A review by amys_hygge_reads
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
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? It's complicated
5.0
Fredrik Backman is an author I have wanted to read for a while now. And with the recent movie adaptation, I decided A Man Called Ove would be my first Backman book to read.
The Story 📚
This story is heavily character driven around the protagonist - a man called Ove. Ove is described as a grumpy old man, but really he is just a stubborn man set in his ways, who appreciates routine, Saab cars, and getting on with life. We find out more about Ove’s past and present in a split timeline, to discover the ways his world has changed over the years, as well as the special love story between him and Sonja. But with the arrival of new neighbours and a stray cat in his housing estate, Ove’s world takes new directions he didn’t think were possible at that time of his life.
The Review 👩🏻💻
I adored this book! Honestly, we all know someone like Ove! For me, that made the character so much more relatable and imaginable. Also, as the story is set in a Swedish town, I really enjoyed the Scandinavian references that brought to the environment to life for me.
In so many ways the book is so beautifully simple. It’s not overly complicated, and is an easy read for anyone. Ove’s character doesn’t need that! It is the kind of book I would happily recommend to anyone. I am even trying to convince my boyfriend to read it - he doesn’t read but I know he’d love the character and Ove’s mannerisms just as much as I did.
I cried so much at the end of this book. It really is going to stick with me. I’m really looking forward to seeing the two film adaptations, the older Swedish language version, and the newer American made one starring Tom Hanks. Honestly, I’m skeptical of the American one. Is Tom the right fit for Ove, and how will the perfect Swedish setting translate to America? Will let you know my thoughts after I have watched them both!
The Story 📚
This story is heavily character driven around the protagonist - a man called Ove. Ove is described as a grumpy old man, but really he is just a stubborn man set in his ways, who appreciates routine, Saab cars, and getting on with life. We find out more about Ove’s past and present in a split timeline, to discover the ways his world has changed over the years, as well as the special love story between him and Sonja. But with the arrival of new neighbours and a stray cat in his housing estate, Ove’s world takes new directions he didn’t think were possible at that time of his life.
The Review 👩🏻💻
I adored this book! Honestly, we all know someone like Ove! For me, that made the character so much more relatable and imaginable. Also, as the story is set in a Swedish town, I really enjoyed the Scandinavian references that brought to the environment to life for me.
In so many ways the book is so beautifully simple. It’s not overly complicated, and is an easy read for anyone. Ove’s character doesn’t need that! It is the kind of book I would happily recommend to anyone. I am even trying to convince my boyfriend to read it - he doesn’t read but I know he’d love the character and Ove’s mannerisms just as much as I did.
I cried so much at the end of this book. It really is going to stick with me. I’m really looking forward to seeing the two film adaptations, the older Swedish language version, and the newer American made one starring Tom Hanks. Honestly, I’m skeptical of the American one. Is Tom the right fit for Ove, and how will the perfect Swedish setting translate to America? Will let you know my thoughts after I have watched them both!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Suicidal thoughts, Car accident, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Dementia, Death of parent, Death, and Child death