4 Oct 2016

A MAN CALLED OVE.

A MAN CALLED OVE by FREDRIK BACKMAN.

BACK COVER BLURB: AT FIRST SIGHT ..

Ove is almost certainly the grumpiest man you will ever meet. He thinks himself surrounded by idiots - joggers, neighbours who can't reverse a trailer properly and shop assistants who talk in code.

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?

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

FIRST SENTENCE {1: A man called Ove buys a computer that is not a computer}: Ove is fifty-nine.

MEMORABLE MOMENT{Page 242}: From a purely objective point of view, the fact Ove was wielding a gun was something two other hooligans, Adrian and Mirsad, would ideally have been aware of before they unconcernedly trotted up to Ove's front door a few seconds later. They would then quite likely have understood that when Ove heard their creaking steps in the snow he would not immediately think to himself, 'Guests, how nice!' but rather, ' Well I'll be damned!' And they'd probably, also know that Ove, wearing nothing but socks and underpants, with a three-quarter-century-old hunting rifle in his hands, would kick the door open like an ageing, half naked, suburban Rambo.

SOURCE: A library book read for Kelly's Arkansas Book Club (see her review here) - good evening ladies - of which I'm honoured and delighted to be an honourary member. 

MY THOUGHTS: A Pen and Paper review that has the potential to be the shortest ever. Of the 83 books I have read this year, my favourite ... so far. How I long to tell you all to go out and buy a copy, to see for yourselves but as it is ...

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

In the end? 

Right from the beginning I was captivated by the delightfully grouchy, querulous and yet lovable character that is Ove.

Not that he's the only captivating character. Human or feline, major or secondary, all are wonderful well observed.

And as for the plot?

I laughed, I cried, I railed against the injustice of it all. I laughed, I cried, I railed against the injustice of it all some more. 

With a house fit to burst for want of space for yet more books, it isn't very often that I buy a book but without a doubt I simply have to have a copy of this.


18 comments:

Kelly said...

It's been a couple of months since you've been able to join us on a selection, so I am really glad you enjoyed it! I've already printed out your review and have it sitting with my things to take to our meeting this evening. My review will be posted tomorrow.

Felicity Grace Terry said...

Delighted to be able to join you. I've ordered my copy of the next book so, fingers crossed, will also be joining you next month.

Natasha said...

Definitely making sure I try and hunt down a copy of this then, as I am already intrigued and your favourable review only makes me want to read it more! Love the premise and mystery behind this. - Tasha

Felicity Grace Terry said...

If only I could I'd give each and every one of you a copy.

Yvonne @ Fiction Books Reviews said...

Hi Tracy,

Given the amount of books I currently have for review, this one is probably just a bit too far out of my normal reading genres to grab my attention right now, despite your glowing review, which I would usually take on board more pro-actively.

However I do have to say that I can totally relate to having neighbours like Ove, although for any of your UK followers, you will know what I mean by a 'Victor Meldrew' character. We live in a small cul-de-sac of just 5 properties and it really is like treading on eggshells every time you go outside the front door.

Thanks for sharing your thoughts about the book, I shall be looking forward to reading what Kelly thinks :)

Yvonne

Suko said...

Tracy, this sounds like mandatory reading. I will try to read a copy soon!

Alexia561 said...

To be fair to Ove, most people are idiots! While this wouldn't be my usual type of read, have to admit that I'm intrigued by your glowing review and that you ordered a copy of your very own, despite limited shelf space. With that kind of recommendation, it must be good!

Literary Feline said...

I am so glad you liked this one, Tracy. I loved it too. :-)

Brian Joseph said...

Grouchy people can make for great literary characters. It is interesting how we are drawn to them. Once in a great while, they can be endearing in real life too.

Gina said...

Wow, it really did make an impression! I have this exact cover copy (rescued from a thrift store), but I've yet the moment to read it. Thank you for the glimpse inside what's to love!

Karen said...

Oh wow! You really enjoyed this one!

Karen @For What It's Worth

Melliane said...

that's so great when you find a book like that and that you're captivated!

Kimberly @ Caffeinated Reviewer said...

After listening to Brit-Marie I added this too my must read list. I love this author's style.

Melissa (Books and Things) said...

Oh sweet! You have me marking this one at my library to listen to later. Hopefully it works on audio as well. Brilly review!

DMS said...

Based on this review- this sounds like a must read. Thanks for sharing this one with us! So glad you loved it so much. :)
~Jess

So many books, so little time said...

Heard lots of things about this book and bought it, need to bump it up the list esp after reading your review. Thanks love

Lainy http://www.alwaysreading.net

The Bookworm said...

Wow, it sounds great especially if you enjoyed it so much.

Charlie (The Worm Hole) said...

Good to hear you enjoyed it, Tracy. That last sentence is recommendation indeed!