A Man Called Ove
Book Review - A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Summary of A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
"A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman follows the story of Ove, a curmudgeonly and regimented old man who lives by strict principles and has a short fuse. Despite his grumpy exterior, Ove's life takes an unexpected turn when a lively young couple, along with their two children, move in next door and accidentally damage his mailbox. This event sets off a chain of comical and heartwarming encounters, including encounters with unkempt cats, unexpected friendships, and the challenges of moving furniture.
As the story unfolds, readers discover the depth behind Ove's crankiness and the sadness that lurks beneath his stern demeanor. Through a series of flashbacks, the novel reveals Ove's past, including his upbringing, his marriage to the love of his life, Sonja, and the loss he has endured. Despite his initial resistance to change and connection, Ove finds himself drawn into the lives of his new neighbors and the community around him.
Throughout the novel, themes of friendship, resilience, and the impact of one life on others are explored. Ove's interactions with his neighbors, particularly Parvaneh and her family, gradually soften his heart and challenge his rigid worldview. As Ove learns to open up and embrace the unexpected joys of life, he undergoes a transformation that not only changes him but also impacts those around him.
"A Man Called Ove" is a heartwarming and humorous tale of unlikely friendships, second chances, and the power of human connection. It reminds readers that even the most unlikely individuals can leave a lasting mark on the world around them and that love and kindness can be found in the most unexpected places.
A Man Called Ove Book Club Questions
Ove is often portrayed as a grumpy and cantankerous old man at the beginning of the novel. How does your perception of him change as the story unfolds? What events or interactions contribute to this change?
In what ways does Ove's past shape his present behavior and attitudes? How do his memories and experiences influence his interactions with others?
The novel explores themes of loneliness and connection. How do Ove's relationships with his neighbors, especially Parvaneh and her young family, illustrate these themes? What role do community and friendship play in Ove's life?
Discuss Ove's obsession with rules and order. How does this aspect of his personality both help and hinder him throughout the story? What deeper significance might his adherence to rules hold?
Ove is a man of routine and habit. How do unexpected events and disruptions challenge his sense of order? How does he adapt to these changes, and what do they reveal about his character?
The novel alternates between past and present, revealing key moments in Ove's life. How does this narrative structure enhance your understanding of Ove as a character? What insights do we gain from these glimpses into his past?
Ove is often seen as a symbol of resilience and determination. What obstacles does he face, and how does he confront them? How does his resilience inspire those around him?
Fredrik Backman infuses humor into Ove's story, despite its serious themes. Discuss how humor is used to lighten the mood and provide insight into Ove's character. What role does humor play in the overall tone of the novel?
The novel touches on themes of aging, loss, and mortality. How does Ove grapple with these issues throughout the story? How do his experiences with grief and loss shape his perspective on life?
Reflect on the significance of the title, "A Man Called Ove." What does the title suggest about Ove as a character, and how does it encapsulate the central themes of the novel?
Books Like A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
If readers enjoyed "A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman, they might also enjoy these books:
"Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine" by Gail Honeyman - Similar to "A Man Called Ove," this novel features a quirky and unconventional protagonist who learns to navigate life's challenges with humor and resilience.
"The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry" by Rachel Joyce - Like Ove, Harold Fry embarks on an unexpected journey that forces him to confront his past and find redemption. This heartfelt story explores themes of friendship, forgiveness, and the power of human connection.
"Major Pettigrew's Last Stand" by Helen Simonson - This charming novel follows retired Major Ernest Pettigrew, an English widower who strikes up an unlikely friendship with Mrs. Ali, a Pakistani shopkeeper. Set in a small English village, the story explores themes of love, duty, and cultural differences.
"The Rosie Project" by Graeme Simsion - This humorous and heartwarming novel follows Don Tillman, a socially awkward genetics professor who embarks on a quest to find a wife using a scientific approach. Like Ove, Don's unconventional behavior leads to unexpected friendships and personal growth.
"Britt-Marie Was Here" by Fredrik Backman - Fans of "A Man Called Ove" may enjoy this novel about Britt-Marie, a middle-aged woman who embarks on a journey of self-discovery after leaving her cheating husband. Like Ove, Britt-Marie's journey is filled with humor, heartache, and unexpected connections.
"The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared" by Jonas Jonasson - This quirky and irreverent novel follows Allan Karlsson, a centenarian who escapes from his nursing home and embarks on a series of adventures involving criminals, murderers, and a suitcase full of cash.
"Beartown" by Fredrik Backman - Another novel by Fredrik Backman, "Beartown" explores the dynamics of a small hockey town and the events that unfold after a violent act shakes the community. Like "A Man Called Ove," this novel delves into complex characters and explores themes of loyalty, friendship, and resilience.
These books share thematic elements such as quirky characters, heartfelt storytelling, and themes of resilience and human connection, making them likely to appeal to fans of "A Man Called Ove."
Book Review of A Man Called Ove
I heard mixed reviews about this book, but I adored it. It is about a grumpy old man and his relationship to his neighbors. As many grumpy old men are, Ove (pronounced Ooo-va) is set in his ways. But his world is turned on its head when his boisterous neighbors move in. His first introduction to them occurs when they run over his mailbox when trying to back up their U-haul into the driveway. Of course, Ove can't imagine how anyone made it to adulthood without learning how to back up a trailer. And he lets his opinion be known as he begrudgingly backs the trailer for them.
The main character grows on you over time. I think this is why the book has mixed reviews. In the beginning I was just annoyed with Ove, he had such strong opinions about everything! But the reader grows to understand Ove as his neighbors do, which I find really masterful on the author's part. We learn about his past and hiw wife Sonja. In the end I had tears streaming down my face as I walked along the streets of Chicago listening to this book on Audible. I miss Ove like I miss a friend that moved away long ago. I will always think of him when I see a Saab driving around.
“[What book character would you be best friends with?]
Ove from A Man Called Ove (Fredric Bachman) - if only because I imagine that’s how I’ll be later in life and people like that still need friends!”
From the Publisher:
Now a major motion picture A Man Called Otto starring Tom Hanks and A Man Called Ove from from director Hannes Holm.
#1 New York Times bestseller—more than 3 million copies sold!
Meet Ove. He’s a curmudgeon—the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. People call him “the bitter neighbor from hell.” But must Ove be bitter just because he doesn’t walk around with a smile plastered to his face all the time?
Behind the cranky exterior there is a story and a sadness. So when one November morning a chatty young couple with two chatty young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove’s mailbox, it is the lead-in 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.
Fredrik Backman’s beloved first novel about the angry old man next door is a thoughtful exploration of the profound impact one life has on countless others. “If there was an award for ‘Most Charming Book of the Year,’ this first novel by a Swedish blogger-turned-overnight-sensation would win hands down” (Booklist, starred review).
