Companion Book- My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry
Introduction
The complex novel of My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry hints at many broader issues. This companion book highlights some of the complex symbolism and significant issues displayed in this seemingly simple novel. It displays the complex relationship between a daughter and father, a character arc that changes lives, the struggles of alcoholism, the line between right and wrong, and how something as simple as smells can make someone feel protected. All of these issues revolve around the amazing little girl, Elsa. This book is sure to make anyone think about the simple things in life and truly appreciate the power of family and friends in tough times. It
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While Elsa is in love with the books, her father finds them hard to comprehend and doesn't see the point of reading. I believe this hints a bigger picture of Elsa and her father’s relationship.
Elsa, for one, loves, “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.” She lets the fantasy engulf her life and loves the sense of magic and childlike wonder. This can be soon on page 5 where Elsa says, “I’ve invested two hours into reading Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone…” (Backman, 5). This shows how Elsa loves Harry Potter and reads the books all the time. She even talks about reading the books multiple times into double digits. She even wears a Gryffindor scarf to represent her favorite house, or class, in the books. Her love of the books is very apparent through the course of the novel.
Her father however, does not enjoy the Harry Potter novels. This can be seen on page 216 where, in reference to the Harry Potter book, the book reads, “...Dad can’t get his head around the story unless it’s based on reality.” This illustrates how Elsa’s father is a lot more serious and does not have much imagination. This creates a foil to Elsa’s character that really gives the reader a chance to see just how imaginative Elsa really is. I believe that Elsa will keep her wonder and might even let it rub off on her