Recommending A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
It’s been awhile since I’ve picked up a really good book that’s longer than 100 pages. However, I recently checked A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman out of the library and decided to force myself to read it whether I liked it or not. I wasn’t at all expecting it to be just the book I needed to read in order to get out of my dry spell.
A Man Called Ove is about a middle-aged Swedish man whose personality can be summed up in one word: grumpy. It’s kind of cliche but as the book progresses, layers of Ove’s story are peeled away like those of an onion. We learn why he’s drilling a hole for a hook in his ceiling and why his kitchen counters are a foot or so shorter than normal ones. When new neighbors move in next door, Ove is disturbed more than he would like and is forced to interact with people that aren’t affected by his gloomy nature.
I loved this book because it’s not overly wordy or dramatic. Backman uses the least amount of words possible when tackling some of the hardest subjects, creating an effect where more emotion or information is packed into two succinct sentences of A Man Called Ove than two pages of an average novel.
Although this book does not shy away from themes of suicide, loss, pain, and heartbreak, it’s surprisingly hilarious. Unlike a vast majority of books, this one is able to successfully balance happiness and sadness at the same time. The author never reaches for extreme writing or plot points and respects the nuance of everyday life and how important personality, setting, and background are to the development of the characters. For example, the more of Ove’s backstory I learned, the more I could understand how he turned into a man who has hardened himself against the joy and pain of the world. I also appreciated how Ove’s insensitivity to those around him is the result of excellent character development and not a reflection of the author’s own views.
I would recommend A Man Called Ove to anyone who likes realistic fiction that isn’t super fast paced, but captivating nonetheless. Enjoy!
-Bonnie
Hey Bonnie! This is a really good review and you worded it very well. You used detail without giving too much information. You also summarized it in a way that was clear and easy to read. I look forward to reading this book in the future. Great job!
ReplyDeleteHi Bonnie! This was a really good review. The book sounds really nice and interesting, even though I don't usually read realistic fiction or books without a lot of action. It sounds like this book didn't need thrilling suspense to be intriguing. I think I'll have to look for this one next time I am in need of a good book!
ReplyDeleteThis seems very interesting; seeing the perspective of the grumpy old man is not a common trope. I will be sure to take a look!
ReplyDeleteSeems like an interesting book. It seems like a unique book as most books aren't about grumpy middle aged men. I am not a big fan of fiction but I might read it. Great book review.
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