A Man Called Ove by Frederik Backman is a
great read. Ove is a hoot, a very original character, and each chapter just
builds until you realize this old coot is quite lovable. By the end, the
book is quite poignant and you will shed a tear at the finale. And that’s what
makes an awesome read. The author captures a man’s life, feelings, and
shows how humans touch each other.
From the back blurb – At first sight, Ove is almost
certainly the grumpiest man you will ever meet, a curmudgeon with staunch
principles, strict routine, and a short fuse. People think him bitter, and he
thinks himself surrounded by idiots.
But as he keeps trying to commit suicide (trust me, this
plot works. You learn his reason, his attempts, and his failures (fortunately)
). New neighbors prove to be lifesavers and aggravating.
He drives a Saab, keeps his tools organized, shovels the
walks in his neighborhood, and desperately feels the loss of his wife. She was
obviously a saint. You’ll learn his backstory and that explains a lot.
Each chapter title is funny and Backman’s humor will keep you turning pages.
p. 336 – At the bottom of the sheet he’s written in
capital letters “YOU ARE NOT A COMPLETE IDIOT”. And after that, a smiley, as
Nasanin has taught him.
Trust me, this is high praise. Read the book to get to this page and smile through tears.
Sounds like a good one for the old coot in all of us.
ReplyDeleteYes and you laugh as he softens
DeleteAppears to be an excellent book Joanne.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
Fun read and different
DeleteThis looks so good. I want to read this. I think I saw where this was also made into a movie (maybe on Netflix?).
ReplyDeleteYes it has a movie version. I did not see it but friends said it was well done
DeleteDefinitely going on my to read list! Sounds like a good one!
ReplyDeletebetty
You will enjoy it.
DeleteSounds like a very memorable character!
ReplyDeleteit was a treat to read. My friends read it for a book club. I was late to the game
DeleteSounds heartfelt. Glad you enjoyed it - will keep this in mind.
ReplyDeleteBe well, my friend.
I love characters that are 'a curmudgeon with staunch principles, strict routine, and a short fuse.' Particularly the fuse. They make the most intriguing people/characters. Sounds like a smashing great read.
ReplyDeleteHappy June!
The great thing is this is a book that pretty much anyone and everyone can (and will) enjoy. I recommended this one for book clubs and discussion groups. Grandmas will like this as well as middle aged men. Ove is simply a good book.
ReplyDeleteCath Brookes
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