I'm easily impressed by Backman's writing- this is my fourth book of the year of his. I didn't go into this book knowing much about Ove and I wasn't convinced in the first half I liked him, or the book. But I cried at the end of this. Backman's ability to create unlikeable, but lovable characters who are complex and deep and thoughtful, will never cease to amaze me. Ove is bitter and depressed, but  fearlessly protective of his people. His community, his loves, his family are above all else, even if that gets him in trouble.