A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

A Man Called Ove has been popping on various book club websites and has been even been made into a movie. Yet, I am always reluctant to pick up a book that has been so highly praised and shared. Most of the time, the hype has disappointed me. For once, in a rare blue moon once, this book lived up to its hype and more. I am still not quote over this book as it touched me so deeply.

 In  a town somewhere in Sweden (I think), there is old man who has tied up all the loose ends of his life. There are no debts and there is a letter with instructions for his funeral. For this man, Ove, is getting read to die. Except he keeps getting interrupted.  First it was the new family that just moved in. Then it was the cat. Then it was his enemy across the street who is now suffering from dementia. Each little interruption takes Ove further and further from taking his life and instead infuses him with reminders  on why he should keep going. Essentially because everyone is stupid and doesn't know anybody.

For Ove is the most cantankerous man you have ever met. He is that old man that  yells about rules not being enforced and who won't hesitate to tell you you're an idiot. On the surface, he is the kind of man you steer clear from unless you're looking to devoid your life of joy and happiness.

With each page, we discover how far from the truth that really is. He is one of the few bastions of strength, chivalry, and romantic heart. By the end of the book, I can almost guarantee that you rivers of tears will be streaming from your eyes.

It is not sadness that made me cry but how utterly beautiful it all was. I truly did see the world around me in a different way and made me appreciate my own weakness and strength. I loved this book so much.

This is by far one of the most romantic books I have read. There was love permeating every page. Not in the beautifying dramatic lustful sense, but in the sense that love is always around us. Even in our darkest moments, even when we give up on life, it is there. Whether or not we want it. Oh how I loved this book.

I recommend this book to everyone wholeheartedly. Easily the best book of 2016 that I have read. Mega mega super stars.

rederick Backman website:
http://www.simonandschuster.com/authors/Fredrik-Backman/411545926