Britt-Marie’s husband, Kent, has a heart attack and his mistress is looking after him in a Swedish hospital. Britt-Marie is in shock. She thought her husband was on a business trip in Germany. She didn’t realise he had a mistress.

Hurt and dejected, Kent’s abandoned wife stoically accepts that her marriage is at an end. She registers at the employment office and is appointed as caretaker of a recreation centre in Borg, a Swedish rural community. But the centre is to close in three weeks.

Fredrik Backman has written a poignant and amusing social commentary of a country district that’s in decline – until Britt-Marie arrives.

The people in Borg are known by their nicknames. The first person Britt-Marie meets is called Somebody, who uses a wheelchair and is the proprietor of the local pizzeria. The pizzeria is also the post office, bottle shop, health centre and, just outside the back door, a car repair workshop. As businesses close down, Somebody takes on whatever activities are necessary to keep Borg functioning as a community.

Within minutes of Britt-Marie’s meeting Somebody, Vega introduces herself. She’s a soccer player, along with Toad (who burps loudly, hence the nickname), Omar, Dino and a few others. The team can join the local football association only if it has a coach. Vega sets out to persuade Britt-Marie to take on the role. The new caretaker dislikes football intensely; her adulterous husband loved the game.

This novel is neither plot driven nor fast paced. It’s more of a slow burn. It’s also a heartwarming, tender and satisfying read.

Reviewed by Clive Hodges