A Man Called Ove
By Fredrik Backman
Washington Square Press, Paperback, 9781476738024, May 2015, 368pp.
The Short of It:
A grieving man touches the hearts of many in this sweet story.
The Rest of It:
After the death of his wife, Ove is no easier to get along with than he was before her death. He’s particular about how things are done and whether they are done right. He’s gruff, lacks patience and is easily frustrated by stupidity. Especially that of his neighbors. But there is a sadness to Ove and that is what makes this story very special.
This book was very popular when it came out and due to the movie release it’s still popular today and I can see why. It’s definitely a “feel good” read. It’s charming and Ove is quite the character and one you will probably remember for a very long time. But this book is made even better by its cast of supporting characters. They all had a purpose, even the cat.
My book club will be discussing it this Thursday. It reminded me quite a bit of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry but I think that one had more to discuss. We shall see, but as a “feel good” read, I highly recommend it.
Source: Borrowed
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Book Chatter 
I remember everyone loving this one when it came out, so I didn’t bother to read it. I usually don’t love the books everyone loves. Then I saw the trailer for the film version and it piqued my interest. And now, I’ve read your post and am considering reading it. I do love “feel good” stories, so this does sound like it would be perfect. Glad you enjoyed it 😉
I laughed and cried. I loved this book. You can’t judge a person unless you know what they are going through. Great book.
This book touched my heart too.
The book was very good, I agree. The movie stuck to the book and was very good as well. I have read all of Backman’sbooks and enjoyed them very much. Just make sure to read them in order as a character named Britt-Marie appears in both.
Good to know. I didn’t know there was an order to the books. I just requested the new one but there are two I believe before that one.
This was one of the books I bought for my mom for Christmas, but she hasn’t gotten to it yet. I know she wants to read it before seeing the movie though
I read it in one sitting at a pretty leisurely pace. Your mom will enjoy it. It’s a pleasant story.
I’ve been avoiding this one because of its popularity, but maybe I will give it a go.
Have you read the Harold Fry book or Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand? It reminds me a lot of those two books.
I listened to the audiobook and LOVED it!
And with the audio book, you knew how to say their names. I had to look up the pronunciation.
I have yet to read anything by Bachman, and I do feel like I am missing out on something. I believe I may have this on audio. Do you think that will be a good format or should I stick to print?
I’ve heard from others that the audio book is great. Plus, you’d know how to pronounce their names!
I adored this book – it gave me all of the feels!
I agree. It’s a feel-good book.
I just started reading this book yesterday (actually listening to it). One of my book clubs is reading it also. I’m only on chapter four and I’m not sure I like Ove. After reading your thoughts I see I need to stay with it. So far the only thing I see that our group of women my age will talk about is the grumpy old men we know and/or are married to. LOL I hope there’s more than that.
There’s another side to Ove but as a book club pick, my group felt the story was too contrived. It is but just go with it. There’s goodness in there and some members of my group got a little weepy over it.
I’ve enjoyed this author’s quirky protagonists and think I’ve read all of his books. He has a new one called Bear Town coming out this year. Hope your group enjoyed this one.
I have the new one. Haven’t gotten to it yet.
My club liked it for the most part. Many felt it was not realistic and a bit contrived though.
Yeah my husband enjoyed this book, which I gave him. I still plan to get to it. I did like the Harold Fry novel and Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand — so I guess it seems I will like Ove as well.