A review by astoriareader
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

challenging emotional funny inspiring reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

SYNOPSIS:
  • 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.”

MY THOUGHTS
  • 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.

TL;DR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️cried in epilogue. beautifully crafted story with expert level character development.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings