A Man Called Ove

By: Fredrik Backman

“But sorry is unreliable in that way.  When people don’t share it there’s a good chance that it will drive them apart instead.”

Ove is a grumpy old man.  He is the epitome of a curmudgeon.  He thinks very highly of himself and believes that he is surrounded by a bunch of idiots – his neighbors, joggers, shop employees etc… He begins his day with a daily routine of inspecting the local streets and he is very big on following the rules and telling others to follow them as well.  A lonesome man, he finds himself surrounded by people that will just not leave him alone.  As he slowly warms to these people, it is shown that Ove can be quite charming.

I don’t know if I am the only one that had never heard of this book before.  In fact, I only picked it up because I saw the trailer for the movie that is being man with Tom Hanks in it.  This was a difficult read for me.  Not because of the language that was used or the fact that it was translated, but simply because there was way too much description, and it really was just boring at times.  I can give the book three stars because it does get better towards the end.  I found myself wanting to read it rather than forcing myself to read it.  The ending also left me in tears, which is a testament to the author’s writing (or maybe I am just a sap!)  I wanted a little more from this book, but overall, it’s not the worst book that I’ve read.

You can get your copy of the book here.