Den röda adressboken

Den röda adressboken The Red Address Book

Life is a string of meetings, each one like a pearl on a necklace. We meet and love, we part ways and reunite, we share in joy and defeat, and we have our hearts broken.

96-year-old Doris has had the same address book since 1928. The little red book holds her very own pearl necklace, the people she has met and loved throughout her life. Now Doris lives alone in an apartment in central Stockholm. Most of the names in her book are crossed over, gone from this world, and her only visitors are from the home care. Doris’ greatest source of joy are the calls from her grandniece Jenny on the other side of the Atlantic. One day Doris begins to write down the story of how she met the people that shaped her life, so that Jenny, who will be the only one to remember Doris, will be able to share her most precious possession: her memories.

“Written with love, told with joy. Very easy to enjoy.”
-Fredrik Backman

The Red Address Book is a love letter to the human heart. Full of tenderness and empathy, Lundberg has created more than just a novel – she has created a window into the soul.”
-Alyson Richman, author of The Lost Wife and The Velvet Hours

“In a reader’s lifetime, there are a few books that will be companions forever. For me, The Red Address Book is one of them. It will comfort you, and remind you of all the moments when you grabbed life with both hands. It is also an homage to the wisdom of women who have lived longer than most of us. One is never too old to learn that love is the only meaning of life — let’s listen to these women.”
-Nina George, author of The Little Paris Bookshop

“Sofia Lundberg has written a wonderful debut. The story of the life of Doris is told with a whole lot of love. It is full of warmth and compassion.”
-Jan-Philipp Sendker

“A warm and tender story about life, memories, and the power of love and friendship. A novel with heart and humor!”
-Katarina Bivald, author of The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend

“With an ingenious hook and a glorious heroine, this book is a delicate balance of heartwarming and heartbreaking and a timely reminder to hold on to those you love in case they get away. Enchanting.”
-Veronica Henry, author of A Night on the Orient Express

Awards

Shortlisted for a Prix des Lecteurs du Livre de Poche (Best Literary) France 2020
Shortlisted for a Prix des lecteurs Plume Libre (La Plume Romanesque) France 2019
Shortlisted for the Suomalainen kirjakauppa Book of the Year Award Finland 2018
Shortlisted for LovelyBooks’ Der Leserpreis (Best Fiction) Germany 2018
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Reviews

  • “In this tender and heartfelt story, Sofia Lundberg offers a reminder that those we too easily dismiss, such as the elderly, have rich histories and lives that we can learn from. /…/ Completely engrossing from start to finish, The Red Address Book is a poignant tale of memory and how those things we carry in our heart work together to create our own life stories. ”

    New York Journal of Books, US

  • “A sweet-tart Swedish romance steeped in memory and regret. /…/ The Red Address Book is just the sort of easy-reading tale that will inspire readers to pull up a comfy chair to the fire, grab a mug of cocoa and a box of tissues and get hygge with it.”

    New York Times Book Review, US

  • “Wise and captivating, Lundberg’s novel offers clear-eyed insights into old age and the solace of memory.”

    People, US

  • “Doris’s life story is magnetic, and it’s her strong personality and pearls of wisdom […] that drive the book. /…/ Fans of Fredrik Backman will find much to like here.”

    Publishers Weekly, US

  • “A testament to the power of love and stories to bridge generations.”

    Star Tribune, US

  • “The relationships [Doris] forms along the way, from the tortured gay artist who becomes a lifelong friend to the charismatic young man whose love drives Doris to battle enormous odds in an attempt to find him during WWII, are beautifully brought to life in this sweetly elegiac novel.”

    Booklist, US

  • “A charming, fragile romance.”

    Kirkus Reviews, US

  • “Readers who enjoyed Eleanor Brown’s The Light of Paris or Nina George’s The Little French Bistro will delight in seeing Doris’s life unfold in this charming, tender tale.”

    Library Journal, US

  • “Like a cozy conversation with your grandma, The Red Address Book warms your heart and soul.”

    BookPage, US

  • “Charming.”

    Toronto Star, Canada

  • “The novel’s beautiful ending makes the soul sing, the heart swell and the tears fall, and so I shall leave the last word to Doris: ‘Don’t be afraid of life, Jenny. Live. Help yourself. Laugh. Life isn’t here to entertain; you have to entertain life. Seize opportunities whenever they come along, and make something good out of them.’

    LoveReading, UK

  • “Doris’s tales of the past, wrapped around the present, are heartwarming and bittersweet. An endearing winter read.”

    ★★★★

    Sunday Times, UK

  • “It’s fascinating read that will get under your skin and evoke thoughts that stretch beyond the boundaries of the text. A brilliant book and a summary of what it means to be human and the circumstances that form and torment us. /…/ With a warmhearted and stylistically confident hand [Sofia Lundberg] brings to light relationships’ value, and paints an accurate picture of aging’s conditions. I sincerely hope that Sofia Lundberg will find a following and that we will get to see more of her literary authorship.”

    Kulturbloggen, Sweden

  • “It not only gets heart-wrenching, but incredibly thrilling. /…/ A real gem that I’m happy to recommend.”

    Bokomaten, Sweden

  • The Red Address Book is a fantastic life story about love, happiness and sorrow.”

    Boktokig, Sweden

  • “A book that will make you long for home, is what I wrote when I Instagrammed [The Red Address Book] one day. A literary comfort blanket, smartly executed. /…/ It’s a lovely book, I would say it’s perfect to enjoy together with a cup of tea, a warm blanket, yummy cheese sandwiches and autumn weather.”

    Bokoholist, Sweden

  • “This is absolutely one of the most beautiful and heart-breaking stories I have read in a long time. The author’s prose is so soft and lovely and the story touches, evokes feelings and thoughts. It’s a story of memories, loneliness, longing, and love. The book is such a beautiful work, and I really recommend everyone to read it. You won’t be disappointed.”

    Lenas godsaker, Sweden

  • “Captivating, gripping and told in an amazing way where past and present meet. Love it!”

    Fab fifty, Sweden

  • The Red Address Book by Sofia Lundberg is a true gem.”

    Västmanländskans bokblogg, Sweden

  • “As I was absorbed by this book I thought to myself: WHY didn’t I read this earlier??”

    Cissigrip.blogg.se, Sweden

  • The Red Address Book was the evening’s topic during the book chat. Everyone was in agreement that it was great. /…/ It was also an easy read, and had momentum throughout. /…/ It’s a lovely book that touches on life’s many fates: to love, to long for, and to try to fit in.”

    Bokmumriken, Sweden

  • “This is a heart-breaking story. A look back at history of a sort, but also a thought-provoking story about how everyone has a story to tell. /…/ This is Sofia Lundberg’s debut novel; I truly hope that she will write more.”

    Monika Häägg, Sweden

  • “What a delightful journey you get to experience with this diamond of a novel, The Red Address Book by Sofia Lundberg. /…/ Read, read, read it.”

    Bokfink, Sweden

  • “I enjoy the way that the author switches between present and past. Using Doris’ address book as a starting point is a smart move. The prose is smooth and carefully chosen.”

    Bak bok mat, Sweden

  • The Red Address Book – a friend’s book that I’ve wanted to read for a long time. Now I only have a few pages left. I can truly recommend this lovely story!”

    Rebecka Edgren Aldéns blogg, Sweden

  • “[The Red Address Book] is an interesting read that makes you think. A book that summarizes what it is like to be human and how environment can wound and shape you. /…/ Everyone in the book club were unanimous that this was a really excellent book.”

    Millas hälsoblogg, Sweden

  • “Fantastic, gripping and powerful!!!”

    Jennies boklista, Sweden

  • “An engrossing tale about taking on burdens young, sisterly love, travels, dizzying love, and more. What this book portrays in a beautiful manner is life itself, simply put. As life is with love, disappointment, hopes, and gratitude for what one has gotten to experience.”

    Bina’s Books, Sweden

  • “Sofia Lundberg is the name of the author who has written a book reminiscent of a female version of The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared /…/ Many are the moving and entertaining stories that together form Doris’ amazing life story. Read, enjoy, and get ready to shed a tear or two.”

    Blekinge Läns Tidning, Sweden

  • “Memories, love and friends in a marvelous novel /…/ The author Sofia Lundberg takes us on a fascinating journey through time and space. Delicately and sensitively she lets us accompany Doris on her journey.”

    Allas, Sweden

  • “Sofia Lundberg’s debut novel The Red Address Book is an extravagant and sentimental novel about time and aging.”

    Femina, Sweden

  • “A touching and optimistic story of a determined lady. You might need to reach for tissues when reading.”

    Me Naiset, Finland

  • “A deeply touching novel about what unique stories our lives are.”

    ET-Magazine, Finland

  • “Let it be said right away: This novel will have you in tears – tears that will pour out even as you smile. Love in all its forms, the whims of fate and lifelong loyalty are mixed together to form a wonderful and utterly moving story. /…/ The story hits you right in the heart, and I savored every word of it.”

    Femina, Denmark

  • The Red Address Book is one of the best novels I have read in a long time. /…/ [It] is absolutely wonderful, and I would recommend everyone to read it, and also to hurry to ask their grandparents about their life stories, before they’re no longer with us – it’s a magical experience.”

    Bogblogger.dk, Denmark

  • “A touching, engaging and captivating novel about a woman’s life. Several times I sat with tears in my eyes and had to put the book down for a bit to catch my breath, before I picked it up again and was again deeply moved. /…/ The Red Address Book gets five big stars! I loved the book all the way through. I cried, gaped, and almost howled during several parts. It’s a story that has you caught in no time, about a person you come to treasure almost immediately.”

    Henriettesblog.dk, Denmark

  • The Red Address Book stays with you even after you’ve finished it. /…/ A touching story about experiences, friendships and what life is all about.”

    The Booted Cat, Germany

  • “The plot is very emotional and touching with lots of love and life. The story about Doris warmed me right from the beginning and I couldn’t put the book down. I got very carried away and I quickly fell in love with her and felt her losses. Sofia Lundberg creates a special atmosphere with her great writing style, managing to remind the reader to enjoy everyday life and show our loved ones how important they are to us. I give it 5/5.”

    Maike Bluhm, Germany

  • “Wow, this book definitely struck a nerve with me./…/ It’s hard to believe how such an authentic and thrillingly narrated plot can be fit into less than 350 pages./…/ I recommend this beautiful, touching and tenderly narrated book from the heart and would once again like to highlight the successful combination of so many different elements such as historical events and characters, family history, relationship dramas as well as a very moving and sweeping love and life story.”

    Samtpfoten mit Krallen, Germany

  • “In her truly wonderful and beautiful writing style, the author has managed to really touch and inspire me with this book. /…/ I found the book incredibly emotional and I was often moved to tears. Beautifully written and thought-provoking.”

    Herzzwischenseiten, Germany

  • “There’s a flow in the writing style; [the novel] is a great read and has completely captivated me. /…/ The Red Address Book is a truly excellent debut that captivates the reader. An interestingly portrayed protagonist, an easy, flowing reading style and a plot that has brought me wonderful reading hours. Really recommend it!”

    Manjas Buchregal, Germany

  • “Just from the cover and title, I knew that I’d find the book interesting. /…/ I just flew through the pages, and from the first sentence I was enchanted. Sofia Lundberg paints with her words. She has not just written a book, but created art. I truly enjoyed reading the book and felt both fear and hope for the characters. /…/ I could not put it down and I had to constantly wipe the tears from my eyes. It was so moving and beautiful. /…/ This book has made me reflect about life and love. /…/ I could write so much more about this book, but you have to read, feel and discover the book yourself. This book is a story that goes straight to your heart and stays there for a long time!”

    Lebenslesezeit, Germany

  • “A very sensitive and touching narrative about longing, love, separation, friendship, laughter, sorrow, ageing and the loneliness tied to it.”

    Nordis, Germany

  • “A voice that gets under your skin.”

    Freies Wort, Germany

  • “Moving.”

    Bella, Germany

  • “[Sofia Lundberg] has written a book for mothers, daughters and grandmothers. A book about transience, about letting go and about the end of a life’s journey. It’s also a book about opportunities, courage and love.”

    ★★★★★

    Buchszene, Germany

  • “[A book] absolutely worth reading.”

    Hamburger Morgenpost, Germany

  • “This eloquent debut is like a visit to grandma’s – you feel safe and amazed by the stories you hear. A soulful look back which has made me feel very contemplative.”

    Freundin, Germany

  • “One of the most outstanding debuts since The Haunted House by Isabel Allende./…/ Entertainment that is guaranteed to bring about tears, laughter and bliss – Sofia Lundberg’s book ensures a reading experience filled with great emotion, sparkling humour and stunning charm to the very last page. The Red Address Book is an essential feature of every bookshelf. This debut will seduce all your senses and captivate you completely for hours on end. The Swedish author writes in a way that will inevitably have you succumb to her words. Her work places the reader under an unprecedented level of intoxication. And she makes us smile like no other. Lundberg masters the art of narration at the highest level. Between the covers you’ll find a feel-good novel of the very best kind. /…/ Such intoxicating levels of reading joy that Sofia Lundberg’s novel generates can normally only be found with Isabel Allende. A story such as the one in The Red Address Book is a very special gift for the reader and one of the most beautiful kind. Only a few sentences in the story will have brought you to tears, it even tears at your heart./…/ This is literature that makes your knees weak and that you fall in love with.”

    Literaturmarkt, Germany

  • “An as thrilling as it is exciting life story, and a read-worthy reminder that it’s never too late for happiness!”

    Brigitte, Germany

  • “Sofia Lundberg writes with great sensitivity, sympathy and warmth about her protagonist, Doris.”

    Heilbronner Stimme, Germany

Author
Photo: Viktor Fremling Sofia Lundberg
Published
2017
Genre
  • Literary
Pages
288
Reading material

Swedish edition

English translation

Rights sold

Albania, IDC Publishing

Arab World, Al Ahlia

Brazil, Globo

Bulgaria, Hermes

China, Beijing Xiron (Simplified Chinese)

Croatia, Mozaik

Czech Republic, Euromedia

Denmark, People’s

Estonia, Eesti Raamat

Finland, Otava

France, Calmann-Lévy

Germany, Goldmann

Greece, Dioptra

Hungary, Alexandra

Israel, Modan

Italy, DeA Planeta

Korea, Moonye

Latvia, Zvaigzne ABC

Lithuania, Baltos Lankos

Netherlands, Ambo Anthos

North Macedonia, Antolog

Norway, Cappelen Damm

Poland, W.A.B.

Portugal, Porto

Romania, Litera

Russia, Ripol

Serbia, Laguna

Slovenia, HKZ

Spain, HarperCollins

Sri Lanka, Sarasavi

Sweden, Forum

Taiwan, Spring International (Complex Chinese)

UK, The Borough Press

Ukraine, Nora-Druk

US, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

More From Sofia Lundberg

Loui & Rio

Stand-alone