Why Should You Read “A Man Called Ove”?

A Novel by Fredrik Backman

Chaithra Mailankody
2 min readFeb 3, 2024
Cover of Book “A Man Called Ove”. Image Source : Amazon.in

If you want a warm hug, this is the book to read. You will cry and smile at the same time.

A Man Called Ove is about a senior citizen living in Sweden. He is a principled man who lives by his ideals, is set in his ways and is old-school. He does not trust frivolous things like technology. He is like a sweet and funny child who loves you unconditionally. You cannot get angry at this child either because the reason for the tantrums is often hilarious, or you know the child is rightfully unhappy, and you have no choice but to yield.

Ove is funny without trying to be funny. He can be difficult, but he is a keeper. You are fortunate if you have an Ove in your life. Everybody deserves an Ove in their lives. If you are a decent person, don't intend to harm or sabotage anyone; Ove will fight the world to ensure you get justice. He will even compromise his ideals to stand by you. Even in the most trying situations, he will not fail to make you laugh. But often, you will grieve his grief. All you want is to pull him out of the darkness.

A Man Called Ove is about dealing with ageing, processing grief, cherishing memories, companionship and living for someone and something. Author Fredrik Backman has weaved a story around these themes so gracefully. It makes the readers miss their families and grips them with nostalgia. It tugs at your heart. You feel grief, and just when your eyes well up with tears, you find yourself suddenly bursting out laughing.

Ove will remind you of a man you know and love deeply. He could be a Grandfather, Father, Uncle or Neighbour. The story of Ove may be set in Sweden, but it resonates across cultures and countries. It is guaranteed to make you smile and cherish your loved ones.

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Chaithra Mailankody

Full Time Overthinker, Part Time Dreamer. My thoughts and dreams change every month.