A Man Called Ove

Fredrik Backman

A Man Called Ove is about a grumpy old man (he’s not really that old) surpassed by time and the society around him. He is a misfit and always has been. His constant grumping, stubbornness, and antagonist behavior make you wonder why you are sympathisizing with him. But indeed, it is impossible not to.

The book begins shortly after Ove is dismissed from his 30-year career. The poor man doesn’t see any reason to continue living. But slowly, the needs of Ove’s neighbors, notably the pregnant, young Parvaneh. And the sheer incompetence of the rest bring him back into the role of protector and guardian if his community.

Backman joins J.K. Rowling and Charles Dickens as an author skilled at combining the touching, sad, cute, and hiliarious together into a delectable combination. It’s hard to put the book down and you will want to devour it in one sitting. Although, the book can get very emotional. You will surely read it with tears in your eyes.

The short, blunt phrases give it a particularly Nordic flavor.

A fast and pleasing read.

The only negative comment I can add is that around two-thirds of the way through, new characters are tossed into story at a rapid rate. So much so that by the end it becomes difficult to remember just who is who aside from Ove and Parvenah.

Ove is a great book for anyone who enjoys fiction.

Did you read A Man Called Ove? What did you think? Have you read any of Backman’s other books?