A man called Ove:

Once I a while you come across a book that reinvigorates and inspires you. There is something special about Swedish writers.  Their story telling is distinct, relatable and they can present humor even at difficult times. I bet you would have watched numerous comedy movies and read great satire yet Swedish comedy is something that stands out. Great characterization and stories woven out of common people fife make it an intriguing read. Fredrik Backman’s book A man called Ove gives us an insight of Swedish social life and culture.

Ove is grumpy old man still stuck in limbo of 60’s. He likes to repair and mend his stuff and do his chores. He loves his car and adore the tools as if they are their only materialistic possession. He judges people’s loyalty on the basis of car they drive. He loves his wife more than anything else and is a complete text book guy. After loosing his wife, he is heartbroken despair and lonely and people around him matter no more (yet they still had to follow rules). Ove decides there is nothing left for him and tries to commit suicide to join his wife in afterlife. The story follows these attempts and you would notice humor subtle in these difficult times. He makes connections with the community and they restore his willingness to live. A beautifully narrated story and it struck the right chords.

This book will make you cry and laugh in equal measure. If u haven’t cried in a while please read A man called Ove. Read it to get amazed and Ove character will always reside in your hearts.