A Man Called Ove

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Picture a recent widower, already a difficult and cantakerous man, struggling with this new stage of his life. He is angry and bitter at life and God for what has happened and deeply damaged by a tragic family history. More comfortable with cars, tools, lawn care than people. Unemployed and alone, he struggles for purpose in life. He sees respect for rules and order falling by the wayside as he watches over his community. He worries that his neighborhood is decaying. He struggles with the new rules of society, calling minorities by rude and outdated terms. But a young woman from a distant culture helps him reconnect with the world around him. He meets a young man that he helps guide onto the path to manhood, teaching him about tools; rough, honest talk; and responsibility. He is dealing with a life-threatening medical condition, but he still risks his life to protect the community, and at his death is mourned by a large and diverse group, and he leaves his beloved old car to a neighbor.

You have to admit it, Gran Torino is a great movie.

Now, let's talk about A Man Called Ove.

Picture a recent widower, already a difficult and cantakerous man, struggling with this new stage of his life...

OK, they aren't completely identical stories, and I've smoothed over some of the similarities to make them fit, but there are a lot of themes that are shared between the two.

But I whole-heartedly recommend this book to others.

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