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A Man Called Ove
by
Fredrik Backman (Goodreads Author),
Henning Koch (Goodreads Author)
A grumpy yet loveable man finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door.
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 ...more
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 ...more
Hardcover, 337 pages
Published
July 15th 2014
by Atria Books
(first published August 27th 2012)
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Popular Answered Questions
Angie
the audiobook pronounces it OOVA
This question contains spoilers…
(view spoiler)
Community Reviews
(showing 1-30)
Update: I had planned to leave this post as it is, but after seeing the continued kind responses, I thought it best to inform you that my grandad passed away just before Christmas. Thank you to everyone who commented about this review and about him, but it seemed wrong to not let you know. It's always hard to lose someone who has been such a huge part of your life from day one, but please know that he died a happy old man, peacefully, surrounded by his family. And isn't that the best any of us c
...more
Received as an ARC from the publisher. Started 5-8-14. Finished 5-11-14. First let me explain what happened to me while reading this book aloud to my wife as she was preparing dinner. I'm 70; she's almost 70. I'd read the first page, laughed out loud and decided she'd like to hear it read. I read, we laughed and nodded knowingly, then I got to the end of chapter 4 and completely lost it---I couldn't continue through those last few sentences. My wife said I should quit since she knows that I cry
...more
"Death is a strange thing. People live their whole lives as if it does not exist, and yet it's often one of the greatest motivations for living. Some of us, in time, become so conscious of it that we live harder, more obstinately, with more fury. Some need its constant presence to even be aware of its antithesis. Others become so preoccupied with it that they go into the waiting room long before it has announced its arrival. We fear it, yet most of us fear more than anything that it may take som
...more
This was such a nice story! It's about the transformations we go through in life and how different events within our life affect, shape us, and make us who we are today.
This is a tale that makes you appreciate life!
I vote *OVE* as 'character-of-the-year'! The author has created the most memorable character to be found in a novel --in years.
*OVE*, is an unassuming man. He likes routines, and rules. He's an honest man. Doesn't smile and give compliments -- but he's a man of integrity.
To watch OVE grow - heal the loss of his wife -and allow his neighbors to love him (and love them back) -- is is a treasure.
This book has great humor & great heart!
Its a perso ...more
I vote *OVE* as 'character-of-the-year'! The author has created the most memorable character to be found in a novel --in years.
*OVE*, is an unassuming man. He likes routines, and rules. He's an honest man. Doesn't smile and give compliments -- but he's a man of integrity.
To watch OVE grow - heal the loss of his wife -and allow his neighbors to love him (and love them back) -- is is a treasure.
This book has great humor & great heart!
Its a perso ...more
I bought this book expecting some easy entertainment, you know, a few giggles here and there. I did not expect to spend almost half an hour crying my eyes out after finishing it - and yet, that's exactly what I did.
Ove is a grumpy old man. He wants things to be "right" and doesn't think twice about the fact that he isn't always perceived as fair - and that always keeping to the truth can actually make people stay away from you.
This book is a journey. For Ove, for Ove's surroundings and for the ...more
Ove is a grumpy old man. He wants things to be "right" and doesn't think twice about the fact that he isn't always perceived as fair - and that always keeping to the truth can actually make people stay away from you.
This book is a journey. For Ove, for Ove's surroundings and for the ...more
This definitely isn't my usual type of book, but I'm glad I read it. Every once in a while, you have to change things up a little. 'A Man Called Ove' was a great choice for me.
Ove is a wonderful character. He is opinionated, cantankerous and utterly set in his ways. He is a man that has been left behind in many ways, unwilling to adapt and unable to understand the thought process that drives "modern man" in this technological era.
When his new neighbor's failed attempts to back a trailer up draws ...more
Ove is a wonderful character. He is opinionated, cantankerous and utterly set in his ways. He is a man that has been left behind in many ways, unwilling to adapt and unable to understand the thought process that drives "modern man" in this technological era.
When his new neighbor's failed attempts to back a trailer up draws ...more
Argh! It’s hard not to start this review with a bunch of expletives, because this book pissed me off royally! Shit! See, I can’t even hold it in. The cat and the fat were the straws that broke the camel’s back.
Let’s start with Ove not liking the cat. Not liking the cat is one thing. For some reason bitching about a cat is supposed to be funny, but to me it’s annoying. Ove kicking the cat a couple of times cranked my wincing up a notch. But there was a way worse cat crime: Ove was going to leave ...more
Let’s start with Ove not liking the cat. Not liking the cat is one thing. For some reason bitching about a cat is supposed to be funny, but to me it’s annoying. Ove kicking the cat a couple of times cranked my wincing up a notch. But there was a way worse cat crime: Ove was going to leave ...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
OMGOSH, what a wonderful novel! I now have my first super-favorite of 2015!
This is a story of the deep and everlasting love of a contrary 59 year old man who struggles each and every day to cope with the pain and loss of the only person who ever understood him, and the never-ending guilt of not preventing a horrible tragedy.
It is also a comical and entertaining account of A Man Called Ove and his peculiar ways....an honest man with strict principles who abhors "the men in white shirts" that have
...more
This might be a funny/sweet novel about a curmudgeonly old man, who knows that any thinking person would do things properly but unfortunately the world is full of idiots who do everything incorrectly and need someone like Ove to keep things in line.
I'm not really sure.
Instead, it was a novel filled with with sucker punches right to my gut.
I might be giving four stars to the Swedish equivalent of Mitch Albom, but fuck it.
I'm not really sure.
Instead, it was a novel filled with with sucker punches right to my gut.
I might be giving four stars to the Swedish equivalent of Mitch Albom, but fuck it.
I'm probably going to be crying about this book forever.
There are so many things to love in this book. It's a story about an old crotchety man unwillingly being thrust into friendships that change his life, as well as a bit about his past too. There's really nothing I didn't love about this book. It had me laughing one minute and tearing up the next, and by the end I was bawling.
I also listened to the audiobook which was SO GOOOOD.
There are so many things to love in this book. It's a story about an old crotchety man unwillingly being thrust into friendships that change his life, as well as a bit about his past too. There's really nothing I didn't love about this book. It had me laughing one minute and tearing up the next, and by the end I was bawling.
I also listened to the audiobook which was SO GOOOOD.
When I began reading A Man Called Ove, I thought what a clever tale of an angry old man. The kind that believes rules and regulations are of utmost importance, that see the world filled with stupid people, and is always right. The way the author describes him and his actions are hilarious, as I have known a few Oves myself. They have their principles!
The only person Ove had and loved dearly, was his wife, Sonja. She has just passed away, and all Ove wants to do is kill himself, but those pesky ...more
The only person Ove had and loved dearly, was his wife, Sonja. She has just passed away, and all Ove wants to do is kill himself, but those pesky ...more
A man named Ove knocked on my door and asked if I have space on my shelves for a stray book about an angry, bitter, contrarian, (view spoiler) old man. I hesitated for a second, thinking I don't need to get more depressed than I already am, but then I took another look at his wooden clogs, his out-of-fashion clothes and frowning brow, and decided: "What the heck! I'll give it a try! I'll read a couple of chapters and see how I feel about it."
Ove is fifty-nine.
He drives ...more
Aug 28, 2016
Angela M
rated it
really liked it
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
netgalley-reviews
At first you think Ove is just an aging, cranky, overly fastidious man who complains about everything and everyone, but by the end of the book you will wish that you could be more like Ove . Ove is 59, and his wife of 40 years has recently died. He is now being forced to retire, and he has given up on life.
As the story of his past unfolds through flashbacks, you realize how much sadness he has had in his life and you begin to see glimpses of his kindness. We see the loving relationship Ove had w ...more
As the story of his past unfolds through flashbacks, you realize how much sadness he has had in his life and you begin to see glimpses of his kindness. We see the loving relationship Ove had w ...more
Find all of my reviews at: http://52bookminimum.blogspot.com/
ALL THE STARS!!!!!!
It wasn’t supposed to be like this. You work and pay off the mortgage and pay taxes and do what you should. You marry. For better or for worse until death do us part, wasn’t that what they agreed? Ove remembers quite clearly that it was. And she wasn’t supposed to be the first one to die. Wasn’t it bloody well understood that it was his death they were talking about? Well, wasn’t it?
And so begins Ove’s story. Left ...more
ALL THE STARS!!!!!!
It wasn’t supposed to be like this. You work and pay off the mortgage and pay taxes and do what you should. You marry. For better or for worse until death do us part, wasn’t that what they agreed? Ove remembers quite clearly that it was. And she wasn’t supposed to be the first one to die. Wasn’t it bloody well understood that it was his death they were talking about? Well, wasn’t it?
And so begins Ove’s story. Left ...more
Had I not been going through a rough spell in my life, I'm almost positive I'd give this a solid 5. On the fence between 4 & 5, say 4.35, I'm going with my hunch that a 4 is unfair. I hate that I, human as I am, cannot stop negatives in my life from flowing over into my view of fiction I'm reading.
At the same time though, I'm grateful for our blessing, our magic, as humans, that great fiction naturally flows into our lives. Here, I could feel the flow and was definitely affected by this stor ...more
At the same time though, I'm grateful for our blessing, our magic, as humans, that great fiction naturally flows into our lives. Here, I could feel the flow and was definitely affected by this stor ...more
This is one of those cutesy, grumpy-old-man-finds-love stories. I started off really enjoying the book, which has some amusing scenes, but I soon became disenchanted. The plot follows a predictable path, and I guessed all the beats before they happened. (view spoiler)
...more
Sep 07, 2015
♥Sharon♥
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Recommended to ♥Sharon♥ by:
Mo
He was a man of black and White.
And she was color.
All the color he had.
In case I don't get back with a "full review" you have to know that I absolutely loved this book. I loved this man called Ove. I could have spent many more hours reading about him.
This book was not something I would have chosen for myself. I didn't have it on my TBR. It was a wonderful story.
I quickly found myself endlessly highlighting all the moments that made me laugh, that made me sigh and those that made me cry. I en ...more
And she was color.
All the color he had.
In case I don't get back with a "full review" you have to know that I absolutely loved this book. I loved this man called Ove. I could have spent many more hours reading about him.
This book was not something I would have chosen for myself. I didn't have it on my TBR. It was a wonderful story.
I quickly found myself endlessly highlighting all the moments that made me laugh, that made me sigh and those that made me cry. I en ...more
1000 heartbeats of love…
The Hook When a book receives the press and solid reviews like A Man Called Ove has, I worry. I wonder if it can possibly live up to the words of praise? I’m a latecomer. Now that I finally took the chance all I can say is “You were all right”. A Man Called Ove deserves every good review and every single acclamation it has been given.
Ove reminded so much of someone near and dear to my heart that they could be twins. The shared traits only increased my appreciation. My on ...more
The Hook When a book receives the press and solid reviews like A Man Called Ove has, I worry. I wonder if it can possibly live up to the words of praise? I’m a latecomer. Now that I finally took the chance all I can say is “You were all right”. A Man Called Ove deserves every good review and every single acclamation it has been given.
Ove reminded so much of someone near and dear to my heart that they could be twins. The shared traits only increased my appreciation. My on ...more
I loved this one. Had me hooked from the first page.
Just read ...more
He was a man of black and white. And she was color. All the color he had.
It wasn't really about cars, properly speaking. But Ove drove a Saab, after all. And Rune drove a Volvo.
"You don't fool me, darling," she said with a playful little smile and crept into his big arms. "You're dancing on the inside, Ove, when no one's watching. And I'll always love you for that. Whether you like it or not."
And then one morning, he saw her.
Just read ...more
Ove stayed there with her hand in his for several hours. Until the hospital staff entered the room with warm voices and careful movements, explaining that they had to take her body away. Ove rose from his chair, nodded and went to the undertakers to take care of the documentation. On the Sunday she was buried. On the Monday, he went to work. But if anyone had asked, he would have told them that he never lived before he met her. And not after, either.
As I slowly and effortlessly slid between th ...more
As I slowly and effortlessly slid between th ...more
2.5 Stars
Ove is certainly an interesting character and I think we all know an Ove which is no bad thing either to keep us grounded.
I especially lked Ove's back stroy and loved his good old fashioned values which is becoming rarer in today's society
I had to keep reminding myself throughout the book that Ove is not an old man and yet for some reason I kept picturing him in my head as a man in his eighties and yet the character is only 59 which just threw me all the way throughout the story . I ...more
Ove is certainly an interesting character and I think we all know an Ove which is no bad thing either to keep us grounded.
I especially lked Ove's back stroy and loved his good old fashioned values which is becoming rarer in today's society
I had to keep reminding myself throughout the book that Ove is not an old man and yet for some reason I kept picturing him in my head as a man in his eighties and yet the character is only 59 which just threw me all the way throughout the story . I ...more
Apr 17, 2015
Margitte
rated it
it was amazing
Shelves:
fiction,
humor-comedy-satire,
reviewed,
favorites,
family,
relationships,
2015-read,
curmudgeon-charm
"How can you reason with a man who bought a BMW?" Ove thought. How can you take an Audi-driver seriously! Huyndi is despicable, Toyota a tad more tolerant (although God help them anyway), but a Renault - French of all things, will definitely ruin any idea of friendship. When Rune forsake Volvo
for a BMW, a forty-year bond of friendship with Ove became null and void.
In this world where one became outdated before one's time was up, fifty-nine-year-old Ove, a jobless widower, who neither had any ne ...more
This is an excellent heartwarming and humorous book. Basically, a series of short stories about a man called Ove that all combine together into an awesome all-encompassing storyline.
Ove is a grumpy old man who has a cynical approach to everything. But, how he got this way, combined with the relationships he "accidentally" develops lead to a lot of unexpected twists and turns.
One of the things I loved about this book is that seemingly serious situations end up hilarious, while scenes that seem to ...more
Ove is a grumpy old man who has a cynical approach to everything. But, how he got this way, combined with the relationships he "accidentally" develops lead to a lot of unexpected twists and turns.
One of the things I loved about this book is that seemingly serious situations end up hilarious, while scenes that seem to ...more
Books like this are the reason I read.
I just finished the last page and can't even think of enough wonderful things to say. But any book that can make me believe that most people are basically good and decent and do the best they can with what they have, well, what can I say? I know some Ove's, and just like him, their hearts are too big.
Ove's wife has just died, and he doesn't know how to go on without her. Here's how much he loved her: on their first date he ate before he took her out to dinne ...more
I just finished the last page and can't even think of enough wonderful things to say. But any book that can make me believe that most people are basically good and decent and do the best they can with what they have, well, what can I say? I know some Ove's, and just like him, their hearts are too big.
Ove's wife has just died, and he doesn't know how to go on without her. Here's how much he loved her: on their first date he ate before he took her out to dinne ...more
2.5 stars
I've read all my GR friends' wildly divergent reviews of Fredrik Backman's debut novel A Man Called Ove and can find something to agree with in each of them. Nods to those who enjoyed the comedy of errors. Nods to the ailurophiles who despised Ove's treatment of the cat. Nods to those who couldn't get enough of Ove's archetypal curmudgeonly character. Nods to those who found Ove's transformation from hating the world to being a reluctant hero an unlikely and transparently feel-good-y a ...more
I've read all my GR friends' wildly divergent reviews of Fredrik Backman's debut novel A Man Called Ove and can find something to agree with in each of them. Nods to those who enjoyed the comedy of errors. Nods to the ailurophiles who despised Ove's treatment of the cat. Nods to those who couldn't get enough of Ove's archetypal curmudgeonly character. Nods to those who found Ove's transformation from hating the world to being a reluctant hero an unlikely and transparently feel-good-y a ...more
I love this book! It was heartwarming, heartbreaking, funny & showed you the goodness in people and how some people display that a little differently. I will be filming a book & movie review on it shortly!
Apr 03, 2015
Lawyer
rated it
it was amazing
Recommends it for:
Anyone
Recommended to Lawyer by:
Lynda
Shelves:
love,
marriage,
romance,
death,
favorites,
grief,
2015,
swedish-literature,
fredrik-backman
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
Dec 11, 2016
Maxine (Booklover Catlady)
rated it
it was amazing
·
review of another edition
Recommends it for:
Everybody
An absolutely wonderful read! This book has so much going for it, I relished reading every single word. Ove is a grumpy old man, but is he? He is a character filled with so much light and shade, extremely well developed character, I love Ove after reading this, I want to have a decent cup of coffee with him.
Ove is unhappy generally speaking and does not hold back in sharing his dislike of rule breakers, nosy neighbours, and the men in the white shirts especially, the men who make the rules that ...more
Ove is unhappy generally speaking and does not hold back in sharing his dislike of rule breakers, nosy neighbours, and the men in the white shirts especially, the men who make the rules that ...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Barnard Brown Bag...: January Book Choice | 63 | 17 | 7 hours, 38 min ago | |
| Salt Lake County ...: * United We Read SLC - Announcement 2017 | 1 | 14 | Jan 12, 2017 06:32PM | |
| Altoona Public Li...: Loving it | 3 | 10 | Jan 12, 2017 01:27PM | |
| Am I the only one who...? [SPOILERS] | 8 | 167 | Jan 11, 2017 10:09AM | |
| Malden Reads: first impressions of A Man Called Ove | 1 | 5 | Jan 09, 2017 04:58PM | |
| Around the Year i...: A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman | 11 | 76 | Jan 07, 2017 02:36AM |
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“People said Ove saw the world in black and white. But she was color. All the color he had.”
—
304 likes
“To love someone is like moving into a house," Sonja used to say. "At first you fall in love in everything new, you wonder every morning that this is one's own, as if they are afraid that someone will suddenly come tumbling through the door and say that there has been a serious mistake and that it simply was not meant to would live so fine. But as the years go by, the facade worn, the wood cracks here and there, and you start to love this house not so much for all the ways it is perfect in that for all the ways it is not. You become familiar with all its nooks and crannies. How to avoid that the key gets stuck in the lock if it is cold outside. Which floorboards have some give when you step on them, and exactly how to open the doors for them not to creak. That's it, all the little secrets that make it your home. "
- Fredrik Backman , A Man Called Ove”
—
287 likes
More quotes…
- Fredrik Backman , A Man Called Ove”
Jan 10, 2017 09:10AM
15 hours, 57 min ago