Books & Java

A Man Called Ove

by Fredrik Backman

Synopsis:

 
A quirky debut novel from Sweden about a grumpy yet loveable man who 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 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 and charming exploration of the profound impact one life has on countless others.

My Review:

This story of a man called Ove is so beautiful and heartwarming. He is a 59 year old man whom we meet 6 months after the death of his wife - Sonya. He is grumpy and difficult but truly has the biggest, most honest heart. He lives his life by a single code - a man is defined by the things he does and not the things he says. Oh, and the car they drive is the true measure of their good sense. And, of course, there is only one car which meets the highest levels of honor - a Swedish-made Saab (Volvo being the only other car to come close). All he wants to do is take his life so that he can be together with Sonya. But, the world is not ready for him to go. I don't want to give away more of the story as it truly is a beautiful and enjoyable one to read. This book made me smile.