A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman is a heartwarming novel that tells the story of a grumpy old man named Ove who gradually learns to open his heart and connect with those around him. It’s a moving and thought-provoking book that has resonated with readers around the world.
If you loved A Man Called Ove and are looking for similar books to read, you’re in luck! Here are some other novels that explore themes of love, loss, and the human condition in ways that are sure to capture your heart and keep you turning the pages.
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
In The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry, a retired man named Harold Fry embarks on a journey across England to visit an old friend who is dying of cancer. Along the way, Harold meets a variety of people who help him confront the demons of his past and find a new sense of purpose in life. This book is a moving exploration of loss, redemption, and the beauty of everyday life.
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine tells the story of a socially awkward woman who is content with her solitary life until she meets a new coworker who challenges her beliefs about the world. As Eleanor navigates the complexities of human relationships, she begins to understand the importance of vulnerability and connection. This book is a funny and heartwarming read that will leave you rooting for the quirky and endearing protagonist.
The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
Like A Man Called Ove, The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry is a novel that celebrates the transformative power of human connection. When bookstore owner A.J. Fikry’s life takes a turn for the worse, he finds unexpected solace in the people around him, including a young sales rep named Amelia and a precocious toddler who appears in his bookstore. This book is a charming and uplifting read that will leave you feeling hopeful and inspired.
Florence Gordon by Brian Morton
Brian Morton’s Florence Gordon is an exquisite portrayal of an outspoken and formidable retired college professor, renowned for her activism and sharp-tongued personality within New York City’s intellectual and literary circles. At seventy-five, Florence has set her sights on writing her memoir but finds herself continuously disrupted by the world’s incessant demands. Her son Daniel, his wife, and their college-age daughter arrive for a summer visit, much to Florence’s vexation. As she strives to avoid being embroiled in their tiresome family dramas, this character-driven novel offers a refreshing dose of candidness and wit, leaving readers with a collection of memorable quips.
Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson
Set in a small English village, Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand is a delightful novel about the unexpected romance that blossoms between a widowed retired major and a Pakistani shopkeeper named Mrs. Ali. The book explores themes of love, family, and the clash of cultures in a humorous and heartfelt way that is sure to resonate with fans of A Man Called Ove.
The One-in-a-Million Boy by Monica Wood
The One-in-a-Million Boy is a poignant novel about a young boy who befriends a 104-year-old woman named Ona. When the boy suddenly dies, his father takes over his son’s commitment to help Ona with her weekly tasks. Through their work together, the father comes to understand his son in ways he never could before. This book is a touching exploration of grief, love, and the power of human connection.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
As the narrative unfolds, Tova Sullivan, an idiosyncratic septuagenarian, finds solace in her job as a nightshift worker at the Sowell Bay Aquarium, where she is surrounded by the majestic creatures of the deep. Tova, blessed with financial stability, delights in immersing herself in the company of the marine life and finds herself increasingly captivated by Marcellus.
The storyline bears similarities to the acclaimed novel A Man Called Ove, in which the elderly protagonist, Ove, finds purpose in life through the restoration of order and the enforcement of rules. Both novels feature elderly characters who, in their own way, find a way to navigate life’s challenges and find meaning in the mundane. While Ove’s story is one of grief and loss, Tova’s journey explores themes of connection and the interplay between humans and nature.
The Unexpected Guest by Michael Konik
A Man Called Ove and The Unexpected Guest share similarities in that both narratives explore the transformative power of human connection and kindness. In A Man Called Ove, the eponymous protagonist learns to open himself up to others and find redemption through his relationships with his neighbors. Similarly, in The Unexpected Guest, Michael Konik and his family’s act of extending a helping hand to “Fisher King Mike” leads to a powerful and transformative experience for all involved.
However, the two narratives differ significantly in terms of their focus and scope. A Man Called Ove is a novel that explores the complexities of grief, loss, and the human condition, while The Unexpected Guest is a memoir that recounts a particular instance of one family’s experience with homelessness and the power of human kindness.
In conclusion, if you enjoyed A Man Called Ove, these books are sure to capture your heart and leave you feeling inspired. Whether you’re in the mood for a heartwarming romance or a poignant exploration of grief and loss, these novels have something for everyone. So curl up with a cup of tea and get ready to be swept away by these captivating stories.
This is a great list. A Man Called Ove is one of my favorite books! Some of these others have been on my TBR for a long time. Guess I need to read them sooner rather than later. lol