A MAN CALLED OVE

                     

Grateful that I am to be part of a local book discussion group, I did feel a tad responsible for having to reschedule my hosting month, June. I appreciate everyone’s understanding my last minute cancellation.Three months later, four of us (3 Ms and an L) gathered to discuss this quirky read. 

All of us present apparently enjoyed A Man Called Ove for different reasons: the humorous escapades within the story, curious characters with varied development, and exasperation in having to get to know such a dye-in-the-wool curmudgeon. Yet, we agreed that deep down, Ove had a heart of gold. Somewhere. 

The author took his time in revealing Ove’s characteristics. Thus, we, as readers, were not sure about writing him off as a cranky old man approaching the end of his life. I believe the surrounding characters within the story helped us to understand - even if we did not embrace - the multiple layers of Ove: his solitary rituals, his life shaping experiences, and yes, his many peculiarities. Some, we decided had to do with aging; others, we believed had to do with culture and environment. 

I, as the discussion leader on this selection, defer to a review that made sense to me. Fredrick Backman wrote the chapters that described Ove’s life story simply and folklike. Then, in appealing contrast, Backman wrote the current day chapters (the hospital visits, the trailer issue, the cat) episodically and mercifully hilariously. 

We viewed the movie trailer for the book....in Swedish.It sure looked like the film captured the story’s essence. If it should appear at some American off-beat theater, I’m in. 

This group of four - and Happy Birthday to Maddy - felt the book was a worthwhile read. I know my being with other readers was worthwhile. 

Side Bar: pronunciation of Ove - I think his name is pronounced: ooh as in stand alone dismay; ve as in vegetarian. Say it as you think, no doubt the main character will have a look of dismay and some comment.