Ove is a curmudgeon. He is not interested in getting to know his neighbors or experiencing new things. He believes he knows the right way of doing things and will point out when others are wrong, which is most of the time. Nevertheless, Ove will teach you the meaning of hard work, kindness, and love. A Man Called Ove is a beautifully written story that is a joy to read, or listen to. The audiobook was particularly helpful in finding out how to pronounce “Ove.” Backman’s characters are real people who invite you to experience their grief and joy with them. Ove is just trying to get on with things when his new neighbors, a friendly couple and their two daughters, disrupt everything. A flattened mailbox leads to Ove having to deal with backing up a trailer, people parking in the residential area (when the sign clearly says there is NO parking in the residential area), journalists, old feuds, new friendships, an annoying hospital clown, and a cat that won’t leave well enough alone. Though it is cliché, this book will make you laugh and cry. I highly recommend A Man Called Ove as your next read or listen, especially if you are looking for a book that will bring you comfort and remind you of our collective humanity. 

Review by Emily Wilson

Enjoy A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman today. You can find this title on Overdrive.com or download the Libby app. Both the book and audiobook are available for checkout. If you need help with eBooks or have questions about your library account, email chestercirculation@rcls.org. Don’t have a library card yet? Click HERE to apply for a card online today!