Review by Dana Van Zanten-Neu
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman Ove is a man of principle who tries to do the right thing and in doing so comes across as a thoughtless, uncaring grump. Learning about Ove's past, we realize he is almost justified in his misery. Through flashbacks of his past problems and tragedies we empathize and begin to understand why he is such a curmudgeon.
The book, while simple in many ways, is entwined with larger, thought provoking themes: love, death, personal development, growth, family, and aging (sometimes not-so) gracefully. And while the author paints a picture of a grumpy old man on the surface, as you get to know him and his story he transforms into a likeable, and even relatable character.
A Man Called Ove is a book you will love no matter how grumpy and inflexible Ove is. It's the kind of book that will make you smile, and laugh, and think, and cry. I would highly recommend you welcome Ove into your life!
Thanks so much Dana, for taking the time to review A Man Called Ove! Interested in writing a review? Contact Anne at the library @ 605-256-7525 or madisonpubliclibrary@gmail.com