A review by chrisljm
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

emotional funny reflective relaxing 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

This book contained so much heart so it's not surprising to say that I cried in the end. While not a romance, it does contain the love story between Ove and his wife Sonja. The love he has for her is so sweet and so sad, because the book is also a story on grief and how Ove deals with losing the love of his life. It's about grief and loneliness, but also how friendship and community can be healing. 

The relationships in this novel was truly the best part for me. I loved reading about Ove's newfound relationship with his neighbors, and slowly seeing the ones he had in the past. He is very much a grumpy old man where despite how much he tries to fight them, a friendship and community can't help but form between him and his neighbors. It's hilarious seeing him try to beef with children, but the way they bonded with each other tugged on my heart.
And when they called him granddad I felt my heart squeeze. As did the reveal on Jimmy's back story.
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