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
We all know some strange people who are a little bit different but still have a heart
I fell in love with Ove! Crazy how life works.
A delightful and charming character study.
The range of emotions this book created was amazing. First you don’t care for Ove and then you just love him.
Oh how I loved this book! Although I cried, the story was beautiful and I enjoyed this book so much! I can’t wait to read more books by the author.
When I started this book I really wasn’t sure what to make of it. But I thought I’d go a little longer and just “see”. Suddenly, I was hooked. I couldn’t put Ove down, I just had to see what happens. Chapter to chapter this book is a delight. Literally, I laughed, I cried. I don’t want to give anything away, but the ending was absolutely perfect. If they ever make a movie I can’t see anyone other than Stellan Skarsgard playing Ove, and one of his sons playing young Ove. It would be the most perfect casting! Anyway, definitely a five-star read for me.
I did not want to read this book, because my girlfriend always gives me books that make me cry. But I did and I did cry – but it was a terrific story about a man and life and how the two intertwine with unexpected outcomes. Touching emotions within: frustration, amused, out loud laughter and tears. Despite my best effort – I thoroughly enjoyed this quick read! Highly recommend!
It put me right into the book. I related to it with my own life experiences. A real good eead
I absolutely loved this book
At first, I wondered why everyone loved this book, but as the pages turned, I was drawn into his life–and loved it!
It’s been a long time since a book both made me laugh and moved me to tears. Absolutely loved it.
A wonderful book! One of the best I have read in several years!
Loved this story of a good, grumpy old man. His transformation from grieving widower to helpful, caring neighbor is something to behold. Yet, he doesn’t go willingly…witty, beguiling characters.
I really disliked the first few chapters! As a 61 year old reader I did not appreciate the portrayal of Ove at 59. He made us seem ridiculously outta touch with the times. I pushed through and Im glad I did. Ove redeemed himself as the story continued but please…this is not how older people behave!!!
I loved this book! I hope you make time to read it, or listen to it on Audible. I listened to it. The performance was wonderful as well.
We all know Ove. He’s the cranky old curmudgeon who lives down the way. He yells at kids to get off his lawn. He drives a Ford (in a Swede’s case, a SAAB) and hasn’t spoken to his neighbor in years because he sold his Swedish Volvo and bought a German car (gasp!)
A Man Called Ove is touching because it doesn’t try to be. In fact, it doesn’t try to be anything, and so it becomes something brilliant.
There are a lot of books that give you a chance to see the world through another person’s eyes, but few authors can do it so gently, so understandingly. To truly love a person, you must understand their strengths and their flaws, without reserve, without tarnish or embellishment.
I dare you to read this book and not love Ove. Well, okay… I don’t dare you, I just want you to read this book.
Because we all know him. Or at least, we deserve too.
A sad story of a happy life.
This book sent me on a Fredrik Backman reading jag. I love, love, love his writing. Ove is a crusty old man who shows love to others by literally fixing things for them. His character is uniquely endearing, and the people around him become family despite Ove’s desires to be left alone. I laughed and cried while reading this book, and I did not want to finish it because I didn’t want to let go of any of the characters.
Ove defies description. Ove talks daily to his wife who has died 4 years earlier and plans to rejoin. He has difficulty expressing his kindness in words as he is more likely to express his judgement. He is a reluctant helper but since everyone else is incompetent and his wife would not forgive him in the afterlife if he didn’t he ends up helping everyone who needs his help in fixing things. Ove is a reluctant hero and a loving soul dressed up in a curmudgeons voice.
You think you are just being entertained then you realize the depth and insight the author has about human nature. Loved the book