This is a knockabout comedy about a grumpy old man trying to die but the universe keeps stopping him.
Ove is an elderly curmudgeon who's decided that he's had enough. Un/fortunately for him, all his efforts are thwarted by fate, or his neighbours needing help and he is slowly but surely dragged back into a life worth living.
The opening chapters are a masterclass in the steady reveal of information. There are some lovely misdirections and reveals that grabbed my interest very effectively.
The translation on this is a little ropey in places but nothing unforgivable. Ove is an engaging character and the use of chapter titles starting "A Man Called Ove" or "A man who was Ove" to denote flashback chapters is a lovely touch.
The supporting cast is not as well drawn and does include a couple of broad stereotypes but Ove is our focus and by the end of the book, I realised I was quite emotionally attached to the old sod.
I didn't find it laugh out loud funny very often but I did have a big smile on my face for most of it- and was suitably moved by the emotional bits.
This is the first book I've read by Backman and I would certainly not be averse to reading any of his other works.
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