A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

Introduction

"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." (Goodreads)

After seeing that a movie adaptation had been released, I finally bumped this book up on my TBR. It was also voted book of the month for my book club, which presented the perfect opportunity to dive into it. With glowing reviews about how heartwarming and unforgettable it was, I had high hopes. Unfortunately, while I didn’t completely dislike the book, it didn’t meet my expectations.

Spoiler Warning: The following review contains details about key plot points. If you haven’t read the book yet and want to avoid spoilers, proceed with caution.

Thoughts

The book started strong, with short chapters that worked as anecdotes showing who Ove is. The pacing was enjoyable, and it was easy to get lost in the story. Many parts were amusing, and Ove is a character many will recognise in their own lives. Though it had its light moments, the story also managed to make me cry, a rarity for me! That said, I think for me personally the book would have benefited from longer chapters diving deeper into experiences rather than relying mainly on short anecdotes. For example, the part where Mirsad stays with Ove could have been explored more. It was a touching moment, but it didn’t feel as impactful as it could have. A deeper view of their bond might have left a more lasting emotional impression. I can understand why so many people rave about this book, but for me, several issues kept it from being a standout.

The premise, a grumpy man turned soft, wasn’t quite what I experienced. Ove, at 59, seemed younger than I had imagined, closer to middle-aged than elderly. He stayed grumpy throughout, driven more by his principles than by any real emotional transformation. While he did open up more by the end, it felt more like a natural reaction to losing the love of his life rather than a true shift in character. His bond with Sonja, his guiding light, was profoundly moving, but after her death, Ove appeared adrift, spending much of the story attempting, and failing, to reunite with her.

Then there’s Parvaneh, the neighbour who repeatedly interrupts Ove’s suicide attempts and pulls him into her life. While I understand that she saw Ove’s need for companionship and this is the reason she forced herself upon him. I found her behaviour pushy and often rude, which detracted from what should have been a heartwarming connection.

Other aspects didn’t quite land for me. For instance, the cat, which played such a big role in Ove’s later years, seemed forgotten by the end of the book (what happened to him after Ove's death?). Or maybe I missed something? I also found its behaviour more dog-like than cat-like which bugged me at times.

The repeated comments about Jimmy’s weight made me uncomfortable as well. At first, it seemed like Ove’s judgmental nature, but the narrative returned to it far more than it did for other characters’ traits, making it feel unnecessarily harsh.

Lastly, the decision to clean out Sonja’s belongings felt odd to me. While I understand it as part of the grieving process for some, it didn’t feel true to Ove’s character. Considering his continued visits to her grave and his longing to join her, I expected him to keep her things untouched.

What I Loved About the Book

The pacing and short chapters made it an engaging and easy read. The story is undeniably heartwarming at times, with moments that pack an emotional punch. Backman’s writing style is accessible and enjoyable.

What Didn't Work for Me

Some elements, like Parvaneh’s pushiness, the portrayal of Jimmy, and the handling of the cat, felt off to me. Additionally, I think the book’s reliance on short anecdotes missed the opportunity to deliver a more profound emotional impact by diving deeper into key moments.

Final Verdict

3/5

While the book has its strengths, it fell short of my expectations. It’s heartwarming and entertaining, but certain elements rubbed me the wrong way or left me wanting more. Still, I’m curious to see what my book club members think—perhaps they’ll offer insights that change my perspective.

I did enjoy Backman’s style and might try another of his books in the future, but A Man Called Ove simply wasn’t a standout for me.

Who Should Read This Book

If you’re looking for a short read with humor and heart, this could be for you. Especially if you don’t typically gravitate toward heavier literary fiction that focusses on human emotion.

However, be mindful of potential trigger warnings, including themes of suicide, fatphobia, and homophobia.

Link to the book: https://amzn.to/4f90tt6

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