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 I fell in love with at about chapter 3. Loved!
Good book. It shows us that we can find friends during the darkest time in our lives and in unexpected places.
My very favorite book. I fell in love with the characters and it was so good I hated to see the book end.
I have definitely added this book to my all time favorites list. The characters will be with me for a long time to come.
It is not for children. There is language, violence, and adult issues.
It may also be too much for someone who is grieving the lose of a loved one.
This story has wonderful insight into people and relationships.
I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
With the help of a cat, unruly neighbors, and wastrel youth, an avowed curmudgeon overcomes grief.
Heartwarming, tender, and funny at turns.
I loved a book that can touch my heart through its characters– what a joy it was to get to know the wonderful people brought to life in this story.
With what I can only guess is Scandinavian stoicism, Ove tackles life and death forthrightly. His situation is revealed like peeling an onion by layers. Charming, funny and sad by turn, you’ll be glad you met Ove.
This is a character study that will surprise you. Ove, the central character, is a man who says very little – but does a lot as the grumpiest character you will ever meet.
As he spends most of the time trying to kill himself, without much luck by the way, we learn what is in his heart and why he hates most everything, including his cat, who he actually loves…
Try this one on for size!
When I began to read A Man Called Ove by Fredric Backman, frankly I was a little bit disappointed. Was this just going to be a story about your typical curmudgeon? That old guy who’s quick to judge the no-good youth and is disgruntled by everyone’s incapability? But I kept reading. And I wasn’t disappointed for long. As I observed Ove’s quest to end his life because of his immense grief, I found myself either laughing or crying. Mr. Backman, writes his stories with humor and tragedy with an authentic subtlety. In one chapter, Ove’s new neighbors disrupt Ove as he’s attempting to hang himself. Not funny, but the dark comedy unfolds as Ove contrasts strikingly with an awkward young IT guy and his brash wife. Haven’t we all experienced that annoying disruption of a neighbor when we’re trying to accomplish something? Poor old Ove continues to experience this kind of “luck” as he explores other ways to commit suicide.
Ove seems to have a similar journey as Macon in An Accidental Tourist. I find myself optimistic self strangely aligned to these misanthropes – who are always much more than they appear to be. I love this quote which captures a dynamic personality that often is missed as we judge others by their exterior.
“People said Ove saw the world in black and white. But she was color. All the color he had.”
Everyone has some color. A Man Calle Ove reminds us of that.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and was sorry to get to the end.
Ove is 59 and has a big heart. Yes, it’s true. You may not believe it for most of the book, but on reflection, you’ll look back and realise where he’s coming from – even if he doesn’t. He also drives a Saab and will judge you harshly if you don’t.
Is he as grumpy as the blurb says? Probably more so. But he’s also unflinchingly honest, has worked extremely hard all his life and has only ever loved one woman, his beloved Sonja.
This story is about his day to day struggle against the everyday irritations of life, be they human, animal or clown. This story is about his struggle with love, loss and – did he but know it – loneliness. This story is about Ove’s journey from a grumpy, sad and isolated man to becoming, without his intention or awareness, a good neighbour, a good friend and an essential part of his ever-expanding (much against his will) neighbourhood.
It’s a wonderful, moving and beautifully told story! Witty, funny and endearing, it will make you laugh out loud (often a little guiltily!) and cry real tears. A Man Called Ove is worth everyone of it’s 5 stars, and I highly recommend it!
Loved the characters in this book! I also loved the writing style. It was unique and very unlike the last 3 books that I have read.
When I started reading this book I wasn’t sure if I wanted to continue. So glad I did.
Rarely have I read a book that made me tear up or laugh out loud. I experienced both while reading “A Man Called Ove.” The characters and their interaction were believable. The source of their struggles was often slowly revealed, which made the story move at an interesting pace; not too slow, not too fast. This is a good example of never really knowing what pain or joy someone has gone through. Only by getting to know your “neighbor” can you begin to understand a person’s behavior.
This is a story of a man named Ove. He is a grumpy 59 year old man that has always thrived on order and rules. He likes a quiet life and likes to be left alone. His life was turned upside down 6 months ago when his wife died. He has decided to end his own life, but things keep getting in the way.
Soon – new neighbors move next door – a young couple and their two young girls who immediately take a liking to Ove. Ove doesn’t know what to make of this attention from his neighbors, and before long, he finds himself intertwined in many of his neighbors lives and realizes that there is still much to live for.
This is a wonderful story. It is funny and endearing and sweet all at once. Ove is hilarious as a little old man who just wants everyone to do their job and follow the rules. He is always on the lookout for thieves and people who insist on driving their car in his neighborhood that doesn’t allow cars. He can’t get rid of a stray cat who he names “Cat Annoyance”.
Ove helps people but grumps about it. But the main theme is that he can’t help himself being a good person because that is who his wife saw him as. He honors her memory by being the man she always saw him to be and in the end, all of his neighbors become his friends.
GREAT story. Check it out.
I absolutely loved everything about this book but my very favorite part was Ove’s relationship with the cat (aka the Annoyance). This book will make you laugh, cry, shake your head in recognition, and thoroughly melt your heart. It is a must read.
This is one of the best books I’ve read in a long time. I love the author’s writing styles and his unique and loveable characters. I immediately bought a copy for my friends all to read too.
Wonderful read…a must on everyone’s list. I have read most of this authors books..this one stands out as a favorite.
It was heartwarming and so realistic of what a grumpy old man can realize, even in old age
I was so sad when i finished this book because I didn’t want the story to end.