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lindy1259's review against another edition
5.0
This is book broke my heart in all the right ways. I don't want to say much else because you need to discover the story on your own. I listened to the Audible version and am now heading out to buy the hardcover. Magnificent.
octopie89's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
carovazquez's review against another edition
emotional
funny
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
likethehat's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
mathman329's review against another edition
5.0
2023 Book Review - Book No. 7: “A Man Called Ove”, written by Fredrick Backman, narrated by J.K. Simmons
Date started: 2/21/23
Date finished: 3/2/23
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (would recommend reading if you like European living, curmudgeons - especially when voiced by Simmons, and the indomitable nature of cats)
Spoiler free review: Honestly, the narration done here by Simmons propelled this novel to 5 stars for me. It was easy to picture him as Ove (pronounce oo-vuh) throughout which made me wonder if they shouldn’t have cast him instead of Tom Hanks in the recent film adaptation. Regardless, he was an excellent choice for the audiobook.
Ove is a man who simply wants to die. His wife has passed and after living without her for a few months, Ove just wants to be with her again. It’s at this point that Ove’s new neighbors, Parvaneh and Patrick, back their trailer into his mailbox and the rest of his life. Coming along with them are their children, some of Ove’s other neighbors, and a cat that somehow weasels his way into the life of someone who would probably identify more as a “dog person”.
From here, the story alternates between present day situations and flashback sequences to Ove’s early life, how he met his wife Sonja, and the time leading up to Sonja’s passing. While Ove wasn’t entirely likable at the outset, Backman’s story building and background sequences perfectly frame why Ove is the way he is. It becomes impossible not to feel empathy for Ove and gain a better understanding of just what type of man he is. And with each foiled attempt to rejoin his wife, my fondness for Ove continued to grow.
Some people might argue that this book is too clichéd or corny, but sometimes we need a feel good story. While I’m sure the book itself is great, I couldn’t more highly recommend letting J.K. Simmons read this to you.
Date started: 2/21/23
Date finished: 3/2/23
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (would recommend reading if you like European living, curmudgeons - especially when voiced by Simmons, and the indomitable nature of cats)
Spoiler free review: Honestly, the narration done here by Simmons propelled this novel to 5 stars for me. It was easy to picture him as Ove (pronounce oo-vuh) throughout which made me wonder if they shouldn’t have cast him instead of Tom Hanks in the recent film adaptation. Regardless, he was an excellent choice for the audiobook.
Ove is a man who simply wants to die. His wife has passed and after living without her for a few months, Ove just wants to be with her again. It’s at this point that Ove’s new neighbors, Parvaneh and Patrick, back their trailer into his mailbox and the rest of his life. Coming along with them are their children, some of Ove’s other neighbors, and a cat that somehow weasels his way into the life of someone who would probably identify more as a “dog person”.
From here, the story alternates between present day situations and flashback sequences to Ove’s early life, how he met his wife Sonja, and the time leading up to Sonja’s passing. While Ove wasn’t entirely likable at the outset, Backman’s story building and background sequences perfectly frame why Ove is the way he is. It becomes impossible not to feel empathy for Ove and gain a better understanding of just what type of man he is. And with each foiled attempt to rejoin his wife, my fondness for Ove continued to grow.
Some people might argue that this book is too clichéd or corny, but sometimes we need a feel good story. While I’m sure the book itself is great, I couldn’t more highly recommend letting J.K. Simmons read this to you.
teamlarson's review against another edition
3.0
I could not get over my dislike for Ove to enjoy this book to the full extent. It’s a cute story and easy to follow, but I enjoyed every other character so much more than the main one. Maybe that’s the point, but it kinda just made me mad. It’s a good portrayal of grief and a nice book if you like old people. The first half was difficult to get through, but the writing and the very end really saved it for me.
dogcatchers's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
akrehbiel's review
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0