Scan barcode
michelle_mc96's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Violence, Racism, Homophobia, Xenophobia, Car accident, Miscarriage, Infertility, Pregnancy, Death, Medical content, Terminal illness, Grief, Child death, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, and Fatphobia
theliterarylair's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
TW- Fatphobia, racism, sexism, suicide
This book is like when you feel you *have* to laugh at something an old man said to you, just to be able to get away from him...
I get where this was trying to go, and understand why it tugs at certain people's heartstrings, I suppose, but I was deeply uncomfortable at almost every page.
This has not dated well at all, and this "bitter" man is actually very racist, sexist and fatphobic. Why am I supposed to feel inspired by someone who eventually just acts *somewhat* politely.
Have Backman's other books aged better?
Graphic: Fatphobia
Moderate: Sexism and Racism
starlitpage's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Grief, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Pregnancy, Ableism, Forced institutionalization, Dementia, Car accident, Death, Terminal illness, and Fatphobia
Minor: Child death, Xenophobia, Homophobia, Fire/Fire injury, Medical content, and Alcohol
tfields's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Moderate: Body shaming and Fatphobia
ufoparty's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Fatphobia
Minor: Homophobia
thelibraryofalexandra's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Moderate: Fatphobia
loiefaulkner24's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Fatphobia
Minor: Homophobia
kpitsker's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Fatphobia, Xenophobia, Homophobia, Child death, Suicide attempt, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Pregnancy, and Death
ymziegler's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Suicide attempt and Suicide
Moderate: Fatphobia and Ableism
astoriareader's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
- Ove is a 59 year old Swedish man, who recently lost his wife. His wife was the love of his life, and they were together for many years.
- Ove has lived in the same house in the same neighborhood for around 40 years. He’s a curmudgeon, and he likes to keep to himself.
- After losing his wife, he has been contemplating suicide. However, his suicide attempt is interrupted by his new, foreign neighbor, Parvaneh.
- “It is the leadin 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 rarely cry when reading, but I shed tears in the epilogue.
- Backman skillfully juggles comedy and tragedy. He explores a lot of deep themes: community, the impact we have on others, grief, loss, loneliness, aging, healing, love.
- Expert level character development. I enjoyed Ove’s backstory & learning about why he is who he is. I also loved his love story with his wife.
- I felt for Ove throughout the whole story. He feels like your friend, and you get to know him throughout the book.
- So many wonderful side characters throughout the story.
- Satisfying ending.
- Loved Backman’s writing style. Admittedly, this is the first one I have read by him. I am definitely going to look for more by this author.
- I loved the incorporation of the cat into the story, and I thought it was interesting to see how having a pet was clearly healthy & helpful for Ove.
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Grief
Moderate: Death and Miscarriage
Minor: Terminal illness, Fire/Fire injury, Homophobia, Fatphobia, and Car accident