Man Called Ove, A

Backman, Fredrik

  18 Reviews

Imagine how frustrating it is when your earnest attempts to end your life are continually interrupted by people needing your help. Such is the experience of Ove, a Swedish gentleman in his twilight years who finds himself surrounded by incompetents and time wasters. But for all his curmudgeonly ways, Ove is drawn into the lives of his neighbours where his uncompromising routines and staunch principles collide with the messiness of twenty first century living, with comic effect.

Bringing a light touch to some challenging issues, this is a deceptively simple story of community and friendship that will have you lamenting the fact that Ove is not around to back your trailer for you.

Comments from Groups

Everyone loved the book - easy to read, amusing but very poignant. The story of Ove unfolded so gently, but explained his life, upbringing and character so well. A truly good honest man. A well thought out book about life, death and grief. Well worth reading. Christchurch 088

The whole group enjoyed this book. We really warmed to the main character as it went along. The book generated a good discussion about how easy it is to judge someone who seems grumpy, when you don't know the underlying story. Huntly 001

Everyone loved it - hard at the start, but once the layers were peeled off, he was a great character. It was quite hilarious in parts - especially the situation where he installed the hook (for a suicide attempt), and the rope broke! He was extremely resilient. We are all of an age that we can relate to Ove, especially when buying computers... We would definitely recommend this book - one member has bought her own copy! Carterton 001

Not all the group found this a charming light read; the group was divided between those who enjoyed the story of Ove's discovery of some joie de vivre through his dealings with young new neighbours, and those who were disconcerted by the book's lack of realism. Can't please everyone! Hamilton 029

Members were moved to tears by this book. 99% found it a most enjoyable book, and very moving in places. Christchurch 009

We thought it was a good evocation of grief, caused by the loss of Ove's wife (the only thing he loved, besides his Saab) presented in a jigsaw of snappy characters. The events unfold to give a quirky rationale for continuing with a diminished life. Wellington 057

A tragicomedy, and whimsical. Some hated it, some loved it. Swedish humour...

We all unanimously loved it! A first. Auckland 155

This was a very popular book. Everyone in the group agreed it was a very human story about an unusual man who, in the end, became a very likeable character. Christchurch 099

Reviews