A Man Called Ove

I have reading 'dry spells' from time to time. But, when my next door neighbor girl shared one of her favorite books with me, it sparked a desire to read again. The meter of this writing is part of the story. It sets the tone and helps create a picture of this Man Called Ove. You will hate him and lOVE him in each paragraph. You will laugh at him and cry at his attitude. Lessons will be learned. I shared this with several people since it was gifted to me. Each has a different reaction; all adore the story.

I stopped reading for years and this book was one that got me back into reading. Lovely story.

What a wonderful story filled with colorful characters. I like the way Fredrik writes, he never gives away too much, but you have a sense of where you're going. This was my 3rd Fredrik Backman Book, and I have enjoyed them all -Bear Town and Anxious People added to the list.

When you read the basis of this book, it sounds boring. A book about a curmudgeon. A Swedish curmudgeon. Nothing on this book sounds like anything beyond "old man yells at clouds" for 300 pages. I enjoy being wrong. So wrong. A Man Called Ove is a powermove, and I respect Backman for doing a character as seemingly basic as a "simple curmudgeon" justice. It's a simple premise turned on its head, and is half character study of Ove himself and half of his daily life. A good book doesn't simply suck you in, it grabs you by the collar and drags you in and this book does that. Chapter 4. Chapter 4 will sell you on this book about an old Swedish man and his overly defensive nature about driving cars through your neighborhood. I will not say anymore on the subject, because I want you to read it and get my point.

The only thing I didn't like about this book was that it ended.

This book proves once again the value of community and the power of love in someone’s life. Whether it’s romantic or platonic love, the author’s running commentary on the characters impact on each other will leave you smiling, crying, thoughtful and satisfied.