Relationship Fiction Annotation

Amazon.com: A Man Called Ove: A Novel (9781476738024): Backman, Fredrik: Books

A Man Called One by Fredrik Backman   

Genre: Relationship fiction; Books to Movies; Translation   


Publication Date: 2013 (US)


Number of Pages: 368


Geographical Setting: Small Swedish town


Time Period: Present Day


Plot Summary: Ove is set in his routines and will go out of his way to keep it that way. He is confident in the way he looks at the world around him and sees no reason to change the simplicity of the old days. After the death of his wife he makes the choice to end his life and leave the rest of the world behind him. This is all fine until his new neighbors move in and he slowly finds himself pushing back his plans. Annoyed by the interruptions of his neighbors, the reader follows Ove's journey into forming unlikely friendships with people around him. The initial resistance Ove once had against finding close relationships with others begins to melt away as he begins to grow and find a new purpose to his life.


Subject Headings: Older men fiction; Neighbor's fiction; Neighborhood's fiction; Friendship fiction


Appeal: The tone of this work is unlike most books I have read before. Although the life events shown throughout the novel are difficult, they are presented in ways that are somehow humorous and uplifting. Contemplating suicide is no laughing matter, yet the way in which Ove's neighbors sneak their way into his heart and care, leading to him pushing back his plans, is charming. Ove is seemingly stuck in his ways, but shows over time the ability to find a reason to continue on his journey and grow as a person. The characterization is one that truly fits with the genre and creates characters that are human and easy to identify with.  


3 terms that best describe this book: heartfelt, humorous, hopeful


Similar Authors and Works:

    3 Relevant Fiction Works and Authors
        1) Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman 
        2) The Widower's Tale by Julia Glass
        3) The Reason You're Alive by Matthew Quick

Comments

  1. Erin CataldiMarch 18, 2021 at 10:37 AM

    Fantastic annotation! I listened to the audiobook of this a few years back and it is a perfect fit for this genre. Full points!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Amanda WhiteMarch 20, 2021 at 6:41 PM

    I'm looking forward to reading this one. I've heard nothing but rave reviews of books by Fredrik Bachman. I plan to read this one and Anxious People!

    ReplyDelete

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