Reviews with content warning for Animal cruelty - Mies, joka rakasti järjestystä

I thought I'd get through this book without letting it get to me, but the ending got me after all.

I have a real appreciation for the character work Backman does in his books, and Ove was no exception. The voice the author gave him is full of unintentional humor. He cares so much for people and takes their needs into consideration, even while constantly saying and thinking that he doesn't care and that everyone should stop bothering him and leave him to die in peace. I enjoyed his interactions with the different people and pets that forced themselves into his life, but I guess the cat will be my favourite.

Sad, but also really heartwarming.

Content Warnings

cpreeta6's review against another edition

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring 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

Please check the content warnings before reading the book. There is mention of them in the following review.

I have no words. I had to space my reading out, quite a bit, as the material was emotional and heavy. However, I finally took it up today and finished it. That was the perfect way it could've ended. The writing flows beautifully, in a way that I flew through the pages. Only the content made me pause and think, if I could take it at the time.

I DNFed the book last year as I believe that a book is best enjoyed with the right mindset, and it should never put you in a depressive mood. When required, put the book down, and go about your life. It will still be waiting for you with open arms when you feel like you can return to it.

I never thought, following an old man's life would feel so touching to me. Ove is a grumpy, unfriendly man who always needs some tinkering to do. He needs the rules to be followed. He is a man who loves his wife very much.

The different conversations that can be had regarding the book are manifold. The mental alacrity of certain characters and their actions can sometimes only be understood in hindsight. The book tackles loss of a loved one and grieving, and many more issues that can tug at your heartstrings.

Ultimately, it is not a book you pick up lightly. It will make you laugh, it will make you cry. It will take you on a rollercoaster or emotions, and you will be angry at the powerlessness of normal people against bureaucracy. Be warned, it is a melancholy, yet beautiful book.

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tabookish's review against another edition

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funny hopeful inspiring fast-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

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krmreads2024's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

4.0

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orchidlilly's review against another edition

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dark emotional 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? No

4.5

A really good exploration of grief and learning to live after it. Ove is both lovable and annoying, which turns at a point to endearing in its own right. The rest of the characters feel very real and individualized, and have a lot of unspoken depth to them. The back and forth between Ove's memories and current life really build his story well and allow the reader to understand why he is the way he is.

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