A Man Called Ove (novel)

This article is about the novel. For the film, see A Man Called Ove.

A Man Called Ove

First US edition
Author	Fredrik Backman
Original title	En man som heter Ove
Country	Sweden
Language	English
Genre	Novel
Publisher	Washington Square Press (US)
Publication date	2012 Sweden 2013 US
Media type	Print
Pages	368 pp (US)
ISBN	9781476738024

A Man Called Ove (original title in Swedish: En man som heter Ove) is a 2012 novel by Fredrik Backman, a Swedish columnist, blogger and writer. It was published in English in 2013.

In January 2015 a stage version of the book, with Johan Rheborg in the leading role as Ove, had its premiere in Stockholm. In addition, it was adapted as a film of the same name, which was premiered on 25 December 2015, with Rolf Lassgård in the leading role.

Plot summary

Ove is 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.” However, 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.

Film and TV adaptations

• A Man Called Ove (film)

Audiobook

In July 2014, Dreamscape Media released an audiobook version of this book, read in English by American actor George Newbern. It is also available for purchase on Audible.

External links

• Fredrik Backman's Website
• A Man Called Ove at IMDb