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A review by sammiesshelf
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
emotional
funny
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
This book was like a warm hug, except it was sad, but crying is cathartic anyways.
A man called Ove is a grumpy curmudgeon who lost his wife six months ago and doesn't plan on being too far behind her. His several attempts to end his life are continuously foiled by his expanding group of neighbors who are not deterred by his grumpiness. Parvaneh and Patrick have moved in next door with their two adorable daughters, and they seem to make a habit of ringing Ove's doorbell and disrupting his self-pity party. Patrick is a goofy, lanky IT consultant who seems to almost float through life, and his wife Pravaneh is a fiery, pregnant, Iranian woman who will not take "no" for an answer.
There are so many things about this book that made it perfect. From Ove's love for Sonja to him punching a clown, to his helping a teenager impress a girl, this was a wonderful story about showing a man that his life is worth living. With every plundered suicide attempt, Ove's determination is weakened and his heart ever so slightly warmed. Parvaneh is probably my favorite character other than Ove because of her passionate, no-nonsense attitude. I love that she forced Ove to drive to a hospital twice, rescue a cat, adopt said cat, and help keep Rune at home. Also, her daughters are two wonderfully developed characters, especially the older one (sorry I cannot remember their names).
This story brought me to tears several times, both of joy and sadness. Despite Ove's less-than-cheery demeanor, the way he describes and cared for Sonja made me bawl like a baby. The end of this book especially gutted me. Especially when the girls start calling him Granddad, and him giving them and Jimmy's daughter a trust fund after he died. That made me ugly cry. I feel like I could immediately reread this right now, it was that good. A new favorite for sure.
A man called Ove is a grumpy curmudgeon who lost his wife six months ago and doesn't plan on being too far behind her. His several attempts to end his life are continuously foiled by his expanding group of neighbors who are not deterred by his grumpiness. Parvaneh and Patrick have moved in next door with their two adorable daughters, and they seem to make a habit of ringing Ove's doorbell and disrupting his self-pity party. Patrick is a goofy, lanky IT consultant who seems to almost float through life, and his wife Pravaneh is a fiery, pregnant, Iranian woman who will not take "no" for an answer.
There are so many things about this book that made it perfect. From Ove's love for Sonja to him punching a clown, to his helping a teenager impress a girl, this was a wonderful story about showing a man that his life is worth living. With every plundered suicide attempt, Ove's determination is weakened and his heart ever so slightly warmed. Parvaneh is probably my favorite character other than Ove because of her passionate, no-nonsense attitude. I love that she forced Ove to drive to a hospital twice, rescue a cat, adopt said cat, and help keep Rune at home. Also, her daughters are two wonderfully developed characters, especially the older one (sorry I cannot remember their names).
This story brought me to tears several times, both of joy and sadness. Despite Ove's less-than-cheery demeanor, the way he describes and cared for Sonja made me bawl like a baby. The end of this book especially gutted me. Especially
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Terminal illness and Chronic illness
Minor: Miscarriage and Car accident