One of the most clever bits in this is watching how, as Ove falls in love with people, the book stops referring to them by description ("the lanky one") but instead refers to them by their actual names. It starts with only one person, then the list of characters consistently referred to by name grows and grows, and it's so touching.

My favorite quote in the whole masterpiece is "We always think there's enough time to do things with other people. Time to say things to them. And then something happens and then we stand there holding on to words like 'If'" This line just breaks me

@mariamalsheikh8615

3 жыл бұрын

My favourite quote is “People said Ove was all black and white; but she was color. All the color he had”

@joshgoldenberg4398

3 жыл бұрын

@@mariamalsheikh8615 There are so many great ones!

@DrMd-jr3xt

3 жыл бұрын

YES! That entire chapter is the most beautiful poetry ever. Love it so much. So, so much.

@SilverPh3nix

2 жыл бұрын

I think my favorite quote was “Then he crosses the road and starts clearing the snow in front of the other houses”

@jizburg

Жыл бұрын

I love the part were he gets confronted by the gay kids father. He says something about "then we talked about families. Futures, and things that never was" or something like that.

Merphy: Starts to tear up Me: Immediately puts the book in my cart

@raquelmarcalsantos

3 жыл бұрын

Watched it today. Bought it today. Good lord... I have so many books in my TBR already, but I’m reading this as soon as it arrives.

@britneynicole8903

Жыл бұрын

Right?!

The most emotional moment for me was when the kids called him Grandpa. While reading, I managed to hold back my tears, but seeing weep over this incredible story, I started sobbing as well. It was as if all the emotion I kept holding back burst out in one fell swoop. A man called Ove is a strong candidate for being my favorite book ever.

@fly_swatter_

3 жыл бұрын

Wow. Did it ever.

@MadieJadeTX

2 жыл бұрын

That choked me up too 🥺 and him putting their art on the fridge. 🥲

@Geeuu

2 жыл бұрын

I started bawling when the 7 year old called him grandpa

@twobabyboyz

3 ай бұрын

That line broke me. Ove reminds me so much of my own grandfather whom I lost in 2022. He always called himself granddad. When the kids called him that I wailed. This book is pure magic!

This was so emotional even spoiler free.

My mom was like "this book will make you cry" and I was all like "challenge accepted." I lost.

One of my favorite weird out of context Bachman quotes that fills me with emotion is "You don't fall in love with a gender. You fall in love with an idiot."

@monroehendricks978

Ай бұрын

Thats what Jules said abou Roe in Anxious People. It was also an amazing moment for me

Just thinking of the scene Ove taking care of the flowers at his wife’s grave with the stray cat at his side makes me wanna happy cry.

Sees review. *prepares box of tissues* *realizes the box of tissues is not enough* *stands out in the rain to pretend the tears are rain*

@karishmatiwari2923

3 жыл бұрын

I highly recommend (Secrets of Sanatan Dharma) available on Amazon and Kindle

@maedre9330

3 жыл бұрын

"prepares box of tissues" very poor choice of words

@maedre9330

3 жыл бұрын

Im sorry, im a redditor .i have to ruin everything

The most satisfying part of the book for me was when Ove and his 'found family' all back up Anita in standing up to the white shirt Skoda driver when they came to take Rune away. That was the first scene in the book where you feel the characters and their individual stories all coming together and you truly see what an impact Ove has made on his community. This book (especially the last few chapters) felt like a long, warm hug.

This review is so spot on. One of my favorite lines was, “People said Ove saw the world in black and white. But she was color. All the color he had.” I picked it up not even expecting to like it, but I was so moved.

There were so many lines in this book that absolutely broke me, all worded so simply. Backman is really talented at packing a big punch and getting to the heart of emotions in a few words. He effortlessly puts into words so many emotions that I feel but can't express.

Honestly at the last pages I thought: well I did certainly not cry as much as I thought I would And then came the line: “More than three hundred people come to the funeral.“ I was not just bawling, I was completely overwhelmed. Absolutely loved the book

It gives off major "UP" vibes if you ask me.

@surenderbeniwal8578

2 жыл бұрын

oh my it absolutely does. i just finished reading ove n i always like to pair things up like reading books dealing with similar stuff or watching something related to it n i was thinking of watching the movie adaptation of ove n the pixar movie Up.

I'm a 52 year old grumpy dad who doesn't read. During the pandemic, my daughter who loves to read made everyone in the family pick a book for each other to read. Fast forward, besides finding out that I don't mind reading YA books, I've discovered a love for reading. This is the 2nd book I've ever read that moved me to tears. After watching your video, I'm glad to see that I'm not alone in my feelings as I am unaccustomed to crying while reading.

@ryeann2567

Жыл бұрын

What was the other book that moved you to tears? Glad you enjoyed the book. I just purchased it for my 68 year old dad for Christmas.

@edmunddantes7097

Жыл бұрын

The Green Mile by Stephen King. They did a great job with the movie, but as almost always the book just reaches deeper. Hit me in the feels pretty well.

To me, the "foreign pregnant woman" (Parvaneh) was the hero of the story. She saved Ove a number of times and is constantly forcing Ove out of his stagnant comfort zone. Such a beautiful story. Audiobook well worth the listen even if you've already read.

@nickywags0712

Жыл бұрын

It reminds me of an idea JRR Tolkien said about Sam from LOTR. “Frodo may be the protagonist, but Sam is the hero of the story”

@edmunddantes7097

Жыл бұрын

@@nickywags0712 I love that. Sums up perfectly how I felt about these two charcters.

I was legit weeping with you throughout the review. I just finished reading this book and I was crying and smiling. I don’t think I have ever read a more heart-warming book.

I loved this book sm! I don't care much about romance, but Ove and Sonja's relationship was so cute and wholesome. This book is undoubtedly sad, but it's also filled with heartfelt moments. This book will make you cry both happy and sad tears.

It’s the only book by him I’ve read. Didn’t expect to love it as much as I did. It’s the perfect humorous/poignant clash of generations.

@karishmatiwari2923

3 жыл бұрын

I highly recommend (Secrets of Sanatan Dharma) available on Amazon and Kindle

@shiningyoonie

3 жыл бұрын

If you like this book, pls read more Backman’s books because they are all wonderful!

I have a copy of "A Man Called Ove" but never bothered with it, and now, you've just convinced me to read it!

@olgasjournal

3 жыл бұрын

It's a great book!

@SammieMousie

2 жыл бұрын

It reminds me of the movie "It's a Wonderful Life." It such a beautiful story and it really is packed with so much emotion. It's worth the read. You may cry.

@ryeann2567

Жыл бұрын

What did you think of it?

I've only read two Backman books ("Beartown" and "Anxious People"), both of which I thoroughly enjoyed. I own "A Man Called Ove" and it's on my TBR but I've been holding off because I don't like reading what people consider to be an author's best work too early on hahahha. But now I really feel like just picking it up. I own "Britt-Marie was here" as well but I'm holding off on it until I've read grandmother's sorry (I'm not writing that whole title lol). Since I live in Sweden, his books are super easy to find in second-hand shops which is where I've gotten all of them except Anxious People so I'm trying to currently hunt them all down! Also, the O in Ove should be more round (like you're impressed by something) and the "ve" is like the v-e in "vet". Just in case you were wondering.

@karishmatiwari2923

3 жыл бұрын

I highly recommend (Secrets of Sanatan Dharma) available on Amazon and Kindle

@michellesmirnova4471

3 жыл бұрын

As a Swede you explained the pronunciation very well, I could never 😂

@RyanHaile

3 жыл бұрын

@@michellesmirnova4471 Hahhaha, I taught Swedish pronunciation and culture to immigrants in high school, so I've had some practice. Hej förresten!

@lenz7616

2 жыл бұрын

Anxious people has become a small series, available on Netflix at least in Sweden :) I think the name is "människor med ångest"

One of my favorite lines from the book was when his wife told him he had to love her twice as much from now on (after her father and cat had died) and he didn't know how he could ever love her more than he already did.

@rammigreen

Жыл бұрын

It's was the second and the last time.he lied..

You gotta love someone who cries after reading a quote from a book they love. This made my day. Thank you. ❤️

I was reading today's newspaper about a new Tom Hanks movie A Man Called Otto - it referenced the 2015 Swedish movie A my Man Called I've - I went to search for the movie - found it and started watching - although I could not understand the language and English captions are not available I watched it anyway but had to stop after 30 min into the movie - it is so powerful...then I watched your review - now I plan on reading the book...thank you for!

After a little bit of time to digest, I think I can safely say that Ove is now my favourite Backman (it will be interesting to see what happens when I re-read Beartown in preparation for the 3rd book release, as this was my favourite up until now) The kids painting and what they called him completely broke me

@karishmatiwari2923

3 жыл бұрын

I highly recommend (Secrets of Sanatan Dharma) available on Amazon and Kindle

@Lynn-CA

3 жыл бұрын

@@sammm7513 Yup, due out this year

A Man Called Ove was my first Backman and still my favorite. I love, love, love Ove. I read it in 2016, after seeing one booktube recommendation, so I wasn't ready for the emotional impact. When I cried within the first few chapters, I knew it was going to be special. I think it's time for a reread.

Oh my God! The Earnest Chapter with Ove was so much emotional! I mean I was crying, and then a sentence comes and them I am laughing and crying. And at the end, I just can't move on. I was marking quotes and highlighting and everything, and then the last two chapters came and I was just marking everything. My tears spoiled my book's pages! I mean I have a lot of emotions now. I am in love with all those characters! I am in love with this book. Grand dad. And I was crying.

This is on my April’s TBR! And Merph had me crying this morning!! 😭

I love when I see people getting emotional about art, that book has your soul in it

Generally speaking I pretty much stick with reading fantasy and sci-fi, but when I first heard you talking about how great Backman is I figured I'd at least give him a go. This is the book I started with and I'm so glad I did. I've read about 5 of his books so far and this is still my favorite. I'm glad to hear how much you love it as well. Thanks for introducing me to such an amazing author Merph.

Britt-Marie is pretty good too. Might not be as strong as Ove but it's still really sweet.

YEEEEES! I have been waiting that you read Ove because I just KNEW how you'd LOVE it

I just finished it and I’m crying with you, I didn’t expect this book to be SO GOOD.

You are amazing at articulating how this book makes you feel. I love when people come alive when art touches them.

Finally, you read it! I was dying to hear your thoughts on it. This is one of my favourite books of all time Edit: I posted the comment before I'd even watched the video, now that I saw you crying, I teared up too. I'd re-read it last year with my partner, we read chapters aloud to each other on call and I'd ugly cried twice on call. 😂

I just want to say, I am so grateful that you make videos for every book you read. I found you after looking up a review for Horns by Joe Hill and have been a subscriber since. I didn’t expect to find a familiar face reviewing this book and your video popping up made my day. Thank you for all you do!

YESSSSSSS!!!!!!! I've been waiting for this since I subscribed to your channel!!!!!!!

Something i love about your channel is that in all the years i have been watching ive always felt you genuinely mean it when you say i would love to chat more in the comments 😊

What a coincidence! I was just looking for reviews for this book, as I have been wanting to read it for a week or so now. Thank you for posting videos for us bookish people to enjoy! Also, if you have any more recommendations for my TBR then that would be amazing since I always have difficulty looking for books.

Im literally 4 minutes in and fighting off tears because you LOVE THIS BOOK SO MUCH and the emotion is SO evident in your face and voice and its making me love a book ive never read!! I need this book YESTERDAY!

This is a beautiful review Merphy. I’ve been waiting to watch this. On your recommendation I’ve finally read this book. And I’m not up for another book just yet.

I had just finished listening to this when you said you were reading it. Perfect timing! Even though this isn't my favorite style of book I did end up loving it and I can recognize how masterful it is. I had a hard time with the grumpiness at first, and the flashbacks, BUT, wow did he win me over in the end. I really loved the relationships and how it all came together!

I think I am starting this tomorrow, so glad you kept recommending Backman. I loved Beartown & Us Against You. Looking forward to continuing with Ove.

Thank you for your incomparable summation Merphy of this fantastic novel !I have never had so much pleasure from any novel than this one .....

Yes to everything you said and felt! Loved this book so much! I just read it in January and want to reread again!

Ah I'm so happy you got to this book! I started it a year ago and read between classes, but when we switched to online school halfway through the year, I completely forgot about it. I decided I wanted to get back into reading recently, so I picked it back up, started over and finished it in two days and just... wow. I had loved it the first time I was reading it, but the second time I fell harder and ended up crying at the end. I'm definitely going to be checking out more of Backman's books!

Wow yes. You hit it on the nose with this review. Watching this brought me to tears all over again. Discovered Backman through your channel; I owe you many many thanks.

So happy you read this. I just absolutely love this book. I cried and laughed and it was just amazing. It was great to hear your thoughts. You put my feelings into words in regards to this novel. Backman is my favourite author and I would not have discovered him if it was not for you.

You adorably tripping over the “oo-vah” pronunciation was soooo relatable! Not a straightforward name to the American ear 😅

This is so ironic that you posted this today. I just started reading last night. I'm loving it.

Thank you for recommending this book Merphy. I just finished it last night and, of course, I cried. I absolutely LOVED this book, and am now ready to read my next Backman book (Anxious People)... I love your channel, and can't thank you enough for the fantastic content!

I wasn’t planning on buying any more books this month but after watching your emotional review of this book I knew I had to order it.

I love Backman's writing so much! I still have some of his books left to read but Ove definitely pulled on my heart strings. I teared up listening to the quotes and seeing you get emotional! I feel like re-reading the book now 😊

This book is such a masterpiece. Just you reading those quotes made me teary all over again!!

Merphy this review made me cry about this book all over again 😭😭 I'm so glad you loved it

Great review. I just finished up with Ove this evening, and normally I’m not one to shed tears whilst reading, but this book definitely shook things up in that regard. Easily one of my favorite characters of all time. Ove truly is an “old soul”.

This is by far, the most beautiful review i've seen about this book. ❤️

Sending virtual hugs to Merphy ♥️

I cried so hard when I first read the book and the way you talked about it made me remember those warm and sad feelings I had while reading it. And also, your recommendations have always been my go-to books, this is the first time I read something you haven't until recently. Waiting for this review was worthwhile. Thank you

Merphy I loved this video so much. Can’t wait to read the book and enjoy the spoiler part too. Greetings from Colombia 🇨🇴

I want to give you a hug! This book is so impactful and made me cry too. 💜🤗

I have read Ove twice in the past couple years, but your review makes me want to pick it up again! It is definitely one of my favorite books of all time. So glad you loved it!

Thank you for this review. I especially appreciated the emotion of the video.. because truly, I loved Ove and I didn’t even know that I did. What a character. Thank you Backman for writing such a beautiful story. My favorite scene was the one with Ove and the 7 year old in her room. Their relationship to me, felt like the purest one of all. The way they both quietly accepted each other over the course of the book resonated with me on the deepest level. Backman has become one of, if not my favorite writer. Again, this was a perfect review. Thank you.

I’ve just finished reading A Man Called Ove and I’m still crying. That epilogue just about broke me. Adore this book.

Ordered it already along with Beartown. Thanks for this video 😀😀

Picked up Ove from your found family recs video and I loved it. It’s been a while since I got into a good book and what a book it was! By the last 10 chapters or so I was crying at almost every chapter lol.

You got me hooked in Backman. Thank you! He is amazing. I can’t believe they are translated. I loved this book. I also loved Anxious People.

I discovered Backman thanks to you and I am SO GRATEFUL! I read this book last year and share your feelings.

Just hearing you talk about it made me tear up. This was such a beautiful book. I cried so many times while reading it and not once because of sadness, it's just so heartwarming and honest. It's hard to explain how it makes you feel.

I am so excited to read this book!

When he wrote about how Ove’s wife would stick her finger in his hand...❤️

I read this back in October and I SOBBED. Great review!

Merphy why are you doing this to me? I read this at the start of last year and thought I was ok now. You talking about it just reminded me of how much this book both hurt to read and at the same time was the most uplifting book I’ve read in the last decade! I’ve never cried at a review before but you brought it all back for me. So...why are you doing this to me?! And also...THANK YOU!!

Watching this review Sobbing all over again

Damn you Merphy!!! Just finished and I'm crying my eyes out.

Appreciate your take on this wonderful book. Thank you.

I loved this book so much. I love Backman's writing and the way he is able to capture so much emotion so beautifully.

I loved your review! I just finished this beautiful book two days ago, and I cried along with you while you were reading your favourite parts. I’ve never laughed and happy cried and sad cried so much in a book. I think that part of it is that Ove reminded me a lot of my dad, who passed away several years ago, but it’s mostly because Backman wrote him as such a real person. He is obviously very perceptive about the tiny nuances of of a person. This was my first Backman. I got up at 5am to finish reading it before work - I was a crying mess, but immediately jumped on Goodreads and put every one of his books on my Want to Read list. This might be my favourite book of all time, and I’m 58, so I’ve read a lot of books 😊

This is why Fredrick Backman is my favourite author. His writing is gut-wrenching but at the same time so hopeful and heartwarming. I am a sucker for happy/hopeful endings. His books feel like a warm hug. I cried so much at the end of Anxious people, I felt like holding the book close to my heart and just sobbing. Also, loved your review on Ove, it was the first Backman book i read, brb gonna re-read it again!

I ordered this book a few days ago because of your recommendation.. I literally just finished and I am a WREEECK, and I’m crying along with you watching the spoilery section of this video. You said in another video that you wanted to reread it already because you miss him and it feels like he’s your neighbor, and I agree wholeheartedly even after just finishing it 5 minutes ago. Thank you for sharing your love for this novel because I think it is one of my newest favorites 🖤

This book gave me so many emotions and wow. Now I want to reread it after crying at your review

I read this one in January. When I was at the beginning I told my boyfriend it was a book about a grumpy old man "but don't worry, his heart will definitely grow a few sizes in the end." Did not expect it to happen like that. Absolutely loved the book and cried with you while watching this review ♥️

This review makes me want to read this book so much

I am just 12 chapters into the book, and on the part where Patrick falls off the ladder. And oh my god, it’s so good. Earlier I felt Ove was just an irritating person who thinks too much. But the way my opinion changed in just a single chapter. I am absolutely head over heels in love with the book. Sonja have not yet entered the book. But her build up is so good, I feel like that she’s the only person I want to know. The struggles Ove went through, and I am on verge of crying, and next chapter Patrick does something so silly and Parvaneh and Ove’s relationship is so hysterical, that I laugh out loud. All I could say I am so so enjoying it.... And I kept on checking before I picked this book up that if Backman is Merph’s favourite author why isn’t this one reviewed because this one is generally the first Backman book everyone reads and its mine first one too. So glad to hear your thoughts. Should I pick Bear Town next?

This was the one book of Backman's that I was most excited for you to read and give us your thoughts on. I first read it in my first year of university and did it all in one sitting because I just had to know all about Ove. The first I cried was after the first chapter and I knew it would be a wild ride, but not in a scary way, you know what I mean? It was the first book I ever read of Backman's too and I am still waiting to love one of his characters as much as I love Ove. I started Beartown, and am anticipating much pain for my heart. Happy Reading, I enjoy watching your videos very much :)

An absolute favorite. I feel the same. I was not ready for how attached I became to Ove. You start getting emotional and I'm over here crying all over again and I read it like 2 or 3 years go.

You really need to read Britt Marrie was here. I am positive you are gonna love it. And if you do, please make a video of it. I really want someone to talk about it. Its one of my favourite books by Fredrik Backman and I have read all his books.

@mariekeana

3 жыл бұрын

I've read Beartown, Anxious people, Britt Marie and Ove, loved all of them. He's such a good writer. Which one would you recommend next?

@malikaqsa941

3 жыл бұрын

@@mariekeana read his short stories or his non-fiction things my son needs to know about the world. All are awesome

So glad you finally got to read this awesome book

I cried over the book AND now reviewing it with you. It is enchanting while at the same time it is so realistic that it gives me hope for the future.

I’m about to read it! Thanks for the review ❤️🤍

This was my first Backman book. After seeing you praising Backman's works in lots of your videos, I wanted to have a look for myself. And even though you never mentioned "A man called Ove" I chose this book. I think, this is the first book that made me tear up. Thank you so much for recommending Backman to your community and making me discover new favourites!

This book. Oh this book! I adored every thing about it. It may be my new favorite! Ove reminded me so very much of my own grandfather whom passed away in 2022. Oh my I just love it desperately.

That book sounds absolutely incredible and, wow, I am so emotional right now! I am even more eager to pick it up!

i am only watching spoiler free and i am so excited to read it i love your videos! leaving now 😂

I'm not crying. You're crying! 😭😭😭 Damn. Just finished this. Bawled my eyes out. Watched your review. Bawled my eyes out again. We highlighted pretty much the same stuff. Whew. Can't wait to read more from him.

I read this book two years ago but hearing you speak about it made me ugly-cry all over again 🥺

The book has been adapted into a movie as well. If you haven't seen it yet you should really check it out. On a sidenote, my first encounter with Backman was his weekly essays in the Swedish edition of Metro that he wrote back in 2012 before his first book took off (which coincidentally was this exact book). I'd have exactly 17 minutes on the subway to my high school in central Stockholm and I would always make sure to read his essay first. Not that it was long and took a lot of time to read, but I'd often find myself needing a few minutes to ponder over what he'd written.

We are very lucky to have an extraordinary audiobook narrator for all the Backman books in Germany and there are some narrators that manage to add an special layer to the stories. I adored this book!

Great review, definitely will pick this up! On a side note, what is the blue book with three gold rings on the cover behind you? I love that cover!

Your shirt is so cool!