The Deal of a Lifetime: A Novella Audio CD – Unabridged, October 31, 2017

Every book he writes leaves an indelible mark on my heart. In this one I am slammed into what really matters in the end.

I think the main reason I didn't like this story is because the 45yr old character was a lousy husband/father/human being. He wasn't of any "value" even to himself.In the book, he decides to divert the attention of the Death lady from a 5yr old girl to himself by getting in a car accident. Except he doesn't die and instead goes to see his son after the accident in a bloody state which his son takes in stride. The Death lady goes with him and drinks beers and has a sandwich. The father is totally inept in his inadequacy to speak to his son. Nothing new. Then he supposedly dies with the help of the Death lady so the little girl can live.The father is pathetically the type of person nobody will miss anyway. Not much of a loss.I have read Backman's other novels and they're a far better read and definitely worth the time. This one, in my opinion, was not.This novella was written as an overall apology by a man for failing everyone in his life he allegedly cared about, most especially his son. The son's opinion of his father is never revealed or discussed. But the father does note that his son has a gift for enjoying his life and finding worth in many commonplace things that his father would have dismissed for consideration.And in the context of the book, the father states that everyone is always making deals in their life all the time. As if all relationships are negotiating platforms like a business deal. Pretty sick outlook. Could not relate to that theory and, even though it is just a story, I found that offensive even in a fictional character. Many aspects of the father's personality lead me to not care about the character at all.Disappointing 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.

I have read all of Backman's work up to now and this is his latest bit of storytelling and he is a good storyteller. This is either a short story or a novella whatever it is it is a short and very quick read. To tell you much about the story risks spoilers so I will try to refrain. I would characterize it as being similar to an episode of the old Rod Serling "Twilight Zone" TV show. In this case a man tries to negotiate with Death and trade his life for that of another. Death informs him of what such a trade really entails and questions the sincerity of the request. It's a good story and something that could start a conversation but compared to Backman's other works it didn't really impress me.

I read this novella twice in an attempt to fully understand the message Backman was trying to convey. After the first reading I knew I had to read it again to really FEEL it. To me, it reads like a letter a father writes to his son. It's an apology of sorts - a goodbye, a heartfelt tale of regret. The father is dying of cancer and as he questions his own life he realizes that he was not the greatest person to those around him. He was selfish and petty. One of the other characters is an old lady who wears a gray sweater and represents a sort of grim reaper. She appears throughout the story at many crossroads where the father finds himself.Backman is amazing!!! This is the fourth book of his that has completely blown me away. Here he manages in just 65 pages to capture what really matters in relationships. However, the novella left me feeling at a loss, and I cannot put my finger on exactly why. If you haven't yet read it, I suggest reading it slowly, pausing, closing your eyes (that's what I did) and taking in the many beautiful, and often heartbreaking moments. Doing that gave me a much deeper understanding of the book.I've read many review where people expressed anger at having spent $18.00 for this book. When it arrived and I saw how small it was, and how short the story is, I too questioned paying so much for such a short tale. But as they say, the best things come in small packages and I have no regrets about paying that much for something that leaves me with so much to think about. I will definitely reread this novella many times over and maybe after I do I won't feel that nagging loss that I can't put my finger on.

This is such a short and yet extremely powerful book; Backman starts off the book by explaining how he came to write this story and I feel this makes it all the more powerful.Backman has a way of writing wherein he just puts his complete heart and soul into his words and it really leaps off the pages; especially with this one and that opening line! Whilst it's a short story you still have no idea of where the plot is going or what is happening until the end. This book is a really poignant tale about what we would do for others; those we love and those we barely know.There are illustrations throughout this book that really add to the story and really make this book something more special. Whilst this is a very short book it is still one I loved and the design is delightful. I think I could read anything by him and love it.

It's Christmas Eve in Helsingburg, the snow is softly melting ,as a father tells his son a story .A story about a little girl who lies in a hospital bed..She is clever and brave, so young and yet so wise beyond her years ..As the father looks back on his life he remembers the times, moments and events that bought him here to this moment ..Beautifully written this is a story of regret , love and redemption..A story of the moments we wish we could go back too, the moments treasured ..the things we do for love..and the beauty of life ..Thank you Melanie for the recommendation..A beautiful story of the heart ..Soultouching ...

A short book, a novella as they call it. I hadn’t realised how short but it was a fine wee read. Lots of brain fodder as seems to be par for the course for Backman and an ideal Xmas read with the ability to leave you warm and fuzzy from your hideous Xmas jumper right down to your awful Xmas socks. Enjoy and Merry Christmas 🎄

I haven’t read many novellas before. There is only a development of the main character, hurriedly attempting to set the story in context. It’s impact was not as profound on me like the other reviewers. I will read it again and see what I take from it then. I think I enjoyed the illustrations more than the book, I wonder if that says more about me than the nook itself?

Have loved all of RB’s books, this one crystallises so many of his brilliant insights into life and parenthood in a short and sweet work of genius…