by Fredrik Backman
Narrator: George Newbern
Length: 9 hours and 9 minutes
Genres: Fiction
Source: Gifted
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 5 cups
Meet Ove. He's a curmudgeon - the kind of man who points at people he dislikes as if they were burglars caught outside his bedroom window. He has staunch principles, strict routines, and a short fuse. People call him "the bitter neighbor from hell". But behind the cranky exterior there is a story and a sadness. So when one November morning a chatty young couple with two chatty young daughters move in next door and accidentally flatten Ove's mailbox, it is the lead-in to a comical and heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship, and the ancient art of backing up a U-Haul. All of which will change one cranky old man and a local residents' association to their very foundations.
Early this year, I listened to and loved Britt-Marie was Here. I then added all of Fredrik Backman’s audiobooks to my wishlist. Thanks to an Audible fairy, I was gifted a copy of A Man Called Ove. The ratings do not lie, once again I was transported as Backman made me fall in love with a grumpy old man named Ove and the folks in his community.
Five reasons to grab your earbuds and listen to A Man Called Ove
- Backman has this incredible gift for bringing his characters to life as he draws you into their story. His tales deal with small towns and everyday people who we soon discover anything but. Backman skillfully weaves these characters into your heart, and there they will remain for years to come.
- You have to meet Ove. He is methodical, grumpy, opinionated and at the beginning of our story depressed. Backman shares Ove’s story giving us chapters in the present as he deals with the loss of his wife and then he scatters stories of his past throughout. All of this allowed me as the reader to truly see the man. Ove made me laugh, had me recognizing similarities to my father, and made me cry. I shed both tears of joy and ones of immense sadness.
- Secondary characters are fully developed adding depth and meaning to the tale. The small suburban town burst to life. He highlighted everything from homeowners associations to nosy neighbors. I loved his neighbors and the interaction between them and Ove. The banter and perfectly mundane conversations were infused with honest humor. I laughed so hard at times it brought me to tears. He sheds light on our differences and highlights what makes us the same.
- Ove is at the center of the story, but it’s so much more. We get to know this little community, see character growth and experience a side of humanity I want to embrace. Ove’s struggles throughout the story and initiates a plan to resolve this issue. He is very through, not missing a single detail but life and his neighbors keep getting in the way. The way in which Backman had the secondary characters interfere with his plan made A Man Called Ove one of the most delightful, heartfelt books I have ever listened to. In fact, I loved it so much; I bought the hardcover edition for my bookshelf. I want to be able to spend time with these characters again.
- George Newbern narrated the tale and captured Ove and this little community. The emotions, sarcasm, and awkwardness that is Ove were enhanced. I loved his voices for secondary characters including Parveneh. Who by the way was wonderful.
What more can I say except I want everyone to listen or read A Man Called Ove. I want you to experience all of the emotions that I did. It isn’t often that you read stories that will forever stay with you.
A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman narrated by George Newbern will stay with me forever #2017FAV Share on X
About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Darlene
I was on the fence with this one but now seeing how much you love it, I want to listen to it! George Newbern is an awesome narrator.
Dragonfly
oh this one sounds very touching Kim. It reminds me so much of my gradpa! I love small town stories too!
Lectus
I read it a while ago and loved it.
Anna
Is it wrong to say that Ove sounds a bit like me on a bad day. hehehe Heck I like him already. 😉
Anna from elements of emaginette
The Bibliophile Babe
I’ve heard such good things about this one!
Deborah
I read Britt-Marie was here and enjoyed it but everyone I know raved about this book as well! I really must read it!
Katherine
This sounds so good and my library just got this on audio! I need to get on the wait list immediately. I’ve been on the fence about this one because of how grumpy Ove sounds but I suspect I would really enjoy his interactions. I’ll definitely be listening to this one.
Michele
I’ve heard so many great things about this one! Your wonderful review convinced me to give this a try. I can’t wait to meet Ove!
Kathy
I’ve had this book since its release and still haven’t read it. I’ve read his other books and loved them, so I will get to this one eventually. I’m happy you loved it so much, and I love the sample.
Mary Kirkland
That sounds really good. I think we all have a cranky neighbor.
Tracy Terry
One of my favourite reads of last year. I’m so, so glad you enjoyed it.
Christine
Ooooh, glad to hear you enjoyed one of his other books first! I listened to this for book club and promptly added myself to the (rather long) waiting lists for all his other audiobooks — I’m always nervous I won’t like the others as much though!
Angela Adams
This story pulled at my heartstrings. It kind of reminded me a middle-grade children’s book, “The Family Under the Bridge.”
LeKeisha
I planned to read this over my Christmas break, but never got the chance. I’ve read so many great things about it. Actually, all of the titles by this author have great reviews. I hope to read this one soon. Great review!
Heidi
If Ove is as quirky and as interesting as Britt Marie, I am sure I will enjoy it.
Heidi
If Ove is as quirky and as interesting as Britt Marie, I am sure I will enjoy it.
Melissa
I just bought this one from Audible last weekend. I can’t wait to listen…sounds remarkable 🙂 I just need to figure out a way to get hubby on board…my audio reads have gone way down the past few months now that we commute to work together!
Tyler H. Jolley
I think I would connect with this level on such a deep level. Ove is very reminiscent of my dad.
Laurel-Rain Snow
I loved this book, too, and also have the one about the grandmother (long title! lol).
I am curious about Britt-Marie, as well.
Thanks for sharing and making me feel the love for Ove all over again!
Rebecca
I can’t believe that I STILL have not read this book! Or listened to it. I keep meaning to get to this. I’ve been begging my book club to select it as well. Some day, I will get to this!
Rebecca @ The Portsmouth Review
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Bookworm Brandee
I mentioned in my comment of your review of Britt Marie that my son had asked for and gotten this book for Christmas. Let me tell you that I’ll be borrowing it from his shelves! 😉 It won’t be the same as listening, I’m sure, but I *must* meet Ove. His story sounds very well done. So happy you enjoyed this, Kimberly!!
Debbie Haupt
All I can say is Wow. The review makes me want to point the arrow to the audible site right now, the narrator is a new one to me but he sounds fab. Thanks Kim! Happy Caffeinated Tuesday 😉
Ailyn Koay
grumpy old men are pretty funny characters, they are like onions that you need to slowly and gently peel of. Not to mention the tears… good review
Danielle Nolan
I am so glad this one is made it to my tbr. This slunds like such a well written and beautifully character driven story. Love the review.
blodeuedd
I have never read it…I should…I guess
Geybie's Book Blog
This sounds great. I’m still on the fence about reviewing audiobooks. Mostly because I don’t know which one to choose. 🙁
Lisa Thomson
This sounds amazing, Kim. I’ve heard good things about the book generally but sounds like this narrator really enriched the characters . It’s on my TBR shelf already but will consider audiobook first. Thanks for the review! 🙂