You will fall in love with Ove even though he doesn’t even want you to like him.
3.5 out of 4 stars.
Ove is a 59 year old man who just lost his wife Sonja to cancer. He believes he has no other reason to live because he didn’t like anyone else but her in this world. He is now alone in Sweden living in the same house they grew their love in thinking of ways to get out of this dismal life. Of course there are a million reasons to back up his attitude; lost his parents young, was stolen from, had his house burned down, etc. However, Ove thinks nothing is wrong with the way that he has strict routines, boundaries, and judgement. He believes he is the normal one and everyone else is strange. Which of course leads to hilarious one liners.
His worst nightmare is being in close quarters with people that do not follow the “rules” of society so you can imagine his disdain when he receives new neighbors that do not understand he does not want to be bothered or cordial.
A very simple but needed plot line of finding friendships in unique situations and what matters most in this universe when one feels like they are at rock bottom.
It seems as though the main message is to be heartwarming but honestly, I spent most of the book laughing. I love dry senses of humor and putting overbearing people in their places so Ove would 100 percent be a friend of mine.
Very witty, identifiable, and refreshing. A great read for the summer.
Ha! I too was thinking that Ove sounds like he’s on the right track and we’d get along just fine.