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A Man Called Ove

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A Man Called Ove

By: Fredrik Backman
Narrated by: Joan Walker
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About this listen

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 Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Feel-Good Heartfelt Funny Tear-jerking Thought-Provoking Witty
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I was a touch skeptical about all the good reviews but this was a slow burn and just drew me in. The characters are full and well rounded the story is slow but excellent - the perfect pace to get to know everyone and get you interested.
I just loved this book and was very sad when it ended as I wanted it to keep going.

Really loved this story

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I don’t normally write a review but this book warrants the highest recommendation! The story is beautifully narrated and tells the tale of a grumpy man who lives alone with no family or friends to relate to. By the end of the book he has gathered a family of sorts and is finding a sense of self fulfilment. I liked this as much as Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine.

What a great book!

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At the beginning it feels like a story of any grumpy old man, then it reveals the quirky way of thinking retrospective story, and, with a dose of disappointment, ending is predictable and conventional.
Overall somewhat different and enjoyable, and cat-annoyance

Good

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What a delightful book.
It was enjoyable and confronting at the same time. There were many moments that I shed a tear (or two). Handling death, finding relevance, dealing with community, understanding your values. Beautiful.

There’s a bit of Ove in all of us

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I absolutely loved this book!
Anyone with a love of family will enjoy this journey.

A Man Called Ove

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