The Red Address Book by Sofia Lundberg | Book Reflections

Book Summary

The Red Address Book is an account of Doris, a 96-year-old lady living alone who has recorded the names of everyone she met throughout the years. Flipping through the book and nearing her time, she looks at the many crossed-out names of people who have passed on and is urged to write down stories of her colourful past for Jenny, her only relative.

Thoughts and Reflections

I found this book recommendation through Instagram, and it has truly lived up to its status as a "blog sensation" in Sweden! What attracted me to read this was the premise: an address book. I found it interesting that an address book could be used as a way of storing and retrieving memories!

There are many side characters like Madame Dominique Serafin and Mike Parker who appear for only a few chapters but still touch Doris' life in unimaginable ways. I think this really mirrors real life as we have definitely come across such people who are with us for a brief period of time but move on once a chapter of life closes. These side characters were very interesting to read and see how they shaped Doris's life. My personal favourite is without a doubt Madame Dominique Serafin! Madame was the first person Doris encountered when she was thrust into a premature adulthood. It was also Madame who brought Doris to Paris, which set in motion other events that would alter Doris's life.

This book definitely made me shed a few tears while reading! The first time I cried while reading this book was when Doris said her final goodbye to her mother before leaving for Paris with Madame.

I wish you enough. Enough sun to light up your days, enough rain that you appreciate the sun. Enough joy to strengthen your soul, enough pain that you can appreciate life's small moments of happiness. And enough friends that you can manage a farewell every now and then.

This quote really struck a chord with me. It emphasises the importance of contrast. Too often, we go through life wanting only happiness and good things, but it is really only through experiencing some bad times that we can truly appreciate the good for what it really is. This brings to mind a quote from one of my favourite sitcoms The Good Place, where Michael says "Every human is a little bit sad all the time, because you know you're going to die. But that knowledge is what gives life meaning".

Ultimately, this is a book on the journey through life. Even Doris, who lived such an eventful life, had a few regrets on her deathbed. Another interesting read to consider is The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson. One lesson that Doris tried to impart to Jenny before passing on is about appreciating life, especially when you're experiencing it, and not only at the end. How often do we allow life to pass us by until we have no more time? This is definitely some food for thought and something I'm hoping to implement as I go through life as well!

Favourite Quotes

I want to give you my memories. So they don't just disappear.

- Doris to Jenny on why she started recollecting her memories

The dream of seeing Allan again makes believing in God worthwhile. Here's what I'd say to him: "Hello, God. It's my turn now. My turn to love and be loved."

Doris while thinking of her first and only great love, Allan, who disappeared from her life

Ratings

• Plot: 4/5

• Characters: 5/5

• Writing Style/Voice: 4/5

• Themes: 5/5

You should read this book if

• you enjoy philosophical fiction

• you are interested in reading about the past

• you are looking for a touching read