A review by brianaisgoingplaces
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

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. 
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