My Take - A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman is not simply a book. I will describe it as a warm snuggle for want of better words to express my emotions about it. The eponymous protagonist of the novel, Ove can be best described as a curmudgeon. He is the archetypal grumpy old sod who will surely come across as extremely unlikable when you meet him first. But, if we are willing to look beyond the crass façade of the grumpy old sod we will discover the gem that lies hidden within.
We are very quick to judge and label a person based on our first impression of them without making the slightest effort to know their story, to know why they are the way they are. Perhaps that is why Backman introduces us to this extremely unlikable character and obliges us to take the journey with him, to know his story and then form our opinion about this grumpy old sod. The narrative oscillates between different phases of Ove’s life thereby interweaving his past and present.
It is a simple yet profound story that teaches us a thing or two about life, love, loyalty and death as well. Death is the inevitable reality of life but we don’t get to choose when It will come for us and lull us into eternal sleep. However, we get to choose how we will live, what we will live for, and therefore the onus is on us to choose wisely and live a fulfilling life. We are so caught up in the rat race that we have forgotten the essential human traits of love, empathy and kindness; we have, in fact, forgotten being human. We don’t know how many Oves around us are trying to end their lives who can be saved by simple human touch. Only if we stop being so selfishly wrapped up in our own cocoons and start treating those around us with a little kindness and empathy we will, perhaps unknowingly, save many precious lives.
This book is a warm blanket on a cold, dreary night which lovingly whispers to us that our life is precious and we are worthy of it. I will forever cherish this book.
“We always think there’s enough time to do things with other people. Time to say things to them. And then something happens and then we stand there holding on to words like ‘if’.”
My rating – I am incapable of rating a book that is so close to my heart. However, if I am asked to do so I will say that this book deserves all the stars twinkling up in the sky.  

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