Did Britt-Marie Go to Paris?

By Anna Duncan

If you’re a fan of Swedish author Fredrik Backman, you may have already read his book, “Britt-Marie Was Here.” This heartwarming novel tells the story of a middle-aged woman named Britt-Marie who leaves her husband and starts a new life in the small town of Borg. The book was adapted into a movie in 2019, but it wasn’t until recently that fans began to wonder – did Britt-Marie go to Paris?

The answer is yes and no. Backman’s latest novel, “Anxious People,” features a character named Estelle who claims to have met Britt-Marie in Paris. However, as with any good story, things are not quite as they seem.

In “Anxious People,” readers are introduced to a group of strangers who are brought together by a failed bank robbery. Among them is Estelle, an elderly woman who claims to have been traveling through Paris when she met a woman named Britt-Marie. According to Estelle, Britt-Marie had moved on from Borg and was living her best life in the City of Light.

At first glance, this seems like a happy ending for Britt-Marie’s character. After all, she had struggled for so long in Borg and had finally found happiness in Paris. However, as the story unfolds, readers begin to question whether or not Estelle’s account is true.

Without giving away too much of the plot of “Anxious People,” it’s safe to say that there are some inconsistencies in Estelle’s story about meeting Britt-Marie in Paris. As with many of Backman’s novels, the truth is not revealed until later on.

As for whether or not Britt-Marie actually went to Paris – well, we may never know for sure. But what we do know is that her character resonated with readers and viewers alike. Her journey from unhappy housewife to independent woman was inspiring and relatable, and her story touched the hearts of many.

So, did Britt-Marie go to Paris? Maybe.

But what’s more important is the impact her character had on those who read about her. Her story reminds us that it’s never too late to start over and that happiness can be found in unexpected places.