Reviews tagging 'Animal cruelty'

En mand der hedder Ove by Fredrik Backman

133 reviews

ayeshacincina's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Light-hearted, funny, refreshing and very touching. A Man Called Ove is the kind of book that feels like a warm hug - sometimes crushing, but ultimately radiating warmth. The characterization of Ove was so well-written. He was a rigid man, unwavering in his principles and ethics which at first came across as being "bitter", "grumpy" or "rude". But Ove was not bloody bitter.

I loved how the author portrayed Ove in the same neutral light, without any character development as such, but a shift in "character perception". The story beautifully navigates our view of Ove from an old bitter sod to the beloved grandad of the neighbourhood. 

The relationship between Ove & Sonja was one like no other - pure, genuine, devoted and beautiful. However, the relationships that later bloom throughout the story are something you want to hold close to your heart caressingly. One of the most comforting of them was that between Ove & Parvaneh. She became the daughter he never had, and he became the father she once lost. The relationships in the story grow so tenderly, that one can't help but shed a tear, even after laughing moments before.

Subjectively, the book was more heartwarming than sad. It makes you laugh a little, cry a little, a bit sad here, and a lot happy there but nonetheless, it leaves you content. Happy endings don't always mean that one gets to live longer, but when one is content and at peace before one's final goodbye (with a cat by your side).

Ove's death was not so much a tragedy to mourn, as it was a beautiful memory to celebrate and cherish silently in our hearts forever.

The writing style was a delightful mix of roguish humour and tender emotion. There were a few parts that felt a little cliche, but that is more of a subjective remark than a constructive critique. Ultimately, the book is highly recommended if you want a read that stabs you a little, but also gently caresses you as you go about every chapter of it.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty, Death, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Self harm, Grief, and Suicide attempt

theverycraftyvegan's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful 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

I have read two books by Fredrik Backman this year and I have loved both. I can’t wait to continue reading everything he has written. 

Ove’s story is a sad one. At least, at first. But eventually his friends and neighbours help him realize there’s more to life than death, and Ove’s life has meaning. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Pregnancy

Moderate: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Body shaming, Cancer, Chronic illness, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Terminal illness, Forced institutionalization, and Injury/Injury detail

liesthemoontells's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

I read this book for book club. It was fine.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty, Body shaming, Cancer, Chronic illness, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Infertility, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Racism, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Dementia, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, and Classism

lonelylooper's review against another edition

emotional funny 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? It's complicated

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal cruelty, Cancer, Death, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Grief, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Fire/Fire injury

Moderate: Animal death, Cursing, Violence, and Blood

Minor: Infertility

afrenette's review against another edition

emotional funny reflective 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

4.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body shaming, Cancer, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Car accident, Suicide attempt, and Fire/Fire injury

Moderate: Animal cruelty, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Dementia, and Death of parent

Minor: Pregnancy

booklovingcatmom's review against another edition

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

4.75

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Content Warnings

Minor: Animal cruelty

gpfot's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful reflective relaxing sad fast-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

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cursing, Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Pregnancy

Moderate: Animal cruelty, Body shaming, Bullying, Cancer, Death, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Terminal illness, Medical content, Medical trauma, Car accident, and Death of parent

Minor: Chronic illness, Homophobia, Dementia, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury

mulhollen's review against another edition

emotional hopeful 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? Yes

4.5

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Content Warnings

Minor: Animal cruelty, Dementia, and Suicide attempt

onthesamepage's review against another edition

funny hopeful 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

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.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Grief, and Suicide attempt

Moderate: Animal cruelty and Death

cpreeta6's review against another edition

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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Content Warnings

Moderate: Suicide and Suicide attempt

Minor: Ableism, Animal cruelty, Cancer, Child death, Death, and Suicidal thoughts