East Fishkill Community Library Online Book Group discussion

Share your thoughts on A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman here!

I started it but stopped very soon. I don't mind being manipulated by a book or movie; I just want it to be done with some subtlety. This felt like a Times Square ticker shouting out "Miserable Lonely Man Who Feels Worthless Is Redeemed by Adorable Quirky Neighbors".

I agree, Gloria. We read this in my longtime book group, and a couple of us complained about the serial cliches this writer leaned on. I believe the ones who more or less enjoyed the book also enjoyed, for example, the heartwarming everyday community life of the Mitford series. I must be getting too cynical.

I might be the odd one out here; I really enjoyed this book. It was just what I was in the mood to read, and it reminded me a lot of the movie Up. I agree that there were a lot of cliches that were used, but for some reason, I didn't mind. I found Ove to be charming, and really liked watching his mental state improve over time. I think I was just in the mood to read a happy, simple story, and this book delivered.

Appreciated that perspective, Courtney.... and loved the comparison to Up... one of my favorite movies!