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graydonoliver95 's review for:
A Man Called Ove
by Fredrik Backman
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I've been afraid to reread this book because I adored it so much the first time that I was scared it wouldn't live up to my memory. I haven't stopped thinking about it since the first time I read it. These characters remained in my heart and my mind. But finally I worked up the courage to read it again. And I'm so glad I did.
It more than lived up to it. I sobbed and I laughed just as much as the last time I read it. A Man Called Ove is an absolute rollercoaster, in the best way. Backman's skill with writing is stunning. The fact that I could be laughing one second and then, on that very same page, crying, and then laughing again, so seemlessly, continued to impress me. It was so fluid and graceful.
There are lessons in this book that I know I will carry with me for the rest of my life, lessons about understanding other people, lessons about having the courage to let love in, lessons about realizing that every single person has their own unique story and their own unique reasons for being the person they are.
This is a gorgeous little book and I cannot wait til I work up the courage to read it again.
It more than lived up to it. I sobbed and I laughed just as much as the last time I read it. A Man Called Ove is an absolute rollercoaster, in the best way. Backman's skill with writing is stunning. The fact that I could be laughing one second and then, on that very same page, crying, and then laughing again, so seemlessly, continued to impress me. It was so fluid and graceful.
There are lessons in this book that I know I will carry with me for the rest of my life, lessons about understanding other people, lessons about having the courage to let love in, lessons about realizing that every single person has their own unique story and their own unique reasons for being the person they are.
This is a gorgeous little book and I cannot wait til I work up the courage to read it again.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt
Minor: Terminal illness
There are multiple suicide attempts, but they are done in an oddly light-hearted, funny way without edging into disrespect. Which honestly is impressive, I have no idea how Backman managed that. However, because there are so many, I recommend skipping this book if you are in the trenches of depression right now. Read this book, but read it when it's safe to do so. Know you are loved and needed. And if you want to talk to someone who doesn't know you and is an unbiased third party, please feel free to reach out. My inbox is always open.