Title: A Man Called Ove
Author: Fredrik Backman
Publication details: May 5th 2015 by Washington Square Press (first published August 2012)
Genre: Literary fiction
Author: Fredrik Backman
Publication details: May 5th 2015 by Washington Square Press (first published August 2012)
Genre: Literary fiction
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.
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.
I have heard mixed reviews about A Man Called Ove- some people liked it, some did not. I also heard in one podcast that listening to an audio book will give a better reading experience. But since I have a hard time getting into audio books plus the fact that I don't usually gravitate towards literary fiction, I did not pay much attention to the book. However, I chanced upon it at a used bookstore and thought why not. It's cheaper and the book is still in good condition, hence I bought it. Good thing I did though because it is such a good read.
Told in a nonlinear way, A Man Called Ove tells the story of what others might label as a grumpy old man. In the book, we follow Ove, our main character, as he tries to execute a big decision of his life, but at the same time deal with the people around him. It was a roller coaster of emotions but deep with reminders and meaning.
A Man Called Ove made me laugh and cry. It is such a beautiful story about family and friendship, and of support, acceptance and kindness. It is heartwarming, thought-provoking and a tear-jerker. I liked how the story unfolded, the dynamics between characters, and the resolution. The ending is bittersweet but I liked how the author was able to tie things for our main character and for the secondary ones as well.
One caveat though, one of the subjects in the book is suicide. So if you are sensitive about topics dealing with suicide, suicidal ideation and/or self-harm, please read with caution.
Characters
For the most part, I can totally relate to Ove's sentiments about his neighborhood and the people around him. He is a sticker for rules which may make him seem grumpy. He may also not be the most friendly person you'll ever meet, but he's really genuine and a good friend. And although it was not directly stated, I think Ove has an undiagnosed Asperger's syndrome. Of course, I knew little about the condition, but he presented some form of high-functioning autism. I could be wrong though. But regardless, I liked how the author was able to present Ove and made his story known, his thoughts, his feelings.
I also liked how understanding his wife was. I admire her dedication to her husband despite the difficulties they faced. I am not 100% certain, but the wife may have had known Ove's condition but still overlooked it, chose him and stood by him.
As for the secondary characters, the 'friends' of Ove, I liked them all. Their introduction may not be seamless, but still they played huge roles in Ove's character development, as well as in the plot development. There might be one that irritated me a bit but I know that she genuinely cares for Ove.
Writing
This is my first Fredrik Backman book, and I will definitely read more of his works.
Though A Man Called Ove has many time points, I was still able to follow and understand the story easily. I don't remember having any difficulties with the terms and no confusion about the setting. As mentioned, the introduction of some characters may not be seamless, but it did not significantly affect my reading experience.
I liked how the author was able to tell Ove's story and the story of the other characters in a thoughtful way and without being condescending. His writing was able to evoke many emotions and at the same time give reminders and lessons.
Overall, I'm happy I read A Man Called Ove. It reminded me that there's more to a person (or situation) than meets the eye. It tells us that we should not be quick to judge and that an act of kindness goes a long way.
Told in a nonlinear way, A Man Called Ove tells the story of what others might label as a grumpy old man. In the book, we follow Ove, our main character, as he tries to execute a big decision of his life, but at the same time deal with the people around him. It was a roller coaster of emotions but deep with reminders and meaning.
A Man Called Ove made me laugh and cry. It is such a beautiful story about family and friendship, and of support, acceptance and kindness. It is heartwarming, thought-provoking and a tear-jerker. I liked how the story unfolded, the dynamics between characters, and the resolution. The ending is bittersweet but I liked how the author was able to tie things for our main character and for the secondary ones as well.
One caveat though, one of the subjects in the book is suicide. So if you are sensitive about topics dealing with suicide, suicidal ideation and/or self-harm, please read with caution.
Characters
For the most part, I can totally relate to Ove's sentiments about his neighborhood and the people around him. He is a sticker for rules which may make him seem grumpy. He may also not be the most friendly person you'll ever meet, but he's really genuine and a good friend. And although it was not directly stated, I think Ove has an undiagnosed Asperger's syndrome. Of course, I knew little about the condition, but he presented some form of high-functioning autism. I could be wrong though. But regardless, I liked how the author was able to present Ove and made his story known, his thoughts, his feelings.
I also liked how understanding his wife was. I admire her dedication to her husband despite the difficulties they faced. I am not 100% certain, but the wife may have had known Ove's condition but still overlooked it, chose him and stood by him.
As for the secondary characters, the 'friends' of Ove, I liked them all. Their introduction may not be seamless, but still they played huge roles in Ove's character development, as well as in the plot development. There might be one that irritated me a bit but I know that she genuinely cares for Ove.
Writing
This is my first Fredrik Backman book, and I will definitely read more of his works.
Though A Man Called Ove has many time points, I was still able to follow and understand the story easily. I don't remember having any difficulties with the terms and no confusion about the setting. As mentioned, the introduction of some characters may not be seamless, but it did not significantly affect my reading experience.
I liked how the author was able to tell Ove's story and the story of the other characters in a thoughtful way and without being condescending. His writing was able to evoke many emotions and at the same time give reminders and lessons.
Overall, I'm happy I read A Man Called Ove. It reminded me that there's more to a person (or situation) than meets the eye. It tells us that we should not be quick to judge and that an act of kindness goes a long way.
-o-
If you are looking for a heart-warming, though-provoking read that will elicit both laughter and tears, then I recommend A Man Called Ove. It is such a good read!
