A Man Called Ove

By: Fredrik Backman

Narrated by: Joan Walker

Length: 9 hrs and 12 mins

Publisher's summary

Ove is almost certainly the grumpiest man you will ever meet. He isn't as young as he used to be. He drives a Saab. He points at people he doesn't like the look of. He is described by those around his as 'the neighbour from hell'.Every morning he makes his inspection rounds of the local streets. He moves bicycles and checks the contents of recycling bins, even though it's been years since he was fired as Chairman of the Residents' Association in a vicious 'coup d'état'.

But behind the surly pedant there is a story, and a sadness. And when on a November morning his new (foreign) neighbours in the terraced house opposite accidentally flatten Ove's letterbox, it sets off a comical and heart-warming tale of unexpected friendship which will change one man - and one community - from their very foundations. Quirky and bittersweet, heartbreaking yet outrageously funny, A Man Called Ove is a life-affirming fable for our times.

©2014 Fredrik Backman (P)2014 Hodder & Stoughton

Brilliant and sweet book

When I first started the book, I was almost going to give it up, as it felt like the first chapter was going nowhere. I’m so glad I didn’t. The author brings all the characters to life, and they’re so lovable. The ending was so sweet I couldn’t help but cry (even though I was in a public area, and had tears stream down). Totally recommend this book

Brilliant read, took me by suprise!

I wanted to read this book for quite some time and when I finally got a chance I am estatic. Brilliant story and brilliant performance. Small thing makes this book great and you can instantly fell in love in all characters. This book really stands out among most novel I came to recently.

Heart warming book with brilliant humor

At first, narrator being a woman seemed to drop my concentration whenever she spoke Ove's words.
However, either I got used to it or she fell deeply into her roles and being finished, it was awesome.

A light-hearted good read

I like how the narrator uses different tones to express the mood and perspective of the characters. Overall, a very enjoyable audiobook of a man whose life seems unfair but persist to fight on, until he thought he has nothing to fight for anymore. I did cry at the end of the book. An overall light-hearted book. For me, it tells that we all need to belong to something, a network of support that gives us some kind of purpose in life when all you thought you had are gone. It is true, we don't see man like Ove anymore. An honest man with strong principles, and loved his wife.

Wonderful

Beautifully written, perfectly performed. Every chapter has a gem in it. Could not stop listening until the end.

Fantastic little story

This was such a pleasant listen. Love the story. The voice actor was perfect and brought the character and events to life.

Highly recommended

So lovely

it took a couple of chapters to make an impression but once it did I couldn't stop listening.

highly recommended for a weekend binge

Such a moving book

I truly enjoyed this book. It’s funny and heart wrenching and yet utterly heart warming too. The performance of the characters is really good - Joan Walker narrates it beautifully. I’m so sad to come to the end of this book.

story too simple but well narrated

I loved the beginning but struggled to finish if because I was expecting a lot more excitement. the narrator did a good job though and it is an easy read for those who like those kinds of books.

loved ove, loved the story, loved the narration

loved ove, loved the story, loved the narration... my first fiction novel... loved it... must read