A review by confused_cat
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

emotional funny reflective 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? Yes

4.75

Excellent book. Much better than the Hollywood movie adaptation.
I simply love everything about it - the writing, the pace, the dark humor, the characters.
Ove's character seem to be timeless. I imagine there will always be people who are traditionalists, strong, stubborn, loyal to the fault,  and live by their principles. I don't always agree with them and their old school ways but I do admire them.

Answering reading group questions and some reflections:
  • I only drive Toyota - haha. Is there a bit of Ove in my character?
  • Ove was actually grieving for almost for the entirity of the book. Having human (and animal) to care is what got him through. 
  • Honestly, the neighbourhood that Ove lives in is almost similar to the one I grew up in - where every one helps and bothers each other quite a lot. I sort of miss that.
  • Ove and Sonja have opposing communication style. This would make things difficult in real life but it seems that they have enough love hence patience with each other to go thru life challenges.
  • I wonder if there are actually more people like Ove in the world, doing heroic things and refusing to make a fuss. 
  • Technology, relationships, and lifestyles kept on changing. It would be great if we can slow it down. I seriously can't imagine what life would be like say 40 years from here.


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