Fredrik Backman specializes in creating characters that feel like caricatures of real people. His stories are filled with warmth and sadness. This story’s protagonist, Ove, is a grumpy old man. He is known as the “bitter neighbor.” He is always skeptical of people, and he is bad-tempered. But underneath all that, there is sadness and heartbreak.

After his wife’s death and losing his job, Ove can’t find a reason to stay alive. At the moment of his attempted suicide, he is interrupted by his new neighbor. While backing a car, the new neighbor smashes Ove’s mail box completely. The story starts with this simple premise, and soon it turns out to be a story about family, friendship, grief, loss, and heartbreak.
The chatty, boisterous new neighbors and their children begin to play a huge part in Ove’s life, and Ove’s life begins to change for the better.
This story is a mix of tragedy and comedy. It delves into Ove’s past with his wife, and it portrays Ove slowly coming out of his depression with the help of a community.
The writing is quirky and easy to get through. This story is undeniably wholesome and beautiful and a must-read novel for everyone. 

-Ariana