A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman (Review)

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
Published by Simon and Schuster on May 5, 2015
Genres: Fiction / Friendship, Fiction / Humorous / General, Fiction / Literary
Pages: 337
Format: Audiobook
Source: Library

In this New York Times bestselling “charming debut” (People)—soon to be a major motion picture starring Tom Hanks—from one of Sweden’s most successful authors, a grumpy yet loveable man finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door.

Meet Ove. He’s a curmudgeon—the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. People call him “the bitter neighbor from hell.” But must Ove be bitter just because he doesn’t walk around with a smile plastered to his face all the time?

Behind the cranky exterior there is a story and a sadness. So when one November morning a chatty young couple with two chatty young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove’s mailbox, it is the lead-in to a comical and heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship, and the ancient art of backing up a U-Haul. All of which will change one cranky old man and a local residents’ association to their very foundations.

A feel-good story in the spirit of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, Fredrik Backman’s novel about the angry old man next door is a thoughtful exploration of the profound impact one life has on countless others. “If there was an award for ‘Most Charming Book of the Year,’ this first novel by a Swedish blogger-turned-overnight-sensation would win hands down” (Booklist, starred review).

It took me no time at all to dive into my second Backman novel. After reading Anxious People last month, you can read my review here, I knew I needed to pick up another of his novels. Lucky me, A Man Called Ove came available on audiobook and I snatched it up. The narration by J.K. Simmons was enjoyable to listen to, though I did switch to a paperback that my MIL had available for the last 15% of the the book! Simultaneously, I have so much to say and yet nothing that would do this story justice. Written in alternating present and past, Backman weaves Ove’s story expertly with sorrow and humor.

Backman’s grasp of the complexities of humans and emotions is clear in his writing. Ove’s story had me teary eyed, both from laughter and heartache. We all know a person like Ove! He is gruff, rigid, and a man that clings to “the principle”. His story has so much sorrow that it is no surprise that he is a little bitter and reserved. In the present, with the light of his life no longer guiding him, Ove has decided to end his life. Readers watch as he goes from one bungled attempt to another as situations arrive that thwart his plans.

One of those situations, or rather characters is Parvaneh! Parvaneh is such a delightful character and her instant warmth for Ove was one of my favorite things in this story. I could feel her warmth and exasperation through the pages and it had me wishing she was in my neighborhood! Each of the characters Backman writes has layers; lovable quirks and flaws that you have seen or can relate to.

Ultimately, this is a story of love, community, and what it means to be human. A Man Called Ove is not only Ove’s life, but his impact on his community (whether he wants to or not) the good, the bad, and the downright hysterical. We are messy creatures and Backman delivers a tale that is both profoundly sad and yet has that cozy warm feeling of hope. I highly recommend this book as well as Backman’s Anxious People. Do take care with trigger warnings as attempted suicide through various means is front and center in this story.