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Book Review of A Man Called Ove

A Man Called Ove
perryfran avatar reviewed on + 1183 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1


I really enjoyed this novel about a cranky man and his life in a Swedish community after losing his wife. Ove is 59 and drives a Saab. He frowns upon anyone who drives anything else. He rises early to inspect the neighborhoodâchecking doors, making sure people properly recycle their trash, putting waylaid bicycles in the shed where they belong, and making sure everyone observes the sign stating that no vehicles are allowed in the residential area. He feuds with a neighbor who has a feisty dog that pees on his cobblestones and wants to attack a stray neighborhood cat. And then some new neighbors move in who can't even back up a trailer without smashing Ove's mailbox! What has life become for him? But deep down, he has a heart of gold and eventually comes to love his new neighbors along with his friend who he has been feuding with for years. He longs to join his wife in the next life but something always happens to keep him from her.

This was a very touching story and before it's through, most of its readers will shed a few tears. I would whole-heartedly recommend this one. I actually decided to read this after it languished on my shelves for a few years because it is now a movie titled A Man Called Otto starring Tom Hanks that will be released in January. I saw the trailer for it and I'll be looking forward to seeing it!