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A Man Called Ove  By  cover art

A Man Called Ove

By: Fredrik Backman
Narrated by: Joan Walker
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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

What listeners say about A Man Called Ove

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Perfect book

Would you listen to A Man Called Ove again? Why?

Yes. It was one of those books that I never wanted to finish. And when finished, I missed Ove and knew it would be hard to find a book I enjoyed as much.

What did you like best about this story?

Ove is a composite of people we all have known. He is an ethical curmudgeon but we are ever hopeful for some sign of compassion from him.

Have you listened to any of Joan Walker’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No, but I will now look for other books she narrates. She has become one of my favorite narrators.

If you could take any character from A Man Called Ove out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Pavana would be an interesting character to have dinner with.

Any additional comments?

I listened to this book as I walked in the morning. There were times I laughed aloud and a couple times when I was teary-eyed. When I got home, after my walks, my husband would ask, "So, what's new with Ove today?"

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6 people found this helpful

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5 Stars is not enough

This is one of those rare books you wish would never come to an end. I loved it and will recommend it unhesitatingly. Joan Walker did a fabulous job. I look forward to more from Fredrik Backman.

Don L.

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3 people found this helpful

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My current bedtime story

it's just a well written story. I listen to this book regularly because I love it.

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1 person found this helpful

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Funny and heart-warming

Truly enjoyed the story and the narration. Understated humour and surprising twists. Haven't enjoyed anything this much in a long while.

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1 person found this helpful

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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

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Excellent


Loved every moment of it, and I will definitely be recommending it to all of my friends.

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Charming and thoroughly enjoyable

I loved the movie so I thought I’d give the audiobook a shot, and I’m so glad I did. Loved the nuances from the book, love the detail and depth that you can only get from a book - this added colour to the movie.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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New favourite book

Wonderful book. Both heartbreaking and heartwearming. Will be rereading this often, i think. The narration is also perfect.

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  • Overall
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Brilliant

touching, optimistic, funny and sad little story. loved it. Fredrik Backman again makes magic with words

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Moving, heart-warming story

I listened to Ove almost everyday before sleep. I loved the narrator voice, the characters and how delicately they were portrayed thru simple yet profound everyday situations. I felt a bit sorry the story ended..too soon before I was ready to stop listening♡.

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