"A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman is a
heartwarming, humorous, and deeply emotional novel about an irritable yet
lovable old man named Ove whose life is turned upside down when a new family
moves in next door. This was my re-read for Cochin Book Club BOTM. It's translated from Swedish by Henning Koch
Ove is a 59-year-old man who has lost his wife, his job,
and, to some extent, his will to live. Known in his neighborhood as the “grumpy
old man,” he lives a life of strict routines and judgmental order. But beneath
his cranky exterior lies a deeply principled and caring soul.
When a lively young family moves in next door and
accidentally flattens his mailbox, Ove’s well-ordered world begins to change in
the most unexpected ways. Over time, he forms unlikely friendships and finds
new purpose in life—even if it’s against his will.
The book covers: Grief and Healing: Ove’s story is largely one of coping with loss—especially that of his beloved wife Sonja.
If you loved books like The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared or Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, this is for you.
It blends laughter and tears beautifully.
It makes you reflect on how we often judge people without
knowing their full story.
Here’s a chapter-wise breakdown of A Man Called Ove by
Fredrik Backman. While the book is more narrative than chapter-titled.
Chapters 1–5: Meet Ove
Ove is introduced as a grumpy old man, upset about
rule-breaking neighbors and modern inefficiencies.
He’s recently forced into early retirement, has lost his
beloved wife Sonja, and attempts suicide to reunite with her.
His plans are interrupted by new neighbors—a friendly and
chaotic family with two daughters and a pregnant wife, Parvaneh.
Chapters 6–10: Flashbacks & Frustrations
Ove’s backstory begins: a quiet childhood with a loving
father who dies in an accident.
He learns self-reliance early, finds solace in rules and
order.
He meets Sonja, the love of his life, during a train
journey.
Meanwhile, in the present, his suicide attempts continue to
get derailed by neighborhood issues.
Chapters 11–15: Community Chaos
Ove reluctantly helps Parvaneh and her family with car
issues and childcare.
He also rescues a man from being hit by a train—again,
unintentionally postponing his own death.
Flashbacks reveal Sonja’s paralysis from a bus accident and
Ove’s fierce devotion to her.
Chapters 16–20: Life’s Unexpected Turns
We see how Sonja’s warmth softened Ove’s rigidity and gave
him purpose.
Ove starts fixing things around the neighborhood, bonding
with the stray cat and Parvaneh’s kids.
He has run-ins with the “Whiteshirts” (bureaucrats) trying
to move his friend Rune into a care facility.
Chapters 21–25: Growing Connections
Ove helps a young man fix his bike and stand up to bullies.
He protects his friend Rune from being removed from his
home.
Each interaction reveals Ove’s compassion beneath his tough
shell.
Chapters 26–30: Acceptance
Flashbacks detail Ove and Sonja’s struggles with grief,
especially after a miscarriage.
In the present, Ove slowly accepts the neighbors as family.
His identity transitions from “grumpy loner” to “reluctant
hero.”
Chapters 31–35: Defending Friends & Legacy
Ove helps expose corruption and protects his neighborhood
from real estate agents and government meddling.
His impact on the community becomes clear as more people
seek his help or show appreciation.
Chapters 36–39: Letting Go & Finding Peace
Ove finally writes a will and prepares for death—not out of
sadness, but readiness.
The final chapter reveals Ove’s peaceful passing, years
later, with the neighborhood and Parvaneh’s family still cherishing him.
He leaves behind a legacy of quiet love, unwavering loyalty,
and the importance of community.
Lessons from Ove’s Story:
You never truly know someone until you hear their story.
Grief can close people off, but kindness reopens doors.
No act of compassion is too small.
Love, routine, and responsibility can keep us going—even in
the darkest times.
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