I have read many books in my lifetime, and I can confidently say I have forgotten a good majority of them. The exceptions are the books that I consider my favorites. “A Man Called Ove” by Fredrik Backman is now on that list. 

I wasn’t expecting to like this book after it continued to bounce back and forth between past and present, but I’ve never heard a story quite like this one. Ove is a man who can’t seem to break his tight routine and strict ways. He likes to make sure that everything is perfectly in its place, and that nothing opposes his beliefs. In other words, this man is the definition of Type A. 

Throughout the novel, it seemed as if the main character was at war with himself. Ove is suicidal the entire time, angry, and often seems rough around the edges. This gives readers an interesting insight into the life of someone who feels this way. We slowly learn that Ove has a softer side, but based on his past experiences, he shouldn’t. He has little patience for those who are unwilling to function in ways he thinks they should. I enjoy how I can relate to this, and the specificity of how he operates is fun to read. 

The reader can see how this man changes based on the people who enter his life and how they impact the way he thinks. Ove resists anyone trying to get close to him, but when he does, his grouchiness is minimized more than it ever was before. 

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a good read, as it is now one of the best novels I have ever read.