Ove is a unique book... it makes you laugh and cry all in the one sentence. It's chock full of inspiring quotes that will move you. Our entire book club loved this one.

Great story about the many challenges in life and how Ove handles his and then how the universe conspires to change the course of his life.

Let me begin by saying that I love novels that are written about basic human feelings, basic beautiful, “out of the-mainstream” characters, like those in The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Frye, Mrs. Ames, and A. J. Fikry. I loved all of the quirky characters in this book; each had his or her own peculiar trait which created the atmosphere within which a warm and caring community arose. There is no awful violence, brutal sex or very foul language; there is just the milk of human kindness hiding on every page you turn. Sit back and relax. You will smile as you read this, perhaps chuckle under your breath or laugh out loud, and sometimes, you may even shed a tear or two.
The story is about an irascible, but sweet, curmudgeon of a man, a man who sees the world in his own way and believes it his duty to let everyone know it. He is rigid and shows very little outward emotion, but inside, there is a very soft heart. Every day, he mourns the loss of his wife Sonja. She has “chosen” to die before him which isn’t the way it was supposed to happen. He wanted to go first. He doesn’t really know how to live without her; She was everything to him. Enter a new neighbor, Parvenah, and a variety of other odd characters, and then add a woebegone, bedraggled cat to the mix, and watch as life takes on a new meaning for Ove. Slowly, this mix of unusual characters begin to enrich his life, even without his acknowledgment of their effort or little acts of kindness. At first, none of the characters have names, rather they have disparaging nicknames provided by Ove, but as they become identified with their true names, the story’s humanity, as well as Ove’s, is revealed.
His forced retirement from his job because of his health before he was ready to stop working, coupled with the untimely loss of his wife, Sonja, has driven Ove to want to join her. At first, he seems obsessive/compulsive, inspecting the neighborhood, keeping everything just so, following rules to distraction, being essentially overcritical about everything and everyone, expecting perfection and perfect obedience to rules and regulations. Then, once you get to know Ove, you begin to understand who he is and begin to appreciate his behavior. If nothing else, the book is a testimony to the value of those individuals who seem different than the mainstream. They too have the ability to make enormous contributions to society. It is what people do, not what they talk about, that is the measure of the man, according to Ove.
Ove has come up against the bureaucracy many times and he soon begins to feel hopeless and helpless to change things. The cold, unfeeling administrative “white shirts” defeat him at every turn. They make decisions based on regulations that don’t take the individual situation into consideration, that don’t deal with concerns, human need or emotion. Everything to them is black and white. Like Ove, they are following rules, but Ove makes and follows rules for the treatment of inanimate objects, and these “white shirts” make rules for the treatment of human beings, against their wishes. Ove goes to war with the council. Often "the administrative rules are not made for the benefit of the person but for the benefit of the functionaries. So, although both Ove and “the white shirts” concern themselves with following rules, the process and outcome is completely different.

While Ove wants his own authority to be respected, he often does not respect the authority of others in charge because they have a different purpose. The difference in the purpose of each is really what makes this such a beautiful story, if not a fairy tale. In this wonderful novel, everyone is eventually valued for who they are, the things they do, and not the things that are said about them. We discover that underneath Ove’s hard surface is a tenderness that pervades the entire story. He is a man who wants to do the right thing, regardless of the effort involved, regardless of how it interferes with his own needs. He has a “big heart” and always tries to do the right thing!

Let me begin by saying that I love novels that are written about basic human feelings, basic beautiful, “out of the-mainstream” characters, like those in The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Frye, Mrs. Ames, and A. J. Fikry. I loved all of the quirky characters in this book; each had his or her own peculiar trait which created the atmosphere within which a warm and caring community arose. There is no awful violence, brutal sex or very foul language; there is just the milk of human kindness hiding on every page you turn. Sit back and relax. You will smile as you read this, perhaps chuckle under your breath or laugh out loud, and sometimes, you may even shed a tear or two. The story is about an irascible, but sweet, curmudgeon of a man, a man who sees the world in his own way and believes it his duty to let everyone know it. He is rigid and shows very little outward emotion, but inside, there is a very soft heart. Every day, he mourns the loss of his wife Sonja. She has “chosen” to die before him which isn’t the way it was supposed to happen. He wanted to go first. He doesn’t really know how to live without her; She was everything to him. Enter a new neighbor, Parvenah, and a variety of other odd characters, and then add a woebegone, bedraggled cat to the mix, and watch as life takes on a new meaning for Ove. Slowly, this mix of unusual characters begin to enrich his life, even without his acknowledgment of their effort or little acts of kindness. At first, none of the characters have names, rather they have disparaging nicknames provided by Ove, but as they become identified with their true names, the story’s humanity, as well as Ove’s, is revealed. His forced retirement from his job because of his health before he was ready to stop working, coupled with the untimely loss of his wife, Sonja, has driven Ove to want to join her. At first, he seems obsessive/compulsive, inspecting the neighborhood, keeping everything just so, following rules to distraction, being essentially overcritical about everything and everyone, expecting perfection and perfect obedience to rules and regulations. Then, once you get to know Ove, you begin to understand who he is and begin to appreciate his behavior. If nothing else, the book is a testimony to the value of those individuals who seem different than the mainstream. They too have the ability to make enormous contributions to society. It is what people do, not what they talk about, that is the measure of the man, according to Ove. Ove has come up against the bureaucracy many times and he soon begins to feel hopeless and helpless to change things. The cold, unfeeling administrative “white shirts” defeat him at every turn. They make decisions based on regulations that don’t take the individual situation into consideration, that don’t deal with concerns, human need or emotion. Everything to them is black and white. Like Ove, they are following rules, but Ove makes and follows rules for the treatment of inanimate objects, and these “white shirts” make rules for the treatment of human beings, against their wishes. Ove goes to war with the council. Often \"the administrative rules are not made for the benefit of the person but for the benefit of the functionaries. So, although both Ove and “the white shirts” concern themselves with following rules, the process and outcome is completely different. While Ove wants his own authority to be respected, he often does not respect the authority of others in charge because they have a different purpose. The difference in the purpose of each is really what makes this such a beautiful story, if not a fairy tale. In this wonderful novel, everyone is eventually valued for who they are, the things they do, and not the things that are said about them. We discover that underneath Ove’s hard surface is a tenderness that pervades the entire story. He is a man who wants to do the right thing, regardless of the effort involved, regardless of how it interferes with his own needs. He has a “big heart” and always tries to do the right thing!

I chuckled, giggled and wept while discovering who Ove is and what love, compassion and a bit of kindness could do in this world of ours.

This story is poignant, funny, sad, heart warming, and overall, a snapshot into one person's life that is impacted by strangers and enhanced by the very same strangers. It's a lesson in life and in giving back to people we come in contact with and the profound effect people can have on one another.

This book made me laugh out loud and cry big tears. Such descriptive writing. Very human.

Ove appears to be a grumpy, intolerant, anti-social man, hiding his true nature of generosity, kindness and sacrifice. Laugh out loud funny at times and heart-rending at others, this is a story of redemption and love.

This book grabbed me with the first paragraph and held me to the last. The characters are well developed as both humorous and real people ~ the interactions delightful. A must read!

Depressing

Ove is a character that will creep into your heart.

A fun book to read. We all knew people like Ove and could relate to him. Fantastic book!

Emotional, funny, inspiring story. Everyone in the book club loved the book, especially the character Ove.

I absolutely loved this book. Such good writing. This book had it all, humor, sadness, happines, but most of all it made me laugh!

Wonderful story about a crabby man. When learn about his background it makes sense. What he does later in the book is uplifting.

The life of Ove is discovered slowly through the book as we learn of his early years, his marriage to Sonya, his personality, and how the story of a neighborhood unfolds over time. This book is heartwarming and shows us the true meaning of neighbors.

Our book club LOVED this title!

We really LOVED the characters.

A Man Called Ove filled me with every emotion known to man, sheer joy, sorrow, excitement, grief, uncontrollable laughter, unconsolable tears and gratitude that I am only 58 and have the desire to live out my 59th year in the same manner as Ove did. What a remarkable story of a lonely man, a man who knew right from wrong and expected others to behave with the same mindset. He was often disappointed and frequently misunderstood. Looked upon as a busy body, a know-it-all, or just a crotchety old man, his life seems worthless following the death of his wife and his so-called "early retirement" he was forced to take. The neighborhood is changing, foreigners are moving in, his only friend on the block is in the latter stages of Alzheimers and life is looking pretty grim. Determined that he would be better off to go meet his Maker and, more importantly, his wife, Ove sets things in motion to further his plans. But people and circumstances have different ideas for Ove and it is there the journey begins. This was just such a heart-warming story full of compassion, the depth of grief, the boundaries of friendship and the need we all have to feel of value.

One of my favorite lines states: "Death is a strange thing. People live their whole lives as if it does not exist, and yet it is often one of the most motivating factors for living. ..... For the greatest fear of death is that it will pass us by. And leave us there alone."

I'm so glad I chose this book to be one of the last I read this year. Perhaps I will take a breather for the remainder of 2015 and just let the wisdom of Ove and the lessons he not only taught but discovered himself wash over me like a soft winter snowfall. Yes, the world needs more angels like Ove so I think snow angels are just what this occasional calls for.

Slow and formula driven. I think it would be hard for book clubs to have a lot to talk about beyond nature vs nurture

Everyone in our book club thought this book was a winner. We rated it 4.5 Great characters and story with lots going on .

a bit too predictable...

This book was very interesting. I did not get to like it until halfway into the book. Every chapter was a short story unto itself.

Hard to pick three words to describe this book. Initially reading had a hard time liking Ove and his gruff character. But like an onion as the layers are peeled back and more is revealed you are drawn in.

A sweet, heart-warming story of a man with a rough exterior and a heart of gold. He is devastated by the loss of his wife, but does make a new life for himself with the help of good people he meets along the way.

We have all met Ove's in our lives. This book gave our Book Club members a chance discuss why a person might be acting the way he/she does. Everyone's backstory is so important to understand before we judge them. Ove knew the key to living a good life -- being useful -- and that actions speak louder than words.

A great story about learning to live with loss and a new way of looking at the world.

As a retired librarian, I have obviously read a few books...I loved this book...I laughed, I cried but most of all I loved all of the characters in this novel. What a great book for a book club discussion.

many reviews state that if you liked the Unlikely Pilgrimmage of Harold Frye you will like this book. This wasn't a good incentive for me as I didn't care for Harold Frye. But I did love this book. The writing and the character in the beginning put me off a bit. But i have to admit as the chapters went on I really wanted to see what happened to this old curmudgeon. The impact one life can have on others is really the premise of this book. Its an easy read, the characters are great and it is funny as well as poignant. Great read

Our book club members all loved this book and the character Ove. He was full of surprises and we laughed and were touched by all the characters, especially Ove.

Great characters, lots of interesting plot. One of my favorite books!

Extremely touching. Makes you think twice about judging someone on first impressions.

Just as this book is described. Grumpy old Ove does have a heart. As one member described, this book was like an onion with many layers.The more you read the more the characters history was revealed. We enjoyed the in-depth portrayal of the characters. Simply beautiful

This is a truck driver turned author who writes about a man who after the loss of his wife and his despair finds happiness in helping others. Upbeat,humorous,compassionate are words to describe a book the gradually peels away the story in a delightful way.

This was a wonderful that made me laugh and cry. Totally recommend it to anyone.

Ove is such an interesting character! I found myself mesmerized by him and his life story. There aren't many people left in the world like him, and that's a shame. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and everything about this book. It is an easy read full of love, laughter, friendship and heartache. Absolutely worth reading!

This is a beautiful story about a seemingly ordinary man. Little by little, his life story is revealed, and we glimpse into the reason for his behavior. Interesting side characters show how any one can influence us.

This book was very well written, looking forward to reading Backman's next book.

Everyone in our book club, thought it was a fun, easy read! The book rated 5 stars, not something our book club easily gives. Members are excited to read more books by this author.

Entire group loved this books and felt the main characters were well developed - 8 thumbs up!

I actually ordered this book through Audible and found it to be the perfect walking companion. It is very well written and the story line is captivating. Each character is developed brilliantly. The only complaint is that the writer has Ove an old curmudgeon at the age of 59! That is how old my husband is! He is not an old curmudgeon! Lol!

This was the absolutely a delightful read, and we all loved it. It was a book I didn't want to finish as I wasn't ready to say goodbye to Ove and the cast of characters.

This book was a delight to read. We all know someone just like Ove, who is steadfastly set in their ways and lives by a very strict code of expectations for every one they interact with. But you get to know the person who Ove is underneath and you come to love him. Bless the people who don't give up on him and see the redeeming soul that he is underneath the gruff exterior. And bless the poor cat who adopts Ove despite his lowly opinion of the creature that he comes to love. Ove alternates between tickling your funny bone with his inflexible opinions and inciting tears at the obstacles he has had to overcome.

The author takes you on an adventure through a man's life journey; which reminds us how what appears on the outside isn't always what is on the inside; Heart warming story

Uniquely poignant; touching and very real. A brilliant read.

One of my favorite books from all the books I read in 2015. Ove is a wonderful, lovable but cantankerous character who worms his way into the reader's heart and never leaves. Don't miss reading this wonderful book.

After reading the first chapter, I was not in the mood to spend too much time with the curmudgeon called Ove. But hang in there. The wait is worth it. Walk a mile in Ove’s shoes and learn his back story, and delight in his quirky neighbors, and find yourself laughing and crying on the same page. Very good!

What a delightful book. Loved all the characters, especially Ove. Everyone knows an Ove and can relate to his cantankerous ways. I highly recommend this book for book club groups. It was beautifully written and it was filled with colorful characters and even a mangy cat!

The author does a wonderful job of letting us figure out what makes Ove tick.

A sweet book that will make you cry tears of sadness and tears of joy. A sweet misunderstood man and a sweet, wonderful neighbor. A book about kind hearted, genuine, caring people.

Favorite read of the year.

IT'S CHARACTER DRIVEN & EVERY CHARACTER IS WELL CONSTRUCTED. UNIQUE, EXCELLENTLY & THOUGHTFULLY WRITTEN & DIFFICULT TO PUT IN A CATEGORY, BUT I WOULD READ IT AGAIN BECAUSE IT MAKES YOU THINK, LAUGH, CRY & BE GRATEFUL FOR EVERYONE YOU'VE EVER KNOWN WHO MIGHT BE A LITTLE BIT LIKE OVE OR PARNAVEH...

It was one of the best books I have read this year. I love the way the author writes and am looking forward to reading more of his books. The characters are written so well that you feel like you know them and love them.

After attending an author event and meeting Fredrick Backman I could hear his voice in this book. OVE resembles many elderly men representing different facets of their lives. His supporting characters were heartwarming supporters of OVE. We should ALL be so lucky as to find people like these in our lives.

At first I thought it would be boring, but the more I read it became interesting and amusing....had me laughing out loud!

This one received an enthusiastic thumbs up from every member. We had a lively discussion sharing our favorite similes from the many that the author wrote, and found the book to be an uplifting story. A main topic of discussion was the pronounciation of "Ove".

All I can say in a few words is wonderful, wonderful and wonderful.
Almost all of our 13 members loved the book. Found it beautiful, poignant , very funny and sad all at once.

The book brings past and present together with memorable characters and a story that will make you laugh and cry...

I really enjoyed reading this book. It took a few dark subjects and addressed them with humor. I highly recommend it.

The eponymous hero is recently widowed and has now lost his job. At 59 he see no further point and plans his own demise. The early chapters feel something like individual episodes of a sitcom, but gradually,as the author reveals his past, the reader becomes more sympathetic towards Ove.

Some great characterisation particularly of the neighbours and the cat. Makes for fun discussion, but ultimately not a great read, as there is little to reflect upon.

This was a wonderful book. Different than my "normal" reads. I loved the characters (pretty much all of them) and genuinely cared about what happened to them. The humor was subtle but I still laughed aloud several times. Ove & his wife's marriage was so unlikely and so amazing. Parveneh is a whirlwind in a tiny, purposeful body.

Read this! You won't be sorry. I cannot wait to read Mr Backman's second book, which I just purchased.

This is a heart-warming story! Ove is a 59 year old man who is at a point in his life where he feels "all is lost" in the world. He is the seemingly grouchy, old curmudgeon whom very few people in the neighborhood like or understand (and the feeling is mutual.) But, as the story unfolds, you will get to know Ove and love him. The characters in this book are great, the story is wonderful. It is funny, sad, heartwarming. I highly recommend it.

Delightful, heartwarming, with lovable characters and a determined plot

I think I was expecting more from this book because when I read it I found it rather boring and somewhat a waste of time.

Not a fan...jumping back and forth too much..did however love all that went on in his neighborhood..

After the setting in Sweden is comprehended, the book is a sweet story. Ove just wants to end his life and things happen and the reader finds that Ove is needed. Maybe that is all any of us desires - to know we are needed!

Several in the club said they weren't too sure about this book when they started it. By the end they couldn't put it down. You totally fall in love with Ove.

Beautiful and inspiring

Unless you know a curmudgeon this book seems tiresome.

The book is great it goes on to explore the main charectures values and ove is a delightful person

This book was very funny and heartwarming. The characters came to life on the page and you could feel that they were almost real.A cast of really zany characters that had heart and soul.

Excellent book! I laughed and cried, a sure sign that it is a good book. Our discussion was fun and insightful.

Beautifully depicted characters. Our entire book club was moved by this story of love and perseverance. I found myself rooting for Ove and laughing and crying throughout the book. One misunderstood person finding meaning to life after meeting the right person to bring him back from tragedy. Not the typical love story, but one just the same.

Sad, optimistic view of one man's life after dealing with many setbacks.

Our Book Club loved this book. It was beautifully written and an interesting story. Made for excellent discussion. Highly recommend it.

Having worked in a funeral home for many years I've met many Ove's. It's hard for the one left behind. That a "pushy" person moved nearby was the best thing for him. Our book club found it very believable and it made for a great discussion.

Great book. Easy read, wonderful insight to personality.

Brilliantly written with the very most hilarious analogies!

This was a great read.

A deeply touching book about the gift of friendship.

Grumpy old man at first that I grew to love by the end of the book.

heart warming novel of a man with strict principles but a caring heart that he keeps hidden due to sadness. His new found family /friends help him open it up once again.

Looking forward to a discussion with our book club of thirteen. Mostly couples 55 and over. I think this book was so poignant. The complexity of Ove was what kept me reading. We all know Ove. In fact I think that there is a little Ove inside all of us. We could all use a Parnaveh in our world. Well written and very much enjoyed.

This is a delightful story about a quirky man who finds friendship and new meaning to his life. After reading it for a book club in January, we went on a Princess Cruise in February and this was the book read and discussion on the ship.

Touching story, wonderful character

A Man Called Ove is a book to discuss with friends. Ove is bumbling along after his wife's death, ready for death himself. Then a life changing event occurs: new neighbors. The story is well told! Read it!

Fast paced and interesting, even though you can somewhat guess where it is going. I couldn't put it down. Well written and funny and quirky. Read this!

The book started slowly but, as the pace picked up, began to grow on the reader through new insights into the main character. Our entire book club liked it.

I started out not caring for this novel about a "grumpy old man". Where the story would go was kind of predictable, but I became more engrossed as the cast of characters became more developed. I really liked how the author wove Ove's back-story and current life together and how all his neighbors had their significant parts to play.Overall our book club really enjoyed it. Some said it was the best book they had read in quite a while. I don't personally agree with that, but I liked it more and more as it went on. It was easy and engaging writing to read.

We enjoyed this book and all the characters--lots to discuss. So many ways the characters wound together at the end. A real treat!

I loved this novel from the very first page.
It is the story of a cantankerous but loveable old gentleman who is hell bent on committing suicide but life and living keeps getting in the way. It is funny and sad and poignant all rolled into one. Rigid, set in his ways and inflexible are all words to describe Ove, but you will still love him and I will bet you laugh out loud at least once before the book is finished.

Just loved this book. Ove was a wonderful character study. It kept getting better with each page.

A heartbreaking and heartwarming tale of a common elderly man named Ove. I think we've all known someone like Ove at one time or another. This is an insightful story about what makes a man like Ove the way he his. And it's a lesson on pausing before you judge someone. There's probably more behind the person than you first see. I laughed. I cried. I couldn't put it down.

I loved Ove. I might be curmudgeon too, but he was relatable and I understood where he was coming from. I am a mathematician and like the right/wrong aspect of his personality.

The personality of the neighbors were awesome and gave Ove the purpose he needed.

This book was a delightful account of a man locked into his routines and beliefs being shaken out of them just a bit by new neighbors and old neighbors. We felt that everyone has a little bit of Ove in them. We thought the book was both humorous and touching and enjoyed reading it very much.

This book is a call to each of us to look beyond the surface of our fellow manned to reach out and find the best in people. Ove seems like a grumpy old guy that no one could love, but as the story goes on, one neighbor is able to peel back the layers and discovers how wonderful he can be.

A brilliantly written book. It was intriguing and a real character study filled with unique personalities. Within the grim reality of Ove's existence, the author used humor that made me laugh out loud. The nature of true friendship was revealed to be Ove's saving grace.

What a Book! Loved it and lifted my spirit. Wish it was inspired by a true event. Good for all audience and nice to share with the family.

The story in this book reads like a romance novel; grumpy main character meets transformational woman who understands his inner pain and manages to connect with him. There's not much subtlety. The story arc is predictable, and the more interesting characters are the neighbors, not Ove, but we don't get much insight into their motivations. The language is simplistic and the rhythm never varies. Yes, I shed a few tears at the end, as I do for every Hallmark movie. I think many book clubs would like this book, but I was hoping for more.

This book was generally well-received with no negative comments by our group. Easy, quick read and a great book to discuss.

great story about community

I read this book under the recommendation of the teacher's book group I belong to and I absolutely loved it! I couldn't stand Ove at first, but he endeared himself to me quickly. This will definitely make you empathize with the curmudgeon in your life. Don't pass this book up! I will make you laugh, it will make you cry, but most of all it will make you feel human..

We all really enjoyed this book. It took a chapter or two to get used to the authors writing style, but it was well worth taking the time. The best word I can think of to describe the book is quirky. But by the end of the book, you grow to love Ove, both as a character and a man. A few members actually admitted to shedding a few tears by the end. A book definitely worth one's time.

This is a really sweet story about Ove. He has lost his wife and is consumed with his grief and is very closed minded about allowing others in to his life. He carries around grudges and is generally miserable, until get gets to know his new neighbors. This book is about the transformation of Ove. A very beautiful and uplifting story.

What a wonderful look at a man who at first glance seems to be bitter, outspoken and sometimes mean. Don't judge a book by its cover. This opens up to a wonderful heartfelt story. You will laugh and you will cry. A great read. The littlest details are all there for a purpose and tie the story together beautifully. Everyone in our club loved it and we had a very7 very lively discussion.

While the prose was sparse, the story was compelling. We loved the characters...all of them. Enjoyable read. Good discussion

I wasn't sure about this book when I first started reading but it's like a train that picks up speed. Eventually, you are laughing and crying at the same time and you don't want the ride to end.

Such a sweet book. How it takes a village of "idiots" for a curmudgeon to find purpose after loss.

It was such a sweet book. Too many instances to remember that were so special.

A slow start that makes you wonder why you are reading it. After the ground work is laid the story takes off.

Love, loss, purpose in life, all subjects most of us experience sometime in our lives.

Ove responds with anger. This book brought disapproval then understanding; laughter then a few tears.

I highly recommend it.

Delightful, insightful, humorous, poignant, human story of neighbors reaching out to a grumpy down-hearted man. This book was hard to put down as you feel that you have entered this neighborhood and community and want to enjoy it forever.

Great read

Ove is a delightful curmudgeon, whose repeated attempts to . . . well, I don't want to give anything away. But the book is filled with humor, and is, at the same time endearing. It generated one of the most robust discussions we've had in our book club.

Touching story of survival even through loss.

This is the best novel that I have read in years. I laughed a lot and cried a few times. Highly recommend this book.

An utterly charming book that will make you both laugh and cry. Every single member of our book club fell in love with the characters, which are well wrought. Backman's writing style is fluid and enjoyable. Even if your book club doesn't read it, read it for your own personal enjoyment.

When I finished reading this book I remembered the saying: "You can't judge a book by its cover." It seems that Ove is the grumpiest man ever, but when you find out his story and read about the way he treated his neighbors, and all the good deeds, including the cat, you find out that there is
a big heart under the cover of this grumpy man.

Our book club had a very lively discussion. We all loved the book and recommend it to other book clubs.

Well written. Gets inside the head/mind of an extremely anal human being. Author takes us through the steps of realizing every life has a purpose.

It's rare that 11 members all like a book - this is one of those times. We're all going off to read his other books now.

I was really looking forward to reading this book but I'm going against popular thinking by saying that I was disappointed. It's an easy read and does have moments of humor that can be related to everyone's life. One silly side note is that I had a hard time reading/pronouncing his name. That became annoying after a while because I kept trying different ways to say it and it became distracting. That being said, I didn't find it to as inspirational or provocative as others commented. I read 3/4 of the book and then skimmed to the end looking for the essence of the story but never found it.

We all agreed that the book is fantastic - once you start reading you can't put it down. Highly recommended for any club member.

Funny, but sad? Depending upon which portion or even a particle sentence of the book I was reading would determine the emotion. Ove is a very complex character and I could hardly wait to read what he would experiencing next...a new method of suicide, confrontation with a neighbor, or another visit with Sophia. Definitely a must read.

Insightful - touches on many issues & topics. "It takes a village" in reverse-the curmudgeon saves his neighbors. Humorous - in situations, how Ove views life & others. Yet many serious, thoughtful, touching moments. Put down whatever you are reading and read this wonderful story!

A heartfelt story about a man who loses his life purpose. Neighbors unknowingly or maybe knowingly help Ove to find a purpose once again. As one reads the book discoveries are made that explain oddities about Ove's personality and behaviors. As the story unfolds your curiosity is peaked and you have to continue to read.

Our book club chose this book due to the reviews and recommendation from another club. While many of our members loved Ove, I never fully was grabbed by the story. It took me over half way through to really want to finish the book. It certainly had it's moments. Maybe it just wasn't the right time for me to read this one.

This was the first book that every person couldn't put down. The discussions were lively and full of laughs and tears.

A single individual can impact so many!

Everyone in our group loved this book. It was a very different take on the typical fiction we have read. I felt that the author had deep messages to convey in a sometimes humorous, but always insightful, manner. Ove is truly a memorable character, and one which you will grow to love quickly, and one for whom you will be rooting. The message of the book deals with how important we are to others, when we often don't realize it, and how life is truly important for all. Please read this book -- you will not be disappointed!

Beautiful story about an older man, who must have Asperger's syndrome, who falls in love with a wonderful woman and marries her. She dies young, and he must learn to live without her.

Good life advice

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.

I actually didn't finish this book. I was really looking forward to reading it and it took me3 weeks to get a little over half way thru it. Life is too short to waste it on reading something that was so boring.

Brilliant story about the power of love.

Absolutely loved this book...It was a funny, sad, insightful, thought provoking testament to the inherent goodness of people and the ability to impact another life as well as a reminder that we can never judge another till we have a walked a mile in their shoes... A WONDERFUL read!

The author carefully reveals the reasons for Ove's "challenging" personality as he interacts with his new neighbors, an old friend, two teen-age boys and a stray cat. He is a curmudgeon, who sees nothing to live for since the death of his wife. His days are filled with planning his suicide, which he would carry out save for the interruptions by his new neighbor and his inability to refuse to aid those who need his help. As the details of his life emerge, the reader sees what lies beneath his rough exterior and comes to understand how the events of one's life can bring one to the brink of self destruction and the love and concern of others can pull one back into a dance with life.

He was such a curmudgeon that I lost interest and found him too negative to appreciate. He could be helpful but it was always an effort and the only person he loved in life was a dead wife. A most unattractive man!

Great book

A wonderful book that was very well written and very insightful for such a young author. It was interesting the way he gradually revealed additional information about the main character. It was funny, sad and touched on other social issues in ancillary story lines.@

Ove, a man who has experienced some many challenging things in his life, cannot face the challenge of living alone without the love of his wife. This is a beautiful story of the power of love, romantic, familial, neighborly, and so many other aspects of this many-sided prism that you can't put it down. Ove's story is told to us with humor and wit. The relationships he grudgingly builds as the story progresses captures all of us.

I loved everything about this book! I laughed, I cried, and I felt his pain. Beautifully written!

Our entire book club thought it was one of our best reads in many years and made for a lively discussion!

I loved the characters in the book and how Ove felt his life become useful and needed once again.

A enjoyable book from start to finish.

I was happily surprised to enjoy it quite so much. He really nails the Swedish culture. He reminds me of my relatives. My father, in particular. I cried at the end.

It seems easy to try and stereotype Ove as a grumpy old man, but this simple man is so much more than that. I found A MAN CALLED OVE to be not only an easy and fast-paced read but an enjoyable read (as did the majority of the members in my book club). I could rave about this book, but all I'll say is think the Grinch for adults. If you find that thought intriguing, then you'll probably love A MAN CALLED OVE as much as we did.

Ove is 59 years old and a bit of a grouch. Most people avoid him, which is fine by him. He has an agenda ( I won't say what it is) but he keeps getting interrupted. This story is beautifully written. It will make you laugh, cry and best of think about what is really important in life.

A big heaping spoonful of banal, predictable treacle. (e.g. Big hearts often come disguised. e.g. To have a purpose and to feel needed are essential to a life that's worth living.) The author tries so hard to make you feel good it causes pain. Ove would have hated this book!

One of the best books I've read. A real must read!!!

It had me laughing and crying, sometimes in the same chapter. It was very insightful and made me feel differently about the grumpy old people I know. The movie (in Swedish with subtitle) is available at the time of this writing on Amazon Prime. I would highly recommend it to watch after you read the book. It stays very true to the book with only minor omissions and changes.

A grumpy old man who after his wife dies and then he looses his job only wants to die to be with her once again. We could all understand Ova desire to end his life to be with his wife who he loves with all his heart and so question why he is not successful with 5 attempts. He is always interrupted in his attempts and eventually when he is attacked and almost dies wants to live. This is a great story of one dealing with depression after the lost of his wife and job. But what makes Ova the way he is and why does Sonja marry him? We all know an Ova and often wonder why they are like that and how it would be interesting to know more about them. There are so many great quotes in the book to discuss. The characters are all well developed and interesting. We think most people who read this book will find it an enjoyed read.

A beautiful, tender and very well written story. First you fall in love with the other characters in the books, and before your know it, Ove sneaks into your heart,

The topic was dark--How people deal with the death of a loved one. I liked this book and have known several people like Ove. He was grumpy on the outside but had a heart of gold on the inside.

A sweet, funny, sometimes sad read. I enjoyed the book very much.

It takes a bit to start but if you push through it the book is amazing. You fall in love with the grumpy Ove and I couldn't help but picture the old guy from the movie UP. It was a touching book that inspired me to get in contact with those around me.

At 59, Ove is a strict follower of rules who misses his wife since she died four years earlier. He decides to end his life so he can join Sonja but events always intervene to thwart his plans. What follows is a series of situations that make Ove realize that life is worth living.

What a great book. Made a difficult character likeable, a very touching story.

Touching and funny. An unhappy eccentric man unwillingly is pulled out of his depression by neighbors.

Amusing but sad at times. Lots to think about regarding loss, grieving and community.

I didn't enjoy the book at all until the last 30 pages.... I wish it kept my interest the whole way through.

Fun read, well written. Great characters. Did not care for the discussion questions. You are

A Man Called Ove reaches a very wide audience because it is so different. It is funny, witty while equally touching and sends a powerful message of love and community. Backman is so skilled in connecting with the reader. This book brought several discussions to light about our personal relationships with the elderly in our life and how we may turn out to be "curmudgeons" as well.

I absolutely loved this book!! You will laugh and you will cry, or at least I did. Our whole book club loved it and that is a rare thing that we all love the same book.

The book started off slow. It was about a grumpy old man who over time I really loved. The writing was good and I really think there was good character development.

The author's jumping about in time fails to disguise a rather flat story about an emotionally blocked man who finds redemption by being forced to interact with his neighbors. It is a pretty standard curmudgeon-finds-love tale that would have worked well as a minions movie.

I was impressed with Ove"s neighbor. She seemed to know what was in his heart. He's someone I wish I knew.

Ok, sweet but predictable

Book club enjoyed this-delightful, entertaining story.
Many could relate, had fun laughing with and were able to feel the love that he was able to portray.

Looking forward to My Grandmother Said to Say She was Sorry.

I was hesitant to read this book at first, bur am so glad I did as thoroughly enjoyed it. It was so true to life and humorous in parts that caused me to laugh out loud.

Because A Man Called Ove is so slow, I struggled to reach the point, which—when revealed—was poignant. Although a sweet read, I wish the journey had been more engaging.

The reader gets to know who Ove really is through the author’s telling of the story from present time to his past life. I smiled, laughed out loud, cried as I slowly began to love A Man Called Ove and I am sure others will too.

This is definitely my favorite book read in 2015. I've known old men like Ove, and haven't always liked them, but maybe I would have loved them eventually as I came to love Ove by the end of the book. He is grieving the death of his wife, loses his job, tries numerous times to kill himself, but always ends up interrupting the suicide attempts to help his feckless neighbors. It is filled with so much humor and humanity and is just a treasure.

Everyone needs to read this book to get better understanding of people who are different than yourself. The characters are so well written that I could Physical picture each one. How lovely how everyone learns empathy and accepting differences and bonds are formed that become unbreakable. This book has a lot to teach us. Love love love it. Read it many times!!

The book has British humor. OVe is a grumpy neighbor, but by the end of the book, you will fall in love with him!

This was a great story and really enjoyed the characters in this book. I think this is one I could read again and again!

Beautifully written, such a sweet story.
I smiled and cried all through this lovely book.

Is well written, good story line and held my attention.
Good ending.

This was my first Fredrik Backman book. I have gone on to read all of his work. I enjoy his quirky, flawed characters and the connections he makes between the generations and the cultural divide that is so often a source of conflict.

I would not recommend this book at all. It is slow, dark (scandinavian literature tends to be this way) and very disturbing. It says it's supposed to be funny but there is nothing funny about someone this depressed.

I enjoyed this book. I thought Ove was an unusual but likeable protagonist. The story touches on some dark topics, but balances it well with lighter and even comical moments.

I loved the humanness of this book

Loved getting to know the character

I loved this book and found Ove to be both infuriating and inspiring at the same time. A brilliant character and an enjoyable transformation to be a part of.

Great read. Incredibly funny, endearing and thoughtful all at once. A simple story about creating communities and finding meaning after profound loss.

At first this book does not seem to exciting but as the story and character unfolds you will be hooked. Loved this book and love this author

A moving, funny story with a dark theme. Sounds contradictory and it is until you read it. Extremely unique storytelling.

Unexpected laughter.

It took me a little while to get into but towards the end I got hooked and started to enjoy it. The character Ove really touched my heart towards the end.

Loved this book! A grumpy old man who thinks his life is over discovers it is not, thanks to a kaleidoscope of caring neighbors. The American version of the
movie, A Man Called Otto, staring Tom Hanks stays fairly true to the story. A feel-good story about the everyday lives of neighbors who become friends.