typographic_whimsy's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt and Suicidal thoughts
charlottefmason's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Pregnancy, and Miscarriage
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Cancer, Fatphobia, and Homophobia
soggygarlicknot's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Death
emziesreads's review against another edition
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
An enjoyable read about an elderly curmudgeon finding community. Predictable but overall a heartwarming read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Suicide
Moderate: Fatphobia
aiidaa's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
This was just such a beautiful, emotional and inspiring story. To the reader, much like to Ove's neighbours, Ove is a character you grow to like and eventually love. The book had me both laughing out loud and sobbing (sometimes both at the same time). It had some beautiful lessons about love and relationships and life in general and was so heartwarming. I will definitively be re-reading this some day.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
brianaisgoingplaces's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
Another Backman for the books, and it was charming. The people and communities that Fredrik Backman manages to create are so lovely, and I’m glad I get to read about them.
I was surprised by the contents of this book, and maybe more surprised, that I never really heard about them before starting. Because it wasn’t spoiled for me, I won’t spoil for you, but some folks might need a TW.
My favorite experience with this book is my changing relationship with Ove. At first, his character annoyed me a bit, and I thought to myself “Do I really want to read a story about a grumpy old man who yells at random people for no reason?”, and by the end, I liked Ove. It just further confirmed my idea that we can love anyone, if we get to know them enough.
While I have to say I didn’t enjoy this one as much as Anxious People—it went a bit slow for me at times, and I’m not a huge fan of flashbacks in books, couldn’t tell you why—I still am excited to tuck this story into my brain and prepare it for the next Backman book it’ll get it’s hands on.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
ashley_jane's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
slow-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
4.5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts
andrewhatesham's review against another edition
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Pregnancy, Suicide attempt, Terminal illness, Child death, and Suicidal thoughts
imustich's review against another edition
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Car accident, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent, Miscarriage, Homophobia, and Suicide attempt
jennaagricola's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Child death, Child abuse, and Grief