12 Books to Read if you Loved A Man Called Ove
So, you’ve finished Fredrik Backman’s A Man Called Ove and fallen in love with the Swedish, ill-tempered, miser old man known as Ove (did you know that Ove is pronounced as “Oo-veh”?). And now you feel lost. We understand. What do you read after falling in love with such a heart-warming and charming tale narrated with both humour and pathos? Which other book can gift you such a satisfying story and characters?
Here are 12 recommendations for all Ove-lovers out there:
1. The Unexpected Pilgrimage of Harold Fry by Rachel Joyce
“But maybe it’s what the world needs. A little less sense, and a little more faith.”
A retired salesman for a brewery receives a letter of goodbye from an old friend, Queenie, who is dying of cancer. On the way to the mailbox with a return letter, Harold ends up setting out on a 500 mile walk to visit her. Thus begins Mr. Fry’s unexpected pilgrimage from one end of England to the other. In the long three months of Harold’s journey, we come to know more about his past and the regrets and joys which he accumulated along the way.
This debut novel by Rachel Joyce is a heart-warming work of fiction full of practical wisdom. Harold’s story takes an introspective approach with a lot of issues in a tranquil way. The sweetness and sadness of Harold’s story stands out as brilliant and fresh for readers of all tastes. What I really loved is the simplicity yet uniqueness of the story and characters. Harold is a person with flaws just like you and me. I really enjoyed how the author told this tale; from lots of meaningful quotes to the picturesque description of England’s rods and places, the book was charming. If you loved Ove, I would definitely recommend you to take a walk with Harold.
2. Memoirs of an Imaginary Friend by Mathew Dicks
Isn’t the title enough to inform the reader that it’s a unique and heart-warming tale? Budo, the imaginary friend of Max who a boy of eight and has a learning disorder, narrated this beautiful tale of love, loyalty and the power of imagination. This book with a very unusual yet interesting point-of-view is one of those that makes you look at the world from a different lens. Budo will present plenty of things to keep the inner philosopher in you engaged. You will love every single moment you spend with Budo and Max.
3. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion
Meet Don Tillman, professor of genetics, who is an oddly charming and socially challenged old man on an unusual quest: to find if he is capable of true love. He calls it “The Wife Project”. This hilarious, feel-good novel is suitable for readers of all kinds. It’s a quirky, erudite and fun love story, yet unexpectedly touching.
4. I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith
Through six turbulent months of 1934, 17-year-old Cassandra Mortmain keeps a journal, filling three notebooks with sharply funny yet poignant entries about her rented home, a ruined castle, and her eccentric and penniless family.
Written almost seventy years ago, from the author of The Hundred and One Dalmatians, this lesser-known classic stands out as a pioneer work of the young woman’s bildungsroman- witty and romantic, it will capture your heart.
5. Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand by Helen Simonson
Let me introduce you to Major Ernest Pettigrew, a proper Englishman whose life takes an unlikely turn. After his brother’s sudden death, he finds himself forming a friendship with Mrs. Jasmina Ali, a Pakistani shopkeeper, bonding over their shared affection for literature and the grieving of their spouses. But can they overcome the shadow of the village people’s judgement? It is indeed lovely to see a passionate romance between a Romeo of sixty-eight and a Juliet of fifty-eight. The writing style deserves special mention. Not only is the novel never boring, but it is written with an Austen-like elegant humour, which one doesn’t often find these days. Pick up this book for a pleasant read.
6. The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
As weird and intriguing as the title sounds, this books is one that you would read and recommend to all. After a long and eventful life, Allan Karlsson ends up in a nursing home, believing it to be his last stop. The only problem is that he’s still in perfectly good health. A grand celebration is being prepared for his 100th birthday, but Allan really isn’t interested in the least, so he decides to escape. He climbs out the window in his slippers and embarks on a hilarious and entirely unexpected journey. This is the type of book that would interest readers of all kinds.
7. The Storied Life of A. J Fikry by Gabrielle Zevin
This is the perfect book for anyone who wishes they lived in a bookstore. A. J Fikry uses books to escape life, but it all gets turned around to using them to connect to people. He is a lonely curmudgeon who runs a little book shop in an island off Cape Cod. The book is a casual stroll through the mind of a complex, yet vastly simple middle-aged widower whose outlook on life has deflated. You’ll love this book because of its simple yet powerful content, which will make it among one of your most memorable reads.
8. Nothing to See Here by Kevin Wilson
Nothing to See Here is a moving and uproarious novel about a woman who finds meaning in her life when she begins caring for two children with remarkable and disturbing abilities. It’s a quirky and heart-warming tale about loneliness and family bond. This dark, emotional and humorous story has a touch of magical realism too. It is a kind of book that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy in the end.
9. Mr Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
Working the night shift at Mr Penumbra’s 24-Hour Bookstore should be incredibly dull. But recent hire Clay, a web designer, realizes something odd is going on in this seemingly typical bookstore. Secret societies, complex puzzles, and adventure follow-all in the name of love and books. It’s a mystery/adventure, set in San Francisco. This book is a love letter for books, bibliophiles, and also for technology.
10. Etta and Otto and Russell and James by Emma Hooper
A disarmingly enchanting meditation on wartime, self-discovery, and love, Etta and Otto and Russell and James by Emma Hooper begins when almost-eighty-three-year-old Etta sets off on foot to see the sea for the first time, a journey that takes her more than two thousand kilometres across Canada. A hint of magical realism adds charm to this story, with characters who will stay with you forever.
11. My Grandmother Asks Me to Tell You She’s Sorry by Fredrik Backman
Elsa is seven years old and different. Her grandmother is seventy-seven years old and crazy. She is also Elsa’s best and only friend. This book is a lovely, heart-warming love letter between a little girl and her hilarious and eccentric grandmother. Backman creates characters who are extraordinary and memorable, just like Ove. The book follows Elsa’s adventures through the letters her grandmother wrote to her. Apart from its unique story, the book also explores complicated emotions with wisdom.
12. Britt-Marie was Here by Fredrik Backman
Britt-Marie was Here is an irresistible novel about finding love and second chances in the most unlikely of places. A lovely heart-warming, and humorous tale that snags your heartstrings for the broken Britt-Marie, this book is a must read for all Backman fans. He has the ability to capture the feel of people and places with very few words.
Grab any of the above books for a light-hearted, feel-good read which will leave you with a smile on your face.
- Hibathu Naseer
Originally published at https://www.bookishsanta.com on January 23, 2021.
