A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman

There are many things that Ove does very well, being a grumpy curmudgeon chief among them. But of all the things that Ove is good at, he is, "quite clearly UTTERLY LOUSY at dying!"

At first sight, Ove is the grumpiest man you'll ever know. Reminiscent of Dwight Schrute, driven by staunch principles and strict routine, he has a mind for motors, but not much for human emotion (though he does seem to grasp the complexities of feline feelings, however). Ove suddenly finds himself without a place in the world, until one November morning when his new neighbors back their trailer over his mailbox. What unfolds is a story that is depressing at its surface, but is actually pure, unadulterated, joy; heart-breaking in its own right, but still a heart-melting love story, not only of Ove and his Motley Crue of new friends, but of everyone acting with a true and genuine heart.

In a word, A Man Called Ove, is brilliant. It is expertly plotted and cleverly detailed, the analogies and metaphors not only spot-on, but also hilarious and witty. The writing is poetic and charming, with seamless transitions to being powerful and emotional, and a hidden beauty that unexpectedly slaps you in the heart; Backman beautifully captures both the hardships and simple joys of what it means to not only be alive, but to live. Your heart will break and be put back together again with every chapter, making you laugh out loud and bringing tears to your eyes, and smiling the entire time.

Ove is, "the strangest superhero I've ever heard about," and reading any book after this would be like trading in a Saab for a Volvo. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 but it should be more.