A Man Called Ove - Book Review
The book is Fredrik Backman’s first novel and was a hit after publishing. The story is about a grumpy, widowed man who curses a lot and is bloody against any change. The main character, Ove, feels lost after losing his beloved wife. He is not trying to move on. Despite being annoyed by people, his strong sense of responsibility to fix things and help others helps him fight feeling alone—very touching and lifelike writing.
I recommend reading for those who want to read about grief, looking into people’s lives who are highly sensitive but had to hide it for cultural reasons, and for those who are okay crying and laughing while reading. It’s a hell of a rollercoaster, but you will love the ride.
Be cautious because if you read this book, you will cry on it. So, if you borrow the book, make sure you have tissues. I wasn’t that cautious, so now I have a book with many salty tears on it.
Fredrik Backman is brilliant.
I might be wrong, not that Fredrik Backman is brilliant, but I think Ove is a typical male HSP. Those grumpy men wear the grumpy mask because they want to hide their true feelings. They don’t want to feel what they feel. They wish to be the man that they are pretending to be. But deep down, they are sensitive.
They were never allowed to show how much they care about things in life. It’s very sad. It’s even worse if they pick up an addiction during their life. The HSPs are more prone to addiction. Alcohol is a typical substance that softens deep feelings. I can’t show or research that. I wish I could.
All I have is my experience. I’ve never been an alcoholic, but I have seen sensitive people drinking just so they don’t feel the pain. Although I also see my generation recognizing typical toxic masculinity and letting boys cry and express their feelings. They too get kisses and hugs and can say they want to be artists. Also, Ove acts like he is tough but he is very kind to animals. That is also typical for HSPs. Even if they don't like people they like animals. He has a strong sense of fairness, he takes responsibility from an early age and good God about his high standards. These people can be unbearable. I know, I'm also highly sensitive.
Again, I might be wrong about that.
The book perfectly portrays a man who can't deal with his loss. He pretends not to care about others and even so, he is "happy" to help out an old friend, a new neighbour, a young adult in love, and a cat. But you won't just read about Ove's grumpy days. The book takes us to the past. When Ove fell in love, when he had to stand alone after his father died and you'll see how Ove fought for their friends and his community's rights.
Love this book. If you never read Backman before you should give it a try. This book will live in me as a wonderful memory of a time when I met with a man who told me his ups and downs while I was just smiling, nodding, laughing, and crying with him. I wish I could hug you, Ove.
Enjoy your reading!
The Witty Witch