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Summary - A Man Named Ove: Book By Fredrik Backman
A Man Called Ove: A Complete Summary A Man Called Ove is a biographical novel written by Fredrik Backman about a man named Ove and his life. Ove was a simple man who tried to live the simplest life he possibly could. He worked in a factory for as long as he could remember and was satisfied with his life. But after several events happened, one of them being the death of his wife, Ove decided to end his life. He tried to commit suicide on several occasions, but every attempt ended unsuccessfully. However, everything changed after some foreigners decided to move into the house next to his. It is the story about the life of a man who just could not fit in. His mindset and the way he lived was different from the lives of other people. His love for numbers and order to the point of obsession drove Ove to become a hermit. The novel is written in the style of a memoir, a reminiscing of the past life of a man who slowly embraced his fate as his life comes to its inevitable end. Filled with strong emotions of pain, loneliness, and the "good ol' days, '' A Man Called Ove is a drama that will leave no one indifferent. It is a novel in which the author wants to show to his readers that the life of a grumpy, old, and bitter man was once filled with colors other than just black and white. Here Is A Preview of What You Will Get: - A summarized version of the book. - You will find the book analyzed to further strengthen your knowledge. - Fun multiple-choice quizzes, along with answers to help you learn about the book. Get a copy, and learn everything about A Man Called Ove.
26 pages, Paperback
Published July 6, 2017
74 people are currently reading
1671 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews
February 29, 2020
Wow! I laughed, I cried and I only put it down 3 times before finishing it. This was such an unexpectedly delightful story, I will look for more from this author. Ove is the archetype for crabby old men. I love him. And the cat.
Btw: I read the book, not this.
Btw: I read the book, not this.
November 7, 2017
Re-read from a few years ago, it was fun, I'm just crazy about that cat......
July 8, 2018
A sweet book and one of the best I've read in awhile.
September 20, 2017
At first it was totally different from all the other books I have read. But by the end of it i felt such worm feelings for the main character. I liked it for the uniqueness.
September 24, 2017
Slow start but gets more interesting. Good characters
August 9, 2022
it was so wholesome i was crying by the end 😭.
April 9, 2022
Easy read, this book has humor and sadness. Ove had unique personalities Enjoyed reading it.
January 12, 2023
Wonderful book. You feel very contacted to the characters.
July 2, 2025
wonderful book, I heavily enjoyed it
my eyes were watery for a significant portion of the book and a tear escaped my eyes on 7 occasions
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
i am a sucker for found family and omg a man who actually loves his wife
this book has all that
+ a kitty
and who wouldn’t enjoy a kitty
I also really liked the structure of the book and how it switches between the past and present allowing the reader to uncover more of Ove’s past while the story progresses
I found the romance between Ove and his wife so sweet and the way how by the end of the book he had found his place in the world without her
the found family elements so cute like the way the neighbors just barged into his life - top tier
A+ book, I like books that make me feel things and this book certainly did that
my eyes were watery for a significant portion of the book and a tear escaped my eyes on 7 occasions
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
i am a sucker for found family and omg a man who actually loves his wife
this book has all that
+ a kitty
and who wouldn’t enjoy a kitty
I also really liked the structure of the book and how it switches between the past and present allowing the reader to uncover more of Ove’s past while the story progresses
I found the romance between Ove and his wife so sweet and the way how by the end of the book he had found his place in the world without her
the found family elements so cute like the way the neighbors just barged into his life - top tier
A+ book, I like books that make me feel things and this book certainly did that
June 14, 2018
Read. This. Book.
Could the slow start have been my unwillingness to fall head over heels in love with Ove.
Everyone needs an Ove and the characters in this book in their life at one time or another. I consider myself lucky to have them all together and neatly wrapped up in a hysterical storyline.
Today I was a wee bit angered by a neighbor and thought “I’m too angry to die today” and then went on about my business. I’m sure this is some sort of spiritual awakening.
Could the slow start have been my unwillingness to fall head over heels in love with Ove.
Everyone needs an Ove and the characters in this book in their life at one time or another. I consider myself lucky to have them all together and neatly wrapped up in a hysterical storyline.
Today I was a wee bit angered by a neighbor and thought “I’m too angry to die today” and then went on about my business. I’m sure this is some sort of spiritual awakening.
July 4, 2023
Fredrik has a unique style of writing merging the timeline in storytelling.
I liked the character build up, though ove's idiosyncrasies were pretty much repeated and one dimensional. You can sense how he will react in every "bloody" situation!
The storyline was fairly obvious. There is a dearth of thrill or exploring dimensions of various characters. No last moment drama and all.
It was a comfort read.
Though, reading back to back Backman's books was surely not a wise decision from my side.
I liked the character build up, though ove's idiosyncrasies were pretty much repeated and one dimensional. You can sense how he will react in every "bloody" situation!
The storyline was fairly obvious. There is a dearth of thrill or exploring dimensions of various characters. No last moment drama and all.
It was a comfort read.
Though, reading back to back Backman's books was surely not a wise decision from my side.
October 25, 2019
Really enjoyed this book. Shows even cranky people have goodness inside them if you just help bring it out. Sweet book.
October 26, 2025
Having only finished two books written by Fredrick Backman I have become a very quick fan of his ability to portray the feelings of characters into writing. This book follows the story of a man named Ove and his development through the many obstacles life has thrown his way.
Emotions are used in an interesting way in that they reveal turning points in Ove’s character development and as new interesting characters are introduced new emotions follow them; with grief and trauma being an overarching theme always following Ove.
This was an enjoyable book which I found myself wholeheartedly laughing at moments and tearing up in others. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone looking for a dramatic and emotional experience.
Emotions are used in an interesting way in that they reveal turning points in Ove’s character development and as new interesting characters are introduced new emotions follow them; with grief and trauma being an overarching theme always following Ove.
This was an enjoyable book which I found myself wholeheartedly laughing at moments and tearing up in others. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone looking for a dramatic and emotional experience.
January 26, 2018
This is such a different book - absolutely LOVED it, laughed, sighed and cried with this one. Ove reminds me of Clint Eastwood's character in Gran Torino - grumpy, tired of life and all its injustices, old fashioned with a hint of sexism thrown in for good measure. But all in all he's just a bit lonely and misses his wife - I warmed to this character despite the grumpiness which is just a front really. You can see he wants a way to stay alive and enjoy life (with his beloved Saab and underneath it all, his Cat Annoyance). The book is written in a here and now format, (which in my opinion made me want to keep reading to find out more about the characters) the flashback chapters where he tells us about his wife and the life they had together make you realise just what a hard life he has had and what has brought him to where he is now. He wants to be with his wife but he's just not ready.. just yet... (not with the neighbours constantly knocking on his door and well, people of today not being able to drive or fix things!)
February 11, 2018
Could not get enough of the cat. Hahaha
I love how every sentence ends with “as if he were....” dragging a bathtub across the room... etc. so good
I love how every sentence ends with “as if he were....” dragging a bathtub across the room... etc. so good
January 24, 2025
Fredrik Backman’s A Man Called Ove is an absolute masterpiece that combines humor, heartbreak, and hope into a deeply touching narrative. It tells the story of Ove, a grumpy yet lovable man whose rigid routines, blunt opinions, and solitary life mask a heart full of love and a profound sense of loss. At first glance, Ove might seem like the stereotypical "old man yelling at kids to get off his lawn," but as the layers of his character are peeled back, readers are invited to see the world from his perspective—one shaped by deep sorrow, unwavering principles, and a lifetime of love and hardship.
The beauty of this book lies in its ability to blend comedy and tragedy seamlessly. One moment you’re laughing at Ove’s stubbornness and his hilariously gruff interactions with his neighbors, and the next, you’re moved to tears by his tender memories of his late wife, Sonja, who was the light of his life. Backman crafts Ove’s story with so much compassion and warmth that it’s impossible not to fall in love with him, despite his prickly demeanor.
Another standout aspect of the novel is its cast of supporting characters. The meddlesome yet kind-hearted neighbors, the stray cat that becomes Ove’s unlikely companion, and the various people who stumble into his life all serve as a reminder that human connection can heal even the deepest wounds. Ove’s gradual transformation from a lonely curmudgeon into someone who learns to live and love again is both inspiring and heartwarming.
This book is a celebration of life’s imperfections and the importance of community. It teaches us that everyone has a story, and sometimes the most unassuming individuals are the ones who leave the biggest impact. Backman’s writing is simple yet profoundly moving, making A Man Called Ove a story that lingers long after the final page.
If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with the beauty of humanity, this is it. It’s a poignant reminder that even when life feels unbearably heavy, there’s always hope, and kindness has the power to change lives—often in the most unexpected ways.
The beauty of this book lies in its ability to blend comedy and tragedy seamlessly. One moment you’re laughing at Ove’s stubbornness and his hilariously gruff interactions with his neighbors, and the next, you’re moved to tears by his tender memories of his late wife, Sonja, who was the light of his life. Backman crafts Ove’s story with so much compassion and warmth that it’s impossible not to fall in love with him, despite his prickly demeanor.
Another standout aspect of the novel is its cast of supporting characters. The meddlesome yet kind-hearted neighbors, the stray cat that becomes Ove’s unlikely companion, and the various people who stumble into his life all serve as a reminder that human connection can heal even the deepest wounds. Ove’s gradual transformation from a lonely curmudgeon into someone who learns to live and love again is both inspiring and heartwarming.
This book is a celebration of life’s imperfections and the importance of community. It teaches us that everyone has a story, and sometimes the most unassuming individuals are the ones who leave the biggest impact. Backman’s writing is simple yet profoundly moving, making A Man Called Ove a story that lingers long after the final page.
If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh, cry, and fall in love with the beauty of humanity, this is it. It’s a poignant reminder that even when life feels unbearably heavy, there’s always hope, and kindness has the power to change lives—often in the most unexpected ways.
December 19, 2017
A book to enjoy? Yes, I loved it. I couldn't put it down. I don't often feel that compelled to keep reading, but this one did it for me.
Could such a person as Ove exist? Well, maybe in Sweden or in some similar country where half the year persists in darkness and the other in daylight. Not that the book ever mentions this, but my feelings are that only in such a strange and irregular landscape, could a person exist who is so driven by his view of life, of correct behaviour, so driven by his intolerance of anything that sits outside his view of the 'norm', only in such a place, could a man like Ove survive.
And even here it seems, most people, not unnaturally, find him at best, testing, in the main, unreasonable, and usually just plain cussed. But despite his consistently extreme behaviour, one cannot help but feel a great affection for Ove, for what it is he seeks and cherishes.
Most of the story tells about the events in Ove's life, after his wife dies. How this leaves him with nothing to live for and his quest to end it all. Seemingly, despite the fact that he is a top class handy man, and able to make or mend almost anything, 'ending it all', is not something that he succeeds at; but not for want of trying.
Throughout this tale of attempted suicides, there are flashbacks that tell the tell of how Ove came to be the man he is. How his view of life was formed and inherited. How he met his one true love and stayed loyal and true to her. Then, consequently, when she took ill and died, how he had nothing left to live for.
This is where the tale really begins, and it weaves it's way through his grumpy encounters with neighbours, would be robbers, and men in white shirts, whom he hates with a vengeance. Eventually the various encounters soften him, just a little and he is able to form deep friendships with just a few immediate neighbours, and by so doing, enable his life to end naturally and happily.
This tale is often amusing, and quite often deeply sad. I really loved it. A terrific book. Even the cat was appropriately cussed.
Could such a person as Ove exist? Well, maybe in Sweden or in some similar country where half the year persists in darkness and the other in daylight. Not that the book ever mentions this, but my feelings are that only in such a strange and irregular landscape, could a person exist who is so driven by his view of life, of correct behaviour, so driven by his intolerance of anything that sits outside his view of the 'norm', only in such a place, could a man like Ove survive.
And even here it seems, most people, not unnaturally, find him at best, testing, in the main, unreasonable, and usually just plain cussed. But despite his consistently extreme behaviour, one cannot help but feel a great affection for Ove, for what it is he seeks and cherishes.
Most of the story tells about the events in Ove's life, after his wife dies. How this leaves him with nothing to live for and his quest to end it all. Seemingly, despite the fact that he is a top class handy man, and able to make or mend almost anything, 'ending it all', is not something that he succeeds at; but not for want of trying.
Throughout this tale of attempted suicides, there are flashbacks that tell the tell of how Ove came to be the man he is. How his view of life was formed and inherited. How he met his one true love and stayed loyal and true to her. Then, consequently, when she took ill and died, how he had nothing left to live for.
This is where the tale really begins, and it weaves it's way through his grumpy encounters with neighbours, would be robbers, and men in white shirts, whom he hates with a vengeance. Eventually the various encounters soften him, just a little and he is able to form deep friendships with just a few immediate neighbours, and by so doing, enable his life to end naturally and happily.
This tale is often amusing, and quite often deeply sad. I really loved it. A terrific book. Even the cat was appropriately cussed.
August 16, 2018
This summer I read four books, three of them were written by a Swedish writer named Fredrik Backman, and all three books made me laugh and cry so much. The first book I read was A Man Called Ove. It’s about a man named Ove wants to go die after his wife’s death but got interrupted by his neighbor every time when he is ready to suicide. I was thinking about a series of problems in the process of reading. The first thing is the value of a partner. If my future husband leaves before I do, what decisions will I make, and what I will do for the rest of my life? A thing I found in this book is that everything happened in a person’s life changes the person in some way. That series of things Ove experienced in his life slowly made him the person he is right now. So rigid, so stiff, and have the responsibility of being responsible for everything. Another thing I notice is that all strong, stable, long term relationships require constant help from each other. If I am going to recommend this book to someone, I will recommend it to a person who has soft heart, and believes in love. Because the whole process of the encounter of the two and falling in love is the base of the whole story.
August 31, 2017
This book was sooooo good. I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was happy, sad, sentimental, frustrating, all the adjectives you can think of. Ove lived in Sweden. Poor Ove lost his wife, the only women he ever loved or that loved him. Ove had a strong work ethic and a certain way of doing things that his wife, Sonja, saw as endearing. She is the only person that ever understood him. As soon as Sonja died, Ove plotted to kill himself - he missed her that much. Fortunately for the reader, Ove failed every single time - usually because of circumstances beyond his control. Ove lived in a closed community that had lots of rules - Ove was a stickler for the rules and had a sense of ownership for the rules. Into OVe's live came neighbors, a cat and other things that changed Ove and changed Ove's life forever. This book was so wonderful and reminds me a little bit of my husband and how I picture how he is going to be when he gets older. Loved this book and will ready other books by this author.
December 17, 2018
At first the main character, Ove, seems like a grumpy, simple elderly man, one that doesn’t do much with his life. He likes everything a particular way, and seems quite boring. I had originally thought this book was going to be a long and not too exciting read, however, I could not have been more wrong.
Once Ove’s new neighbors move in with their two kids, a new side of Ove comes to light, one that is much more appealing. It shows how caring a thoughtful Ove has really been is whole life. As his neighbors discover more Over, they find out more about his life, his past, and the meaning of it.
I really liked this novel, as it is accurately depicts how people deal with loss in their lives, and finding meaning in their life after a loved one leaves. It also shows how people mold our lives, and how big of an impact they can have in our lives.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a hopeful reflection on the meaning of life.
Once Ove’s new neighbors move in with their two kids, a new side of Ove comes to light, one that is much more appealing. It shows how caring a thoughtful Ove has really been is whole life. As his neighbors discover more Over, they find out more about his life, his past, and the meaning of it.
I really liked this novel, as it is accurately depicts how people deal with loss in their lives, and finding meaning in their life after a loved one leaves. It also shows how people mold our lives, and how big of an impact they can have in our lives.
I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a hopeful reflection on the meaning of life.
January 23, 2019
This is not in my normal genre to read but I did enjoy reading this book... I think a man name Ove could be on the spectrum... Ove is a grumpy old man who has lost his wife to cancer and is only trying to kill himself so he can be with his wife. But Ove is always distracted by something else that happens to him that he has to deal with.. a new neighbor... a pregnant woman who needs to learn how to drive... a young man who has nowhere to live... buys an IPad for a seven year old. A cat who won’t go away. 4 years after the family has moved in next door the man breathes his last leaving his possessions to that family... touching story about real life.
January 19, 2023
I enjoyed this book and read some of it with a little tear in my eye. It was as if I were getting to know Ove more and more each chapter. The author explores human complexity emphasizing how our past shapes our self talk and decisions. The neighborhood feel of friendship between unlikely people was the best. What a beautiful reminder to reach out to propel. Under the surface is Ove's struggle with how to have meaning in his life as he ages, retires, and losses is wife. What a deep incredibly well written book. Inspiring and kinda made me want to go meet those Ove's in the world and be their friend!
August 16, 2017
You will immediately fall in love with the relatable protagonist, because he might be just like your father, grandfather, neighbor, or...? The way that the chapters are structure is brilliant, with flashbacks and connecting themes. Although it's an emotional roller-coaster, it is a GREAT read.
To friends, I've said that it's a combination of the film UP and GRAN TORINO- hilarious and heartbreaking.
To friends, I've said that it's a combination of the film UP and GRAN TORINO- hilarious and heartbreaking.
April 9, 2018
This book reminded me of several people I know. It makes you think about relationships with family and friends in a different way. Ove is a crabby old man set in his ways, and just wants to die. His wife had passed away a year or so earlier and he just wants to be reunited with her. There are some very funny moments, and some real tear jerkers. Read it to see what becomes of Ove and his life.
August 19, 2022
This is the best book I’ve read in a very long time. This book has made me laugh, cry and feel deep emotions. I think this gave me a different view to geriatrics and a whole new meaning to community. I think this author wrote this book in a simple yet emotional way, where it was easy to understand but with such few words said so much. I loved the main characters relationship with his wife and how it was described. The ending made me cry waterfalls. 10/10 recommend.
March 20, 2023
It was slow to get going. I took time to read this one and I am glad I did. Ove is such a unique character shaped by his difficult beginnings. But you cannot help but fall in love with him … & his little furry companion. I laughers, I cried I was a bit exasperated and at times even a bit angry! Not often does a book come around which can invoke so many emotions. A sweet book now I cannot wait to watch the movie casting the perfect actor for this role Tom Hanks.
October 28, 2017
This was a book that I instantly could relate to. The view of this man by the outside world and his attempts to just "do things as they should be done" led to a hilarious and refreshing read and definitely hit home to me. A must read for anyone who feels they are judged by their own cover and not their contents.
January 2, 2019
I asked for suggestions for books that I would want to finish since I have been suffering from starting but losing interest in many books lately. This one was mentioned by several people. I enjoyed the book very much. I liked the shorter chapters. Ove is a great character, and the assortment of minor characters was fun.
July 29, 2019
I was slow the catch on to the flow of the book, at first, and it didn’t hold my interest, but I kept on because it’s an audiobook and great to have on a long drive. I’m SO glad I stuck with it because before long I couldn’t stop. Ahhh, the f only we could all have a bit of Ove in our personality. I highly recommend this lovely book.
March 11, 2021
"A light-hearted, deeply moving novel about an overt rule-following old man but who is so much in love with his wife that it's difficult for him to imagine his life without her, but somehow interaction with new people and random accidents give him the purpose to live more. “ easy to read and every chapter is engaging, and cat character is one of the best parts.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 137 reviews