I I feel angry at myself for this book not being an easy 5-star read for me as it is almost universally loved. I closed the book trying to really understand why I did not have the response that so many did.

I did not cry, I reread the ending a few times with the hopes that some tears might fall, but they never came. This wasn’t a huge issue for me because I don’t usually cry from books, so why wasn’t this everything I hoped that it would be?

Did I think the book was bad? No. Was the writing great? Yes. Was the character development well done? Absolutely! But did I feel so deeply connected to our main character Ove? Unfortunately no.

This is where I think the difference between those who rated A Man Called Ove highly and those who did not differ- If you’re not able to connect deeply with Ove the rest of the book will appear slow and repetitive, and that’s what happened to me. It completely changed the trajectory of the book- starting as a five star read at the beginning slowly making its way down as the book progressed.

What started out as a funny grumpy old man, who I loved, ended up being a simple character on paper who’s primary goal was to make me feel and reflect saying the same things over and over on repeat.

I did listen to this book, so I’m curious that if I had read the physical book, maybe I would have had a different experience. I think I’ll try reading the physical book in the future.

Objectively this book has the potential to be a 5-star read and I understand why it has so many rave reviews. It is a good book! Unfortunately I am in the minority when it comes to feeling deeply connected to Ove even though it’s not where I want to be.

TW: suicidal ideation, ableism,
grief, miscarriage, body shaming