A Man Called Ove

By Fredrik Backman

A Man Called Ove - Fredrik Backman
  • Release Date: 2014-07-15
  • Genre: Literary Fiction
Score: 4.5
4.5
From 3,623 Ratings

Description

Now a major motion picture A Man Called Otto starring Tom Hanks!

#1 New York Times bestseller—more than 3 million copies sold!

Meet Ove. He’s a curmudgeon—the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. People call him “the bitter neighbor from hell.” But must Ove be bitter just because he doesn’t walk around with a smile plastered to his face all the time?

Behind the cranky exterior there is a story and a sadness. So when one November morning a chatty young couple with two chatty young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove’s mailbox, it is the lead-in 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.

Fredrik Backman’s beloved first novel about the angry old man next door is a thoughtful exploration of the profound impact one life has on countless others. “If there was an award for ‘Most Charming Book of the Year,’ this first novel by a Swedish blogger-turned-overnight-sensation would win hands down” (Booklist, starred review).

Reviews

  • As unconventional as it is endearing

    4
    By Mobai72
    An unconventional read. Laborious at times, but held together by endearing characters. Ove is a reminder that there is more to people than meets the eye. And one that navigates a triumphant arc of love as it overcomes loss.
  • Great

    5
    By CBldegl
    This was a heart warming book. Loved every second of it.
  • Touching.

    4
    By Melblevs
    I had a really hard time getting into this book at first. Took about 10 chapters. It’s VERY descriptive. If you can understand that Ove is very much autistic, then it helps it get better. The love story of him & Sonja reminded me of the Disney movie UP. The end had me crying. All in all very good read.
  • Underwhelmed

    3
    By StaDDD
    Meh
  • A great book

    5
    By Learning composition
    One of the best books I’ve read in a long time. Hard to believe a book about suicide can be both hilarious and heartwarming.
  • Love this book!

    5
    By theresapizza
    Best book I’ve read in a while…the characters are amazing as the author brings them to life. Loved this book!
  • An absolutely wonderful book.

    5
    By Doctor Radio
    … as I said, an absolutely wonderful book.
  • Yes.

    5
    By fishsticks32
    Just yes 🙌
  • Gets interesting towards the end

    4
    By Ymengzh729
    A bit too slow and way too detailed for my taste, especially in the beginning. I had to skip through a few chapters. But even as I did, the humor jumped out.
  • Ove

    5
    By YayaNetski
    A well written character study with a cast of fascinating characters.