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A Man Called Ove

Now a major film starring Tom Hanks
4.38 goodreads logo

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( 1,098,831 ratings, 115,956 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman is a heartwarming tale about a grumpy yet loveable man named Ove whose world is turned upside down when a lively young family moves in next door. Through unexpected friendships and comical misunderstandings, Ove's solitary life gradually blossoms into a touching journey of connection and community.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$2499
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you appreciate heartwarming stories about unlikely friendships, personal redemption, and the healing power of community. It is a touching, often humorous tale that explores the depth of human emotions and the impact one person can have on the lives of others.

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A Man Called Ove

The million-copy bestselling phenomenon: a funny, moving, uplifting tale of love and community that will leave you with a spring in your step. Now a major film starring Tom Hanks

The international phenomenon, now in paperback. Quirky and bittersweet, heartbreaking yet outrageously funny, A Man Called Ove is a life-affirming fable for our times.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman is a heartwarming and profoundly moving tale of an irritable yet loveable curmudgeon, Ove. Living in a small Swedish town, Ove is the quintessential cantankerous neighbour, a stickler for rules, and a man who believes in strict principles and routines. His life takes an unexpected turn when a boisterous young family moves in next door, accidentally flattening his mailbox in the process. What follows is a charming and uplifting story of unlikely friendships, community spirit, and the transformative power of love. More than just a tale of an old man and his peculiar ways, A Man Called Ove delves into deeper themes. Ove’s gruff exterior hides a story of heartache and resilience, and as the narrative unfolds, readers are led through the tender and poignant moments that have shaped his life. Through Ove's interactions with his quirky yet warm-hearted neighbours, we witness a beautiful exploration of loss, redemption and what it means to truly connect with others. The million-copy bestselling phenomenon, Fredrik Backman's debut novel has captured the hearts of readers worldwide. Perfect for fans of Rachel Joyce's The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, Graeme Simsion's The Rosie Project and David Nicholls' Us. New York Times bestseller

Critics have lauded A Man Called Ove for its emotional depth and humour, with the Daily Mail describing it as "warm, funny, and almost unbearably moving." The Spectator hailed it as a book that "rescued all those men who constantly mean to read novels but never get round to it," making it one of the standout Books of the Year.

At first sight, Ove is almost certainly the grumpiest man you will ever meet. He thinks himself surrounded by idiots—neighbours who can't reverse a trailer properly, joggers, shop assistants who talk in code, and the perpetrators of the vicious coup d'etat that ousted him as Chairman of the Residents' Association. Yet, Ove persists in making his daily inspection rounds of the local streets, upholding what he believes is the proper order of the world.

But isn't it rare, these days, to find such old-fashioned clarity of belief and deed? Such unswerving conviction about what the world should be, and a lifelong dedication to making it just so? Through Ove's story, Backman deftly illustrates how a single person’s actions can impact the lives of many, highlighting the importance of community and the human capacity for growth and change.

In the end, you will see, there is something about Ove that is quite irresistible...

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

A Man Called Ove, by Fredrik Backman, is praised as a delightful and heartwarming novel. It's recognised for its humour, strong characterisation, and emotional depth, making it a perfect holiday read. The story of Ove, a grumpy old man who finds unexpected friendships and life changes, is described as uplifting, moving, and life-affirming. Readers have found it to be a charming and memorable book that stays with you long after you've finished reading.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781444775815

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 May 2015

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Sceptre

Audience: General / adult, Tertiary education, Professional and scholarly

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 30.0mm

Width: 126.0mm

Height: 196.0mm

Weight: 227g

Pages: 320

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About the Author

Fredrik Backman is a Swedish blogger, columnist and author. His debut novel A MAN CALLED OVE was a number 1 bestseller across Scandinavia, has sold over one million copies worldwide, was a Richard & Judy summer read in the UK and an instant New York Times paperback bestseller, and has been made into an acclaimed film. Fredrik's subsequent novels, MY GRANDMOTHER SENDS HER REGARDS AND APOLOGISES and BRITT-MARIE WAS HERE, also went straight to number 1 in Sweden on publication.

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