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 book was unique in it’s story telling. I loved all of the characters and the style of writing. You can totally picture Ove as the typical Grumpy Old Man next door! = ) But you grow to love him and laugh at him as the book progresses. Highly recommended to everyone!
Unbelievable feeling for people and their emotional attachments – and for the meaning of life
This is a great book that follows a man who wants to be left alone and his misadventures that consistently keep him involved in the lives of those around him. Easy to read. Funny but heart warming story.
Just finished this book last night and it is so very special. Ove is such an endearing character, once you get to know him. But he’s a crabby older man when you meet him and he’s just been forced into retirement from his long-time job, while he’s still grieving for his wife who died six months ago. It’s a rough time in Ove’s very disciplined life and he’s pretty sure he cannot go on alone without Sonja, the only person who really ever understood and appreciated him as he is. The chapters of flashback into Ove’s early life growing up, his first jobs, how he met Sonja give us a window into how Ove became the man he is.
But life intervenes. Neighbors, snow, cats, bikes, hooligans and trips to the hospital get in the way of Ove doing away with himself. It’s a quick read, very funny and sarcastic, and touching. I cried as much as I laughed. It was very moving to witness the changes in Ove’s life. Mostly I pass along my books to friends and family to read, but don’t believe I can part with Ove. Someday, I hope to be like Ove.
Such a great book. I held off reading this for months, but was sorry I waited so long once I started reading it. I recommend this book strongly.
It touched my heart
Fun, easy read. All the foul language was not necessary.
I loved this book and would like to read rest of author’s books! Highly recommend!
One of the best books I have read in some time. Loved the characters. I laughed; I cried. I have recommended it to many friends.
I can easily this title becoming a classic. I savored eeach word on the page.
Late to reading, love the book.
I really liked this book. Not sure at first, but grew into it.
Great character development with a story that came to life!
The author Fredrik Backman is a true artist with words. This book is delightful, I laughed and cried with and for Ove. I did not want this book to end.
Absolutely loved this story and characters!! Didn’t want it to end. I laughed and cried while reading this heartwarming book!!
This is one of the best books I have read in a long time. Wonderfully drawn characters.
A wonderful human interest story. How to make our world a better place by treating others as you want to be treated…even though they at be difficult to accept initially.
Slow
This book is about a “curmudgeon”. You love the characters. You fight, you cry, hope and laugh. A little bit different, but definitely a book you want to read !
I thoroughly enjoyed the characters in this book – each with their own imperfections – and the way their lives became intertwined throughout the story. A testimony to the power of relationships, vulnerability and the difference each person makes in the lives of those they touch.