Reviews

Ein Mann namens Ove by Fredrik Backman

madjobo's review against another edition

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4.0

This book wrapped my heart in a hug and gave it a big squeeze

krcava's review against another edition

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4.5

Loved this book which I listened to on CD. I had a difficult time getting through the first few chapters as Ove is a real curmudgeon.

deblaroche's review against another edition

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3.0

Not a bad read by any stretch, but I'm not sure what all the fuss is about. To be fair, I listened to it on CD, so maybe something was lost in the awkward cadence of the narrator.

austinen's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes

3.75

christine52's review against another edition

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4.0

A Man Called Ove is well written and engaging. The story tells of a man, set in his ways, who is struggling and bitter after the death of his wife. He doesn't want to be left without her and decides to "join" her, however, his attempts are interrupted and foiled at every turn. The author weaves the story of Ove's youth with the current date, which explains a lot about his disposition and character. He is a man of integrity who doesn't like to be crossed. As the story unfolds Ove is joined in his neighborhood and life by a very unique and varied cast of characters...all of whom affect him and his life in wonderfully funny and poignant ways. The book is touching, humorous and meaningful.

lansry's review against another edition

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emotional funny 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

5.0

guyc's review against another edition

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3.0

Likeable enough light read but very predictable. Grumpy old man turns out to have good reasons to be grumpy and is de-grumped by life and experience - pleasant enough but I don't understand the OTT reviews as if it were extraordinary.

mollylovestoread's review against another edition

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5.0

This broke my cold little heart.

kt122's review against another edition

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2.0

I found this book to be very depressing. It's about a man who has led a hard life who has to deal with even more difficulties. I didn't find it amusing or charming, although some might.

joshua_white's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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? It's complicated

4.0

Fredrik Backman’s A Man Called Ove is yet another testament to his exceptional storytelling prowess. While it didn’t capture me quite as intensely as the Beartown series, it was still a remarkable, heartfelt read. Backman has this uncanny ability to create characters that stay with you long after you’ve closed the book, and this story is no exception. 
 
The heart and humor in this book are unmatched. Ove himself is unforgettable, as is the cast of quirky neighbors—and of course, the cat. (Seriously, the cat deserves its own shout-out.) This book further cements Backman as one of my favorite authors. Few can write with as much depth, emotion, and subtle humor as he does. Highly recommend!