This is one of the few books that I actually listened to rather than read, via the Hoopla app (which is amazing and if you don't use it with your local library you really should) I choose it because I had read another book by this author last year, it seemed interesting, and it completed one of the book challenges I set out for myself this year. And y'all. It was so good. Like, words almost escape me as to how good it was.

The premise isn't anything new since it takes the curmudgeonly old man and how he interacts with his neighbors and those around him. Throughout those you also get to hear about Ove's past and how he became the way he was and his outlook on life. You also see the little snippets of him to show that he is a caring man even if it is under more than a few layers of cynicism. Ove went through a lot as a young man, and he was already someone who was different from the people around him. His one right spot is his wife Sonia, who has passed away by the time the story begins and with her gone, Ove doesn't feel he has anything to live for and is looking to end his life. These attempts get thwarted though, usually through happenstance and on few occasions purposefully, as Ove helps those around him with the various challenges that they're facing. That's a rather broad overview of the book but to give any more would run the risk of spoilers.

I cried for roughly half of this book; half of that from laughing and the other half crying. There were so many one off comments from Ove that had me cracking up since it is something I could see an older person (or older me) saying. Then hearing about his past had me sobbing because you can see how Ove started and the constant curve balls that life has thrown him and can understand why he has the outlook he does. Because it is one that probably a lot of people would have if they went through those some experiences. You cry because you see the subtle way that he begins to care for his neighbors and goes out of his way to help them. At the end the neighbors they have come to a motley family who are looking out for other. And it is beautifully written with a satisfying ending.

This book will make you feel good but it will make you cry. A CW has to be given for talks of death, depression, and suicide. It is worth it though, whether you read or listen to it like I did. I look forward to reading more by this author.