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A review by astoriareader
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
SYNOPSIS:
- Ove is a 59 year old Swedish man, who recently lost his wife. His wife was the love of his life, and they were together for many years.
- Ove has lived in the same house in the same neighborhood for around 40 years. He’s a curmudgeon, and he likes to keep to himself.
- After losing his wife, he has been contemplating suicide. However, his suicide attempt is interrupted by his new, foreign neighbor, Parvaneh.
- “It is the leadin to a comical and heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship, and the ancient art of backing up a U-Haul. All of which will change one cranky old man and a local residents' association to their very foundations.”
MY THOUGHTS
- I rarely cry when reading, but I shed tears in the epilogue.
- Backman skillfully juggles comedy and tragedy. He explores a lot of deep themes: community, the impact we have on others, grief, loss, loneliness, aging, healing, love.
- Expert level character development. I enjoyed Ove’s backstory & learning about why he is who he is. I also loved his love story with his wife.
- I felt for Ove throughout the whole story. He feels like your friend, and you get to know him throughout the book.
- So many wonderful side characters throughout the story.
- Satisfying ending.
- Loved Backman’s writing style. Admittedly, this is the first one I have read by him. I am definitely going to look for more by this author.
- I loved the incorporation of the cat into the story, and I thought it was interesting to see how having a pet was clearly healthy & helpful for Ove.
TL;DR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️cried in epilogue. beautifully crafted story with expert level character development.
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Grief, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Death and Miscarriage
Minor: Fatphobia, Homophobia, Terminal illness, Car accident, and Fire/Fire injury