Scan barcode
A review by labbyreads
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
dark
funny
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- 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
<a href="https://labbyreads.com/review/you-cant-spell-love-without-ove">Read Full Review</a>
This one will make you cry.
Ove is an inflexible man. He cares about rules and order. He believes he is surrounded by idiots and bureaucrats ("men in white shirts"). He may be rough around the edges but it's because he really cares. He cares about the little things.
Despite the routine of his life, it is lonely. The loss of his wife and his job left Ove feeling fed up with life and planning to end it all. It's clear that the two loved each other very much.
Although the premise is quite grim, the story is full of heart and humor. There were multiple moments that had me chuckling at Ove's antics or misunderstandings. There are definitely moments that break your heart, but there are also moments that lift it. The story was truly heartwarming and heart-wrenching.
At first, I found the book a bit predictable. In the beginning chapters, it is easy to see how Ove will get along with Parvanah and her children. However, Backman is skilled at taking the story through a surprising path. Although there were some things that I had anticipated early, there were plenty of moments that still took me by surprise.
I loved this book. Seriously, if you haven't read it go pick it up right now. It's so full of warmth and humanity. It's not afraid to be a little grim and to reflect on life and death in real ways. It reminds you to cherish what is most important.
This one will make you cry.
Ove is an inflexible man. He cares about rules and order. He believes he is surrounded by idiots and bureaucrats ("men in white shirts"). He may be rough around the edges but it's because he really cares. He cares about the little things.
Despite the routine of his life, it is lonely. The loss of his wife and his job left Ove feeling fed up with life and planning to end it all. It's clear that the two loved each other very much.
Although the premise is quite grim, the story is full of heart and humor. There were multiple moments that had me chuckling at Ove's antics or misunderstandings. There are definitely moments that break your heart, but there are also moments that lift it. The story was truly heartwarming and heart-wrenching.
At first, I found the book a bit predictable. In the beginning chapters, it is easy to see how Ove will get along with Parvanah and her children. However, Backman is skilled at taking the story through a surprising path. Although there were some things that I had anticipated early, there were plenty of moments that still took me by surprise.
I loved this book. Seriously, if you haven't read it go pick it up right now. It's so full of warmth and humanity. It's not afraid to be a little grim and to reflect on life and death in real ways. It reminds you to cherish what is most important.