Review: A Man Called Ove

Ove is the archetypical grumpy old man. He doesn't have a good word to say about anyone or anything (with the exception of car manufacturer Saab, at least before it was taken over by an American company).  The novel starts with his hilarious attempt to buy a computer from an Apple store and his utter bafflement at iPads. This chapter alone should be required reading for any UX professional.

The prose is deceptive. It is often extremely simple, but sometimes profound insight wise. It is deeply sad in places - grief and loss are themes that ripple through the book.

Ultimately though, it is the story of how men like Ove come to exist - and that's a journey worth taking. Most of us have an Ove-like character in our lives, or if you are a man - you possibly exhibit some of the same traits yourself.

I watched the movie shortly after completing the book. It's a fairly good adaptation, but lacks the meaning and redemptive power of the book. Pars is particularly good, and near exactly how I imagined her character. The rest of the cast not so much although Ingvoll also comes close.

Verdict: The Existential Man