This is a story about memories and about letting go.
-- Frederik Backman (Dear Reader (Introduction))

Importance: Here, the author of the novella, Fredrik Backman, introduces and welcomes readers to his book. He explains that the reader is about to experience a story of love, fear, memory, aging, and letting go. Backman reveals he wrote the story to sort through his own personal thoughts on these subjects, and losing the greatest minds he knows, so that they might be explained to his children.

That’s… I… I can’t remember, Noahnoah. It was so long ago… I think…
-- Grandpa (n/a)

Importance: Early in the novella, Grandpa and Noah come to the square of Grandpa’s memory. Each day the square gets smaller, reflecting his failing memory. Here, Grandpa’s frustration and heartache at being unable to remember the past is on full display.

What do I say to Noah? How do I explain that I’m going to be leaving...
-- Grandpa (n/a)