Wow! I had been hearing about this book for a while and was hesitant to read it as the hype of a book generally is a deterrent for me. But a friend picked it for our book club and I am glad she did. It took a while to get into it but once I did, it was a great read. Ove, the main character is complicated. He is best described as a curmudgeon. He is 59 years old and always lived life in black and white. Once his wife, Sonja dies, he just stops living. His goal is to kill himself to be with her. But each time he tries, some new incident happens to interfere and generally involves one of the secondary characters. But through these interruptions, which are always an irritation to Ove, a simple plot and story unfolds. One of finding yourself, providing a kind word or action and developing into an incredible support system for the small band of neighbors. I cried through the last three pages.

Jack and Grace seem to have it all-seemingly perfect marriage, beautiful home and gardens, Jack is successful in his career and Grace is the guardian for her disabled sister. They are so much in love that they are inseparable... but is it really love or something else. The story was well written-the suspense was established immediately and the author did a good job of keeping up the pace. "By denying himself the pleasure of breaking me physically, he wanted the pleasure of breaking me mentally". If you find you are rushing through the book, be sure to slow your pace to take in the beautiful ending. It was well worth it.