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.
Norwegian Wood is a novel that recounts the observations and memories of Toru Watanabe, specifically during his high-school and university years.
Its subjects are love, grief, death, and loneliness.
“Your only problem is you don’t have enough problems” interjects Tamir, Jacob’s cousin, during a rare visit from Israel. He thinks that the Bloch family, with nothing important to worry about, makes problems for themselves. But for all of the seeming tranquility, the Blochs are confronted by pivotal and even tragic events throughout the novel.