Backman got his inspiration for this book after reading an article about a man named Ove who had a fit while buying tickets at an art museum. Backman instantly related to this man as he claims to be "not great at talking to people".[2] He started writing blogposts under the heading, "I am a Man Called Ove", where he wrote about his pet peeves and annoyances. Eventually, he realized that his writing had potential for the creation of an interesting fictional character.[2]
Characters
Ove — A grumpy, 59-year-old widower who has recently been forced to retire
Sonja — Ove's deceased wife
Parvaneh — Ove's neighbor, a pregnant woman of Iranian descent, and a mother of two
Patrick — Parvaneh's husband
Rune — Ove's former friend who has become a nemesis and neighbor, he now has Alzheimer's
Anita — Rune's wife
Adrian — The neighborhood mailman
Jimmy — The overweight neighbor
Reception
Overall, A Man Called Ove was received well, with the review aggregator website, Book Marks, rates its overall reception as "rave" based on five reviews with three being "rave" and two being "positive".[5]Kirkus Reviews gave a positive review of the novel, describing how, "the back story chapters have a simple, fablelike quality, while the current-day chapters are episodic and, at times, hysterically funny. In both instances, the narration can veer toward the preachy or overly pat, but wry descriptions, excellent pacing and the juxtaposition of Ove's attitude with his deeds add plenty of punch to balance out any pathos."[6]Publishers Weekly called the novel "a fuzzy crowd-pleaser that serves up laughs to accompany a thoughtful reflection on loss and love. Though Ove's antics occasionally feel repetitive, the author writes with winning charm."[7]
An English-language film adaptation called A Man Called Otto was also released, with Tom Hanks starring and producing.[16]
Theatre
In January 2015, a stage version of the book, starring Johan Rheborg in the leading role as Ove, premiered in Stockholm.[17]
Audiobook
In July 2014, Dreamscape Media released an audiobook version of this book, read in English by the American actor George Newbern.[18] In November 2019, Simon & Schuster released an audiobook version read in English by American actor J.K. Simmons.[19]
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