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
I do not normally read this type of book but this one kept drawing me in to buy so I did. By the end of the book, I was crying like a baby. You really get involved with the characters and how OVE evolves in his life. I will remember this book for some time.
After finishing “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman, narrated by George Newbern, three days ago I still don’t quite know how to begin this review. I don’t feel I can adequately express how much this book moved me, or why, years from now, I will think back upon this book as one of my all-time favorites. I will try my best.
At the beginning of the book I saw and felt for Ove as the world around him did. I judged him as a cranky old man. Outdated. A bit of an asshole. Someone I would go out of my way to avoid. Then, because of the beautifully simple, yet profoundly moving, writing of Fredrik Backman, I walked beside Ove and got to know him. I understood his motivations. I understood this way of thinking. I understood his loss and grief. And I understood how he loved. Understood how he showed his loyalty and compassion for others. At the end of the book I, too, loved Ove as the world around him now did. Finishing this book feels like saying goodbye to a dear friend.
At its core, this is a somber book. It’s a tale of heartbreaking loneliness. And the sadness I experienced from Ove’s story pulled deeply at my heart. But, it’s also a tale of hope. Of celebration. To say that this book is an emotional ride is an understatement. I laughed out loud on several occasions. My stomach dropped from dread. I sighed as my heart was lifted. And of course, I cried, a lot, when my heart broke. But more than the emotions I felt was the fact that this book made me think. It caused me evaluate how I connect meaningfully to others, and it gave me a stronger appreciation for living life without regret. If you’re looking for a book to resonate with you, I highly recommend reading “A Man Called Ove”. Just remember to keep the tissues close at hand when you do.
Love it. I listen as I drive Not sure how it will end Hope I won’t be sad It’s so quirky..
What can I say that others haven’t. Excellent read, as are all of Backman’s books. His style is definitely his own. A unique yet relatable voice, just like his characters.
One of my favorite books of the past few years. A beautiful quirky love story about carrying on after loss. I absolutely loved it!
To be right. To be have your true love. To be the man your father wanted you to be. To keep your integrity above all else. And to be loved even when you don’t want or ask for it. To be yourself, and be loved for it even if you don’t want or ask for it. You grumpy old sod.
This is now one of my favorite books of all time.
Wonderful book by Frederick Backman! It had me laughing, crying, and laughing some more. I wouldn’t have picked it up myself, but the only reason I read it is because of the bookclub we have at work. Highly recommend!
Just Marvelous !!
I absolutely loved this book. Ove is a wonderful grumpy old man and his story will make you laugh and cry
Fredrik Backman is a genius. I confess to nursing a soft spot for curmudgeons, and Ove charms with the best (worst?) of them. What mesmerizes me about Backman’s writing is not only how he makes it look so darn easy (it’s really not), but in particular, how he lulls me along with his dry wit until bam! Out of nowhere, he clocks me with a left hook of tenderness and poignancy that leaves me reeling with wonder. Then, of course, when I come to I re-read the passage desperate to know, “How on earth did he do that?”
Read it. Read it. You won’t be sorry.
Love this author
This story touched on every emotion and feeling capable to humans. The hard-to-love main character, Ove, will make you wish you had a neighbor just like him, yet thank your lucky stars you don’t. It will inspire you to show more love and grace to those in your life. It will cause you to take a step back, and appreciate the “flaws” in people; because you want your quirks to be the best part of your personality too.
This book was a pleasant surprise! The main character is portrayed as a “curmudgeon”, but his ideas are not so far-fetched. Huge fan of the Martin Clunes “Doc Martin” series (British series) and Ove reminds me of Doc Martin and his interactions with most people. I would read this book again; I don’t read too many books a second or even add them to my library. I would read this book several times over.
I love the characters
Beautiful, sad, funny. This book will make you feel all the feelings.
I so enjoyed the characters in this book. Highly recommended.
Made me feel like this story set in Sweden could have been the characters in small town america in the 40s and 50s.
Normally I dont read these types of books, preferring fantasy, sci-fi, suspense, but It was recommended to me by more than one source. Once started I knew I would need to finish it because the main character was so relateable it was easy to get emotionally invested in him.
A wonderful read!