A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
So, it shouldn’t be difficult to imagine, but this novel is probably one of my all time favorite books. I’m a BIG fan of grumpy characters, and Ove is the epitome of a grump, with a BIG heart, but still a grump. And the book makes me cry every time I read it.
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A grumpy yet loveable man finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door.
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 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 Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
MY THOUGHTS
So, I just recently re-read this book, and I decided to listen to the audiobook again, since that’s the format I fell in love with – so many years ago. And since I decided to re-read it, I thought it’s time to finally write a proper review for the blog.
The first time I met Ove was on July 1, 2016. The book was a recommendation from a friend. And all I can say is that I was utterly smitten with it.
At that time (2016) I had no idea who the author was, and although I knew I loved grumpy characters, I was not prepared for how easily and deeply I would fall in love with this book, with Ove, but also with the author’s writing.
Since then I’ve read quite a few of Backman’s books, but Ove is still my most favorite of all.
So, let’s talk about the book:
What I loved the most about this book were the friendships that started between Ove and the other characters. Didn’t matter who it was neighbors, kids, cat – slowly Ove opened up. His life became fuller with each friendship, although he was most reluctant about it. Nevertheless it was heart warming to see the difference in him, these friendships gave him purpose.
When I say Ove was an utter grump, I mean it. He was loud, blunt, borderline mean, straight forward, and he spoke his mind with glee. He hated change. Instead he loved order and purpose. And deep down he was someone that needed to be of service. He needed to have a purpose in life, and taking care of people is what he was best at, that and fixing cars, and other stuff.
My heart became a puddle of goo when more and more people (and a cat) wormed their way into Ove’s heart.
But it also broke into a million pieces during the epilogue.
Ove’s brash demeanor was such a contrast to everyone’s around him, that the slowly developing friendships made for the most entertaining and heart-warming novel.
last thoughts |
So it’s official, that even after four years I still loved this book as much as I did the first time. And without a doubt, Ove will always have spot on my keeper shelf, and I’ll be always recommending it, because, no surprise here, it’s one of the most endearing feel good novels of all times.
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A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
I loved A Man Called Ove! I’m currently reading The Switch by Beth O’Leary and loving the grandmother character so I’m excited to see it on your recs for feel-good books!
I have a thing for older characters ? and The Switch is another of my favorite books. Have you heard of the book Missy Carmichael yet? I have the review on the blog, and adored it ?
I haven’t heard of it but will go check it out!
Such a good review, Corina! The epilogue also had me in a million pieces, but it still felt like an amazing ending to a great book. Looking forward to reading your thoughts on Anxious People 🙂
Thank you ?, the epilogue gets me every single time. I already know Anxious People won’t be a second OVE – lol. But his writing is something else. So GOOD!!!
Love your sweet review! I’m a huge fan of this book too.?
THANK YOU!!! I’m a huge fan and it’s hard not to gush over it 24/7 😀
Wonderful review. Waiting to read this:-)
Thank you ? it’s one of my favorites and I’ll always recommend it. Hope when you get to it you’ll enjoy it as much as I did.
Fingers crossed:-)
I’ve only heard good things about this book. Definitely will give it a try sometime soon! 🙂
All the good things you heard are TRUE 😀
I STILL need to read this one!
As I always say, it’s never too late 😀
I really need to read this novel! I don’t know why I haven’t read it yet… is it the cover or the mention of grumpiness that makes me afraid I won’t love it? I think I’ll be proved wrong now though after reading your review… seriously bumping it up my list now!
Ove is definitely grumpy, there is no way around it, but his heart is what counts, and it’s so endearing to see him connect and open up to others. It’s one of these feel good novels, that leave you with a smile on your face. 😀
Sounds great! Lovely review. I’m glad to hear you enjoyed it. I’m going to check it out.
Thank you ?, it’s one of the books I always recommend, and if you love audiobooks – it’s a must listen
I do love audiobooks. I haven’t listened much lately because I’m not currently commuting. Hopefully things will go back to normal soon and I will resume listening.
I love grumps too! I borrowed this audiobook from my library ages ago and never got around to listening to it. I need to put it back on my TBR.
Put it back on your tbr and when it’s the right time you might just fall in love with this grumpy old man ?
Yeah I agree….grumpy characters take the CAKE in books~~ There is nothing sexier and that alone gets me curious about this one. Glad you had such love for this one here.
Although OVE is the farthest from sexy ? he is a grumpy grandpa
YESS!!! This is my ALL time favorite novel. I recommend it every time anyone asks.. or doesn’t ask. haha! When I worked at the library, it was always my number one rec too. It’s just so amazing. I’m glad you think so too!
I do the same, honestly everyone should have OVE on their shelf ?
Agreed!! It’s such an amazing story! <3