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A review by asourceoffiction
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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
Fredrik Backman is fast cementing his position as one of my all-time favourite authors. I've read four of his books, the Beartown trilogy and Ove, and I have adored every single one. And Ove in particular, like Benji in Beartown, has all of my heart.
Ove's story is as heartbreaking as it is delightful, but the beauty in it just shines through and paints everything in a hopeful light. It seems clear from early on that the universe wants him to stick around for a while, no matter how great the inconvenience. The writing is incredible and gives brilliant insight into Ove's curmudgeonly mind. He sees things in black and white, and his irrefutable logic is as hilarious as it is infuriating. Even the chapter names made me smile.
Ove is also not the only wonderful thing about this book; where Backman shines is how he creates an entire community of stunning characters. Parvaneh, Jimmy, Rune and everyone Ove encounters just enhance everything. I laughed out loud more than once, and cried plenty too. I was so enamoured that I went to see the film a few hours after finishing the book. It's one I know I will revisit, and definitely one I will now be recommending to anyone who hasn't already met a man called Ove.
Ove's story is as heartbreaking as it is delightful, but the beauty in it just shines through and paints everything in a hopeful light. It seems clear from early on that the universe wants him to stick around for a while, no matter how great the inconvenience. The writing is incredible and gives brilliant insight into Ove's curmudgeonly mind. He sees things in black and white, and his irrefutable logic is as hilarious as it is infuriating. Even the chapter names made me smile.
Ove is also not the only wonderful thing about this book; where Backman shines is how he creates an entire community of stunning characters. Parvaneh, Jimmy, Rune and everyone Ove encounters just enhance everything. I laughed out loud more than once, and cried plenty too. I was so enamoured that I went to see the film a few hours after finishing the book. It's one I know I will revisit, and definitely one I will now be recommending to anyone who hasn't already met a man called Ove.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Death, Chronic illness, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Pregnancy