Read the New York Times bestseller that has taken the world by storm Meet Ove. He’s a curmudgeon–the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. People call him “the bitter neighbor from hell.” But must Ove be bitter just because he doesn’t walk around with a smile … around with a smile plastered to his face all the time?
Behind the cranky exterior there is a story and a sadness. So when one November morning a chatty young couple with two chatty young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove’s mailbox, it is the lead-in to a comical and heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship, and the ancient art of backing up a U-Haul. All of which will change one cranky old man and a local residents’ association to their very foundations.
A feel-good story in the spirit of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, Fredrik Backman’s novel about the angry old man next door is a thoughtful exploration of the profound impact one life has on countless others. “If there was an award for ‘Most Charming Book of the Year, ’ this first novel by a Swedish blogger-turned-overnight-sensation would win hands down” (Booklist, starred review).more
This is one of the best books I have read in many years. The characters are carefully developed, the plot spins out gently and the history of Ove pulls at your heart. Terrific read!
Mom recommended this to me and it was great. Makes you cry in places and laugh out loud in others. Seems like a simple story to begin, but is a good story on how to LIVE while you are alive.
One of the best book I have read in a long time.
I enjoyed the quirky, but believable characters. I wanted the story to continue!
Excellent characters!!! Loved the story.
I loved this book so much! It had me laughing and crying and sometimes doing both at the same time. The character development was excellent! I want to read more books by this author. My favorite read in quite awhile!
A curmudgeon who you come to love is the protagonist of this life-affirming book.
This book helps you to look at people and their actions through
“different” eyes! In the end it’s all about love for our friends and neighbors!
A charming story that had me choked up emotionally and laughing out loud! At first, I thought, this is not my typical read until I realized themes that always draw me in. I noticed a similarity to the work of Paul Auster whose stories reflect daily ordinary life, and center on a random event or coincidence where the protagonist unwittingly gets involved with people that ultimately transform him, giving his life new meaning.
Ove is described as a disgruntled widower repeatedly trying to kill himself after the death of his wife, yet he is always interrupted by a compelling incident that he must remedy. He is middle-aged and set in his ways, an anachronistic malcontent with anger issues over what he finds to be the injustices of a bureaucracy that has overlooked him. Through forces seemingly beyond his control, Ove is dragged into the lives of neighbors that need him, ultimately transforming the stubborn uncompromising man he had always been and giving him a new and vibrant purpose in life that he had lost after the death of his wife.
A Man Called Ove is written in a warm and personal omniscient voice with similes that were visually hilarious—especially given to the cat whose own character was as thoroughly developed as Ove.
Super thriller that keeps you engaged
This book was so wonderful. It reminded me of my grandfather. It makes you laugh AND cry. It’s heart-warming and lovely. I highly recommend it.
As I get older, I tend to identify with Ove. I love the way the author developed him, showing what he had been through, and showing how he became the way he was. Then he inserts these interesting characters who draw Ove out of his shell. They show him love, family, purpose. I cried at the end. Wonderful book. Loved it.
The love that Ove and his neighbors showed. I laughed out loud.
It moved me and shocked me often but incredibly good book.
Loved it
Poignant story about a grieving, grouchy man and his interactions with his neighbors. Very descriptive and witty. Setting is in Sweden but could be anytown USA.
Just can’t say enough about how this story touched my heart. It has helped me see my Dad and other “Seniors” in a whole new way. They are cherished treasures we seem to disregard, but if we open our hearts and eyes, we can be blessed by the “Seniors” in our world.
I’ve read the book, seen the movie, and listened to the audible on a ling drive recently. I still love this story, and will gladly listen to it again!
A very strong character study of the two central characters. Funny at times, poignant at times and always vibrant study of human need for friends.
After reading this book I read 5 more by Mr Beckman, one is better than the next.