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A review by elzmri
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
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? It's complicated
5.0
Oh, Ove.
This book had me laughing and crying. Blackman has a way of using his lexical choices to reflect the personality of the protagonist; what I mean is that even though it is in third person, it still holds Ove’s vibe. [I’ve stayed up all night and I’m tired so please excuse my attempts at explaining myself].
The characters have so much depth, and so diverse- Blackman even gives Cat Annoyance its own meaningful personality.
Ove reminded me of my grandad- I think that’s why it had me sobbing at the end.
The translator has also done a fantastic job- even though it is Swedish, it has a universal familiarity that I think everyone can relate to, no matter where you’re from.
I don’t often read contemporary novels, but this one has quickly become a favourite. I’ve already bought Anxious People and My Grandmother Sends Her Regards and Apologies; I appreciate Backman’s writing style, which isn’t oversimplified in a way that most modern novels tend to be.
I’d love to read more about Parveneh’s life…
This book had me laughing and crying. Blackman has a way of using his lexical choices to reflect the personality of the protagonist; what I mean is that even though it is in third person, it still holds Ove’s vibe. [I’ve stayed up all night and I’m tired so please excuse my attempts at explaining myself].
The characters have so much depth, and so diverse- Blackman even gives Cat Annoyance its own meaningful personality.
Ove reminded me of my grandad- I think that’s why it had me sobbing at the end.
The translator has also done a fantastic job- even though it is Swedish, it has a universal familiarity that I think everyone can relate to, no matter where you’re from.
I don’t often read contemporary novels, but this one has quickly become a favourite. I’ve already bought Anxious People and My Grandmother Sends Her Regards and Apologies; I appreciate Backman’s writing style, which isn’t oversimplified in a way that most modern novels tend to be.
I’d love to read more about Parveneh’s life…
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Chronic illness, Death, Forced institutionalization, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Minor: Cancer, Child death, Homophobia, Miscarriage, and Fire/Fire injury