A review by evergrn
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective 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

 "We always think there's enough time to do things with other people. Time to say things to them. And then something happens and then we stand there holding on to words like 'if'."

What a wonderful book from an equally wonderful author. 

I must say this is by far the best book that I've read this year. It stirred up my emotions and broke my heart in the most beautiful way possible. 

“Something inside a man goes to pieces when he has to bury the only person who ever understood him. There is no time to heal that sort of wound.” 

Ove's personality can be unappealing to some readers, particularly those who find his rough and unfriendly demeanor off-putting.  Most of the negative reviews that I've read centers around people who cannot stand his character. I think what people tend to overlook is the fact that this man had suffered immense loss in his life and is still struggling with grief. At a young age, Ove lost his mother, and his father passed away shortly after in his teenage years. As a result, Ove was left to navigate life on his own, while facing the added hardship of dealing with responsibilities at a time when he should have been focused on growing up.  It was only after he met Sonja that Ove learned to live with a sense of purpose again. He was a man of black and white. And she was color. All the colors he had. Their love lasted for over three decades until Sonja's passing that left Ove feeling hopeless. 

Although Ove's character can sometimes be seen as difficult, it's important to look beyond his exterior and acknowledge the reasons behind his behavior. Ove has a softer side beneath it all. This is something that becomes more apparent as we read further into the book.  He is not a terrible man, he was simply in a terrible situation.  

“She just smiled, said that she loved books more than anything, and started telling him excitedly what each of the ones in her lap was about. And Ove realized that he wanted to hear her talking about the things she loved for the rest of his life.” 

Oh, to find a love like this. My OG grumpy-sunshine. 

Ove and Sonja's love story is a beautiful illustration of the power of finding someone who understands and complements you, even when your personalities are completely different. While Ove may be a rough, grumpy character with a rigid view of the world, Sonja brings a sense of warmth, color, and compassion to his life.  Their love is tender, sweet, and beautiful, and touches on the themes of love and loss. Her sudden passing shattered him (and me). The loss of Sonja is a heartbreaking yet powerful moment that highlights the unpredictability of life and the uncertainty of love, and how it can both lift us up and leave us behind in an instant. 

 “You only need one ray of light to chase all the shadows away.” 

Ove feels as though he has nothing left to live for after the death of his beloved wife, Sonja. His grief and loneliness compel him to make multiple attempts to end his life. However, he is constantly interrupted by his new neighbors, who seem to have a knack for showing up at crucial moments.

Over the time, Ove's relationships with his neighbors grew stronger which provided him with a sense of purpose and belonging that he had been lacking, helping him to see the value in his own life and giving him a reason to keep going.

Love and loss are powerful emotions that can transform a grumpy old man into a compassionate and empathetic person. Ove was a lonely, isolated man who was stuck in his ways until he met his neighbors and formed a bond with them. Despite his gruff exterior, Ove opens his heart to those around him, and in doing so, finds a new sense of purpose and meaning in life. Ove's story shows us the power of love and its ability to bring people together, no matter how different they may seem.