"A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman - Book Review

This is hands down, one of the best books I have read. While reading the book, there were moments when I was smiling and laughing with happiness and there were moments when I was struck with sadness. After finishing the book, I was left with this void and rawness that was bittersweet.

This novel is the story of Ove, a cranky 59-year-old Swedish man who had lost his wife and then his job. He had nothing to look forward to. His first attempt of suicide was interrupted by a pregnant, straightforward Iranian neighbor. The rest of the novel is filled with a series of comical, everyday events.

Despite the simple premise, the plot is intricate and moving. It’s full of humor, charm, and insights. It was irrefutably poignant and pleasant.

Backman presents love, family, loss and friendships with poise and consummate storytelling. Reading this book was an experience that is exceptional and memorable. This book explains Ove’s story with a mix of comedy and tragedy, which fills his audience with a pendulum of emotions.

Throughout the book, my heart wallowed and knotted for Ove. He has a strong personality, who sees the world in black and white. He is a man of principal and strong beliefs. He is unyielding and uncompromising in his integrity. Ove always insists that there is a right way of doing things. After his wife’s death, Ove was filled with his hunger because of his loss. Love was a big thing in his life that grounded him and felt like an anchor. Losing his wife felt like a loss of that anchor.

In the end, the things that will make you reminisce this book are the love between Ove and his wife, the substantial change of his neighbors into beloved friends, the unwavering torrent of emotions and kindness. Ove feels like the most endearing, grouchiest person of the world.

A Man Called Ove brings a smile from within followed by gut wrenching sob for someone who is not real but leaves a permanent memory.