A Man Called Ove: A Novel

Fredrik Backman

Jul 2014 · Sold by Simon and Schuster

About this ebook

Now a major motion picture A Man Called Otto starring Tom Hanks!

#1 New York Times bestseller—more than 3 million copies sold!

Meet Ove. He’s a curmudgeon—the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. People call him “the bitter neighbor from hell.” But must Ove be bitter just because he doesn’t walk around with a smile plastered to his face all the time?

Behind the cranky exterior there is a story and a sadness. So when one November morning a chatty young couple with two chatty young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove’s mailbox, it is the lead-in to a comical and heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship, and the ancient art of backing up a U-Haul. All of which will change one cranky old man and a local residents’ association to their very foundations.

Fredrik Backman’s beloved first novel about the angry old man next door is a thoughtful exploration of the profound impact one life has on countless others. “If there was an award for ‘Most Charming Book of the Year,’ this first novel by a Swedish blogger-turned-overnight-sensation would win hands down” (Booklist, starred review).

Ratings and reviews

A Man Called Ove is a heartwarming and often humorous tale about a grumpy old man who finds himself unexpectedly softening. The character development is excellent, and the ending is both satisfying and bittersweet

The story is beautiful. It does take a nice slow pace, which makes sense when you think of the main character, a story done right even if it has to take it's time.

A Man Called Ove" is more than just a heartwarming tale; it's a poignant exploration of life, loss, and the unexpected connections we forge. Ove, our grumpy protagonist, is a character who will stay with you long after you turn the final page. Backman's ability to blend humor and heartbreak is truly masterful. The novel is a testament to the power of human connection and the importance of finding joy in the simplest of things

About the author

Fredrik Backman is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove, My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, Britt-Marie Was Here, Beartown, Us Against You, Anxious People, The Winners, My Friends, as well as two novellas and one work of nonfiction. His books are published in more than forty countries. He lives in Stockholm, Sweden, with his wife and two children. Connect with him on Facebook and X @BackmanLand and on Instagram @Backmansk.