23 Dec / A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman, translated by Henning Koch
His name might be Ove, but those who know him are more likely to call him “antisocial” and “grumpy old sod.” For most of his life, “[h]e was a man of black and white.” But for over three decades, he found warmth and joy with a single person, his beloved wife: “… she was color. All the color he had.”
At 59, he’s already spent four years without Sonia. He’s really had enough of being alone, so he’s methodically plotting to do something about that. Layered into Ove’s intentions for his ultimate escape, Swedish blogger-turned-superstar author Fredrick Backman reveals bit by bit the circumstances that created such a curmudgeon. In spite of a past filled with loss and disappointment, undeserved accusations and even attacks, Ove found everlasting love and utter fulfillment with Sonia – nagging aside, even the most devastating tragedies can’t diminish his unwavering adoration. The vast void of loss only grows.
His best-laid plans to finally rejoin her get interrupted again and again and again. His new neighbors and their two daughters always seem to appear at the most inconvenient times, bringing him delicious food and demanding attention. His former best friend might have long ago becomes his worst enemy – their arguments about Saabs vs. Volvos having gone epic! – but even Ove knows that his frenemy shouldn’t be so mistreated by so-called officials who think they know better than his wife about how best to care for him. The overfriendly, oversized computer genius keeps bugging him when he’s out for his constitutional walk. And a near-frozen cat repeatedly chooses Ove to share his nine lives. What’s a determined curmudgeon to do …?!
If you, too, find yourself tending toward ‘antisocial’ and ‘grumpy’ during this season of conspicuous capitalism – curmudgeons unite! – you’ll not only find a delightful escape with Ove, but you’ll also be left with just the right inspiration to return for another round of carols and toasts with your favorite loved ones. That said, I have to also add a ‘quick, quick!’-warning to get to know Ove sooner than later, well before the film version comes out! You literati know that 99.9% of the time, the book is better … so make sure to meet A Man Called Ove face-to-page (or ear-to-audible – crisply, expertly narrated by George Newbern) on your own terms as soon as you possibly can!
Readers: Adult
Published: 2012, 2014 (United States)