20 May Review: “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman
Posted at 02:51hin Humorbystacey0 Comments
You know those grumpy old men you see in movies who seem like they’re angry at the world but really have a heart of gold? That’s basically Ove. I picked up “A Man Called Ove” because my book club was raving about it. I read it during a rainy weekend at my favorite little coffee shop, hoping for a heartwarming story to counter the dreary weather. I was kind of expecting a mix of grumpy-old-man humor and some deep feels, and boy, did it deliver. It also reminded me of my granddad, who used to grumble about everyone’s lawn being too long but secretly loved baking cookies for the neighborhood kids.
NOTE: if you’re thinking, this sounds somewhat familiar as you read below: yes this is the book that the Tom Hanks movie, ‘A man named Otto,” was based on. Because, obviously, American audiences would be completely bamboozled by the name Ove. Thank goodness they went with Otto—so much more relatable, right? I can just imagine the Hollywood execs sitting around a table, deciding that poor old Ove needed a more “international” name to make the story work (FYI, Ove is a relatively common Scandinavian name).
What’s it about?
So, Ove is this cranky, curmudgeonly guy in his late fifties who has pretty much given up on life after the death of his wife. He’s set in his ways, has a strict daily routine, and is constantly annoyed by his neighbors who can’t seem to follow the simplest rules of the housing complex. It’s all very Swedish and very methodical.
Ove’s life takes an unexpected turn when a new family moves in next door. Parvaneh, a pregnant woman, her clumsy husband, and their two young daughters crash into Ove’s life—literally, by backing their trailer into his mailbox. This sets off a series of interactions that slowly drag Ove out of his shell. Through a mix of flashbacks and present-day events, we learn about Ove’s past, his late wife Sonja, and what shaped him into the man he is today. It’s a story of unexpected friendships, the pain of loss, and finding new reasons to live.
What This Chick Thinks
I’ll be honest—I have a bit of a soft spot for grumpy characters who turn out to be lovable. “A Man Called Ove” hit that spot pretty well. Fredrik Backman does a great job of balancing humor and heartache. Ove’s interactions with his quirky neighbors are genuinely funny, and you can’t help but root for the old guy even when he’s being impossibly stubborn.
However, sometimes the book felt a bit predictable. You kind of know where it’s going once the new neighbors show up, and while that’s not necessarily a bad thing, it didn’t keep me on my toes. Also, Ove’s backstory, while touching, felt a bit melodramatic at times. I mean, it’s supposed to make you cry, right? But there were moments where I felt like it was trying a bit too hard to tug at my heartstrings.
That said, the book shines in its portrayal of community and how the people around us can pull us out of our darkest moments. Ove’s transformation feels genuine, and the relationships he builds are sweet and sincere. I especially loved Parvaneh; she’s a force of nature and exactly what Ove needs, even if he doesn’t know it.
Final Thoughts
“A Man Called Ove” is a charming, heartwarming read that balances humor with poignant moments of reflection. It’s not a groundbreaking story, but it’s executed well and filled with memorable characters. I’d give it a solid 7/10. It’s the kind of book that’s perfect for a cozy afternoon when you need something that’ll make you smile and maybe shed a tear or two.
Try it if you like:
- “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry” by Rachel Joyce – If you enjoy stories about older men going on unexpected journeys of self-discovery, this one’s for you. Harold Fry is on a literal pilgrimage that changes his life.
- “Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine” by Gail Honeyman – For those who like characters who are a bit socially awkward but end up finding their place in the world through unlikely friendships.
- “Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand” by Helen Simonson – Another charming tale of an older gentleman finding new meaning in life through unexpected relationships and community ties.
Enjoy your reading!
