Fredrik Backman is the Swedish author behind titles such as "A Man Called Ove," "Anxious People" and "Beartown." His books have been translated and enjoyed by millions of readers.

When I call Fredrik Backman from halfway across the world – he in his Stockholm apartment, me in my New York one – he says something I don’t expect.

Known for his poignant books like Beartown and A Man Called Ove, Fredrik Backman’s new novel is about the power of true friendship. There is a famous work of art that most people think is a ...

Bestselling Swedish writer Fredrik Backman says he never struggled with his confidence as much as he did writing his new book, My Friends. In fact, he was seriously considering retiring.

Backman knows he’s privileged to write full time, telling me about “proper jobs” he’s had operating forklifts for 10-12 hours a day, waking up so sore he couldn’t extend his fingers.

‘My Friends' by Fredrik Backman Known for his poignant books like Beartown and A Man Called Ove, Fredrik Backman's new novel is about the power of true friendship. There is a famous work of art ...

AILSA CHANG, HOST: A year ago, bestselling Swedish writer Fredrik Backman stood in front of a massive audience so terrified, he was convinced he was having a heart attack. (SOUNDBITE OF ARCHIVED ...