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A Man Called Ove,
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Mattias Eriksson
Not impossible, but not nessicarely. The book mensioned Ove (and Rune) being born in "the wrong times" and it COULD be that Ove just behaving "in the old ways".
A good discussion question!
A good discussion question!
Danya Bakhbakhi
I didn't think about it when I first read the book. But now that I'm a little more aware about autism, started wondering if he was on the spectrum while watching the movie. It all clicks that way.
Beth
I definitely saw that and OCD immediately. I mentioned it to another person in my bookclub and she didn't see either. The black and white thinking definitely gives me an ASD vibe.
Milica
I'm just reading the book and it seems to me that he indeed is an Aspie. ❤️ I just googled this and found your answer and I'm glad someone shares my opinion.
Cameron
I’m reading right now and this just came into my head and had to google to see if anyone else thought this. There’s a section where it’s mentioned when his wife would get a haircut he would be annoyed with her for days because she “didn’t look the same.” That seems like the most overt clue I’ve noticed so far.
April
https://readinggroups.org/news/readin...
This is an interview with the author where he touches on this subject during a Q&A.
This is an interview with the author where he touches on this subject during a Q&A.
Alyssa Tuininga
Absolutely. I definitely think that he is autistic.
Camille Eide
Yes, absolutely.
jacqueline
personally i'd say he has aspergers
JR
Yes. So many signs.
Brad Bagley
It hit me hard about halfway through the book that Ove is on the spectrum.
Mandi Gibbons
I totally think so!
Lyndi McDonald
This answer contains spoilers…
(view spoiler)
Claire Osterhaven
I really do! especially when we see comments about him "seeing in black and white" or his kind of my way or the highway mentality. He definitely has some OCD like traits as well, which can be common in those with autism.
Having a brother with Asperger's, I saw many of his traits and mannerisms through Ove. Of course, everyone on the spectrum expresses differently; neurodivergency does not look the same for everyone.
Of course, I cannot be for sure. I am not a psychologist but a kid reading a book.
Having a brother with Asperger's, I saw many of his traits and mannerisms through Ove. Of course, everyone on the spectrum expresses differently; neurodivergency does not look the same for everyone.
Of course, I cannot be for sure. I am not a psychologist but a kid reading a book.
Kaethe
Yes, but I don't think the author was trying to write a character on the spectrum. Sonja's father and Rune are presented with many of the same characteristics, as if this is how all men used to be. Whereas women are just naturally good at making friends. Only the 7-year-old girl is described as being anything like these men. Like Baron-Cohen, and many others, I suspect the author considers autism to be a sort of hyper-masculinity.
Azat
It is such an interesting observation... I thought all of his behavior is explained by the way he was raised, the time he was raised. Remember how often he would refer back to his father... But maybe his father was on the spectrum too? At the same time, I perceived his behavior as a gap between generations...
Barb Drummond
I believe so…I picked up on it quickly…Sonja knew it and love him for all the qualities he displayed …great book! Loved every single word!
Kristen
I hadn't thought of that, but now that you mentioned it, it would make a lot more sense. With the way he just kind of rejected the rest of the world and only abided by his own rules, which he truly felt were the right ones, it could be indicative of ASD.
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