Literary
A Man Called Ove
A rigid, rule-obsessed widower wants nothing more than to be left alone, but a lively new family next door keeps interrupting his plans. Their persistence slowly draws out the man behind the scowl.
Facts last checked 2026-10-16
- First published
- 2012
- Pace
- Medium
- Length
- Medium
- Pages
- 295
- Format
- Standalone
Read this if you like a grumpy hero with a soft centre, and you do not mind crying on public transport.
Skip this if you want to avoid stories that treat grief and suicidal thoughts seriously, even when they are wrapped in humour.
The feel
Content warnings
Also reported by Hardcover readers:
Quick answers about A Man Called Ove
- What is A Man Called Ove about?
- A rigid, rule-obsessed widower wants nothing more than to be left alone, but a lively new family next door keeps interrupting his plans. Their persistence slowly draws out the man behind the scowl.
- Who should read A Man Called Ove?
- Read it if you like a grumpy hero with a soft centre, and you do not mind crying on public transport. Skip it if you want to avoid stories that treat grief and suicidal thoughts seriously, even when they are wrapped in humour.
- How long and how fast is A Man Called Ove?
- It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 295 pages, first published in 2012.
- Does A Man Called Ove have content warnings?
- Content we flag: Suicide, Grief, Death.
- Can I borrow A Man Called Ove for free?
- Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends A Man Called Ove; the borrow button above searches it for you.
- What should I read after A Man Called Ove?
- Readers who liked it often move on to Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine, Anxious People, Remarkably Bright Creatures.
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Where to get it
| Store | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Borrow free | ||
| Libby / OverDrive | Free with a library card | Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive |
| Print, new | ||
| Amazon | Check price | Buy new from Amazon |
| Ebook | ||
| Kobo | Check price | Buy ebook from Kobo |
| Google Play Books | Check price | Buy ebook from Google Play Books |
| Audiobook | ||
| Audible | Check price | Buy audiobook from Audible |
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If you loved A Man Called Ove
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Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine Another prickly loner whose hard shell hides pain, and whose life is gently opened up by unexpected kindness.
-
Anxious People Same author, same blend of comedy and tenderness, built around a farcical hostage situation instead of a neighbourhood.
-
Remarkably Bright Creatures A lonely older person finds connection in an unlikely creature, with the same warm, quietly sad tone.
Literary
