Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Book Review - A Man Called Ove by Frederik Backman

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.



13 comments:

  1. Sounds like a good one for the old coot in all of us.

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  2. Appears to be an excellent book Joanne.

    Yvonne.

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  3. This looks so good. I want to read this. I think I saw where this was also made into a movie (maybe on Netflix?).

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    1. Yes it has a movie version. I did not see it but friends said it was well done

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  4. Definitely going on my to read list! Sounds like a good one!

    betty

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  5. Sounds like a very memorable character!

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    1. it was a treat to read. My friends read it for a book club. I was late to the game

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  6. Sounds heartfelt. Glad you enjoyed it - will keep this in mind.

    Be well, my friend.

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  7. 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.

    Happy June!

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  8. 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.

    Cath Brookes
    We saw BC Web Marketing

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