Synopses & Reviews
In this bestselling and “charming debut” (
People) from one of Sweden’s most successful authors, a grumpy yet loveable man finds his solitary world turned on its head when a boisterous young family moves in next door.
Meet Ove. He’s a curmudgeon—the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. People call him “the bitter neighbor from hell.” But must Ove be bitter just because he doesn’t walk around with a smile plastered to his face all the time?
Behind the cranky exterior there is a story and a sadness. So when one November morning a chatty young couple with two chatty young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove’s mailbox, it is the lead-in to a comical and heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship, and the ancient art of backing up a U-Haul. All of which will change one cranky old man and a local residents’ association to their very foundations.
A feel-good story in the spirit of The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry and Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand, Fredrik Backman’s novel about the angry old man next door is a thoughtful exploration of the profound impact one life has on countless others. “If there was an award for ‘Most Charming Book of the Year,’ this first novel by a Swedish blogger-turned-overnight-sensation would win hands down” (Booklist, starred review).
Review
“A charming debut…You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll feel new sympathy for the curmudgeons in your life. You’ll also want to move to Scandinavia, where everything’s cuter.” People
Review
"An inspiring affirmation of love for life and acceptance of people for their essence and individual quirks.” BookBrowse.com
Review
"The lyrical language is the confetti thrown liberally throughout this celebration-of-life story, adding sparkle and color to an already spectacular party. Backman's characters feel so authentic that readers will likely find analogues living in their own neighborhoods." Shelf Awareness (Starred Review)
Review
"Readers seeking feel-good tales with a message will rave about the rantings of this solitary old man with a singular outlook. If there was an award for 'Most Charming Book of the Year,' this first novel by a Swedish blogger-turned-overnight-sensation would win hands down." Booklist (Starred Review)
Review
“A funny crowd-pleaser that serves up laughs to accompany a thoughtful reflection on loss and love…The author writes with winning charm.” Publishers Weekly (Starred Review)
Review
“This charming debut novel by Backman should find a ready audience with English-language readers…hysterically funny…wry descriptions, excellent pacing…In the contest of Most Winning Combination, it would be hard to beat grumpy Ove and his hidden,generous heart.”Kirkus Reviews
Review
"A Man Called Ove seems deceptively simple at the start, yet Frederik Backman packs a lifetime's worth of hilarity and heartbreak into this novel. Even the most crusty curmudgeon will love Ove!" Lois Leveen, author of Juliet's Nurse and The Secrets of Mary Bowser
Review
“One of the most moving novels I have read this year. I defy anyone to read this book and look at a quiet withdrawn person the same way ever again.” Cayacosta Reviews
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“Even the most serious reader of fiction needs light relief, and for that afternoon when all you want is charm, this is the perfect book." San Francisco Chronicle
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“Poignant and unpredictable, Backman’s book is filled with many twists and turns, as well as enjoyable characters and humorous situations." Columbia Tribune (Missouri)
Review
"This quirky debut is a thoughtful and charming exploration of the impact one life has on countless others — and an absolute delight." CBS Local
About the Author
Fredrik Backman, a blogger and columnist, is the author of My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry and A Man Called Ove, his first novel, which was a number one bestseller in his native Sweden and is being published in more than twenty-five languages.