Before the Leaves Fall

Welcome back to the neighborhood around the idyllic Stångån in Linköping!

For Inger, life has changed fundamentally. Gunnar, her husband of more than fifty years, is no longer there and her life has become so lonely. How will she find a foothold again when he is gone? And how much patience is really reasonable to muster for someone who shows no understanding in the midst of all this upheaval? When the spring sun reaches her garden, she starts to go out again. Out into the neighborhood that is filled with neighbors who are tending to their gardens, taking walks in the sun and inviting them for a cup of coffee.

In the house next door lives Mats. He can't quite let go of his worries about his daughter Sanna, even though he knows she is feeling better now. Can you really relax when your children are having such a hard time coping with everyday life? At the same time, it feels good to finally be able to breathe again after a tough time for the whole family. If it weren't for all the thoughts running through his mind, all the musings about what he should do with his life now that he has the opportunity to focus more on himself again.

Sofie is best friends with Mat's wife Veronica and lives in her childhood home further up the street. Sofie struggles with work, parenthood and a heart that doubts. Both about herself, about her relationship with her mother, and about whether she really dares to let Kalle, the new man in her life, into her life. When dramatic news comes, is she forced to reevaluate her relationships more than ever?

Before the Leaves Fall is the second part of Åsa Liabäck's acclaimed series that takes place in a leafy residential area by Stångån. This is a warm and insightful story about loneliness and community, about the relationship between parents and children, and about having to make difficult but crucial decisions and find new paths in life.

Reviews: 

"I knew before I even started this book that it would be an emotional journey. But finding myself in tears after just twenty pages, I truly realize what an emotional rollercoaster lies ahead.
Once again, Åsa has written a book that stirs up my deepest emotions—those feelings that don’t always surface easily. Yet, Åsa is absolutely phenomenal at describing everyday events and situations in a way that strikes a chord." - Monas.bokliv

"A perfect book for anyone who wants to read a well-written feel-good story with depth. I really hope there will be another book featuring these wonderful people!” - beckas.bokhylla

"In my opinion, what makes Åsa such a great author is the way she tackles difficult and important subjects in her books. She portrays themes such as loneliness, mental health issues, family relationships, and tough decisions in a way that feels credible and authentic. It feels human and hopeful, and the book strikes a beautiful balance between the heavy and the light." - lollosbokhorna