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A Man Called Ove 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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Best book i've read in a long time!

Wonderful book and beautifully narrated. So many beautiful moments - full of pathos and understated emotion. Want to read it again as I'm sure I'd get something different out of it with each reading. Made me laugh and cry

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19 people found this helpful

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A man called Ove Splendid

So sorry to have finished this intriguing book. Would highly recommend. Innovative and funny whilst always engaging.

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13 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Poignant or depressing?

I don't usually read this sort of book. However, my daughter suggested try it. Being retired, spending a lot of time fixing cars, making furniture etc, I suppose I have something in common with the lead character. I initially found the book very dark and depressing but gradually got into it. Those familiar with the British series "One foot in the grave" will see similarities, but this has a Scandinavian slant. Very well written and characters are well crafted (I recognise a few of my present and past colleagues!) but not for you if you want to be cheered up.

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9 people found this helpful

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Stunning

Totally heartfelt story. I laughed and cried in great measure. Couldn’t recommend more highly ! Love love loved it!!!❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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8 people found this helpful

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Great book!

I don't often finish a book and want to start again, but I do now!!



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7 people found this helpful

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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Uplifting and feel good. But a bit strung out.

Not a huge amount actually happens in this story line, however its an uplifting story about community and loneliness.

I personally found the narrator annoying.

Loved the premise but got bored throughout and didn't feel any of the characters came alive.

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5 people found this helpful

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delightful

delightful both funny and enlightening and emotions. . i felt part of the story. great read

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5 people found this helpful

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lovely story

I bought this to listen to whilst breastfeeding my newborn. I wanted something to listen to that wasn't too heavy and depressing but not silly either. This book was perfect. It is such a lovely story...it had me laughing and crying.

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4 people found this helpful

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Definitely one I'd recommend to friends

I have listened to this twice and would happily listen to it again. I loved the way the story slowly unravels and you fall in love.

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4 people found this helpful

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  • val
  • 06-02-2018

The hidden truth

This is a beautiful, funny, sad, lovely read of the life of a man that with so much to give but that he wanted to hide. Just shows how we don’t always know everything about people.

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3 people found this helpful

In the spirit of reconciliation, Audible acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.