviews
July 2, 2018
Read this in under 10 minutes. A short, quirky (well it is Backman) and somewhat grim story (only Backman could have this combination) that is an allegory for mental health. In my opinion this is one of those stories that could be taught in creative writing classes as I feel there is a lot to dissect here. A must read for any Backman fan.
Profile Image for Mery ✨.
675 reviews39 followers
March 22, 2022
4.5/5

A moving parable about depression and how we can take it to step by step every day!

” Don’t jump Sebastian, please don’t jump. Because we really want to know who you can become if you don’t.”
Profile Image for Stacey B.
469 reviews209 followers
December 25, 2020

Seven pages total.

To understand what many do not recognize,
this is a short story about
a boy with life threatening depression.
We know why it was written.
We wish there was a magic pill.
What we do with this story is up to us.
Profile Image for Ash.
413 reviews125 followers
June 8, 2025
જ⁀➴ “In the end, there’ll be no air left and then something has to crack. Either the bubble or you.”

This was truly beautiful🥹. The thoughts Sebastian had literally felt like a mirror of my own and I just felt like I was finally being seen in a way. Fredrik seriously has a way with words and I can’t wait to read his Beartown series.
Profile Image for Aneesha (Books & Brownies).
64 reviews15 followers
May 31, 2025
Rating: ⭐ 5/5

𝙎𝙚𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙡 is just 7 pages long (yes, only seven), and it covers themes like loneliness, anxiety, self-discovery, and finding the courage to face your inner demons.

The story follows Sebastian, a young boy who has isolated himself in a metaphorical glass bubble to protect himself from his fears and nightmares. His quiet, solitary world is disrupted by a troll who shows up unexpectedly. He gently encourages Sebastian to step outside his bubble and face the world. Through their interaction, the author explores the complexities of mental health and how powerful it can be to truly connect with someone.

Only a few pages long, but wow! I was caught off guard with how deeply it resonated. It's a simple story about a little boy and a gentle troll, but underneath that, it's about fear, depression, and the walls we (un)knowingly build around ourselves. It's a much-needed reminder that sometimes all we need is someone who sees us.

𝙎𝙚𝙗𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙏𝙧𝙤𝙡𝙡 is available to read for free on Fredrik Backman's official website.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 310 reviews

Join the discussion

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.