A man called Ove by Fredrik Backman 📚💜👴 Book Club Discussion JULY Part Two

[@Lauraareads]

Amazing discussion! This is one of my favourite books and I loved Ove (grumpiness and all!) 💓

[@ellenmadebookclub]

Thank you so much! 😊💜 It's such a good story, and really pulls at your heartstrings, from all angles haha! I would be hella grumpy too if I were Ove. Probably a lot worse 😂

[@BonnieNicoleWrites]

I am with you about rules being there for a reason! I feel like some things are just common sense and riding bikes in a cemetery would really bother me too! I thought this book was so beautiful and I loved how Backman (as per usual) really shows well how every person always has much more depth and background and story to them than what we see on the surface. I love what you said about younger generations! It drives me nuts how generations tend to speak so rudely and condescendingly to the next/younger generations. There is SO much the younger generations can offer and there are so many ways that the next generation will surpass prior generations (for the better). And of course ways that the younger generation can learn from older generations too. Respect goes both ways!

[@ellenmadebookclub]

Respect and common sense! Really, how hard can it be?! ☺ You're so right. I hope the younger generations come with a lot of kindness and humanity, then the rest will work itself out. They'll need a lot of strength and integrity too though, or they will just be seen as weak. Oh wait, maybe that's just me 😂 I agree about Backman showing what's beneath the surface in such a beautiful way. It's very straight forward in a way, without being on the nose about it. Very carefully revealed. I really enjoyed this book, and I'm looking forward to reading more!

[@apoetreadstowrite]

Really interesting review of a fraught text. Thanks for the open, honest discussion.

[@ellenmadebookclub]

@@apoetreadstowrite Thank you! 🙏😊

[@Curious-Cat]

Ahahah, I can soOo relate to being very triggered when people don't follow (sensible) rules. But I also have the flip side of it that if a rule feels absurd, I'll get very frustrated and struggle to follow it. I hope you never lose your optimism and joy 💛 Really enjoyed this video, even if I didn't read the book - made me really curious to read it!

[@ellenmadebookclub]

Haha yes! 😂😂 I'll follow it, but be very irritated! Thank you 💜 Trying my best! Thank you for watching, I hope you'll enjoy reading it eventually 😊

[@helenclare3250]

Hi Ellen! I have just finished this today. I will watch this video tonight. Just my initial thoughts; this book made me laugh out loud in parts but it was so sad too. Ultimately it was uplifting but I got too emotional half way through and had to put it aside. So, so emotional but I'm glad I read it. It packs a punch. I'll be back to hear your thoughts soon!

[@ellenmadebookclub]

Hi Helen! Oh I know what you mean! It's such a gem of a book, I can't wait to hear more of your thoughts later! Thanks for telling me you finished it, that made my day! 🥰

[@Bryndisdaugtherofgunnar]

This book is fantastic. It is maybe my favourite of the year so far! I loved Ove and just wanted to hug him. Having said that, it was such a difficult read for me. I lost my brother to suicide so the story was very triggering, but in a good way, if that is possible. It was therapeutic. I think Backman writes about this topic in such a way that is just real and straightforward and honest. I don't know, I loved this book even though I sobbed the entire time I read it. I definitely want to read more of his books!

[@ellenmadebookclub]

@@Bryndisdaugtherofgunnar I’m so sorry to hear about your brother Bryndis. I know you’ve mentioned it before, but I didn’t realize it was your brother. I can only imagine what reading this book was like for you. I’m glad you enjoyed it though, if that’s the right word for it but you know what I mean. That it was therapeutic for you. I definitely wanted to hug Ove too, and I kind of miss him now that’s it been a while since I finished the book. He felt more like a person than a character to me. I want to read more of Backman as well, I’ve been picking up his books whenever I find them! Luckily they are usually pretty easy to find second hand here. A big hug to you Bryndis! Thank you for reading along and all the love to you and your brother. 🕯️

[@Bryndisdaugtherofgunnar]

@@ellenmadebookclub Thank you ❤

[@itsmimiduong]

Haven't read Ove yet but it's definitely a book I want to read eventually! But Anxious people will be my first book from Fredrik Backman. 🤩 I love your responses for these questions. Thank you so much for sharing a personal part of you in these answers 🧡 It feels like the story of Ove is very much about a man that's grown and gone through a lot (referring to the part when you're talking about how admirable Ove is). I wonder how the translation would change between English vs Swedish. I'll definitely keep your comment in mind when I read it for the first time! The grumpiness but out of love! LMAO, I was cracking up when you said, "We can't absorb it through osmosis." 😂😂😂 I agree with your comments about the dynamics between older and younger gen! There shouldn't be a divide between us.

[@ellenmadebookclub]

I haven't been that intrigued by Anxious people, but Chelsea just mentioned it as shared second place with Ove, so I'll probably read it at some point! I hope you'll enjoy! Ove does go through a lot! It's a very worthwhile read. Not all people go through all of that of course, but I think it does put into perspective just how much an older person might have experienced in their lifetime. It's so hard to imagine, I think, what another ten years would hold. So to have lived 30 more years than me... a lot of things can happen, good and bad. So it just gives some perspective on that too. I think the translations are probably good for the most part! There are some expressions that might get lost, but on the whole I think it translates pretty well. There are grumpy old men in any culture! 😂 I think you'd enjoy this one, can't wait for you to read it! 💜

[@TheLibraryMouseGina]

I haven't read the book or seen the movie, although I have thought about it. I think your discussion surrounding grief resonated with me. What you said is so true. Also.. I tend to be persnickety about rule following- I have been like that ever since I was a child haha. (I must have been a lot of fun! 🙄) I really want to read this book now- spoilers or not.

[@ellenmadebookclub]

I guess it depends on your definition of fun! ☺ Wild and crazy is not for everyone! (Luckily!) I'm glad it resonated for you, although I don't want anyone to have to go through that. But we all probably have to at some point, and then it can be comforting to know we're not alone in our feelings. Because they can be very consuming. I think you would really enjoy this book. There is a lot of sadness, but there is also a lot of love, perseverance, friendship, and good humans. And it's funny too, in a subtle kind of way. The prompt I picked it for was heartwarming, and that's definitely true :) 💜

[@helenclare3250]

I enjoyed hearing your answers to the questions. I have to say, you've chosen two really great books (so far, for me) that are not necessarily what I would have picked up. I did not expect how emotional this would be. It was almost unbearable at times, hence the fact I had to put it down for quite a while. You are so right - we don't know what others are going/have been through. I loved Ove's character. He read as someone much older but I am so fond of him. I give this 4 stars as it was slightly triggering in places but I'm so glad I read it. It's a special book. Thank you!

[@ellenmadebookclub]

I'm so glad you enjoyed it! Even though it's very emotional. I had seen the movie some years ago, so I was a little prepared for what it would entail, but it was still a very emotional read for me as well, and it's not very clear from the cover how triggering it can be. I read this back in June, and Ove still feels like a person I spent time with, rather than a character in a book, and I care about him too. And I agree he read much older, but I just ignore whatever it says his age is :) He's been through so much, so maybe he reads older for that reason as well. I've been collecting more of Backman's books since, and I look forward to reading Beartown by him in October. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I feel like giving you a hug, I hope you're doing ok :)

[@helenclare3250]

@@ellenmadebookclub Thanks! I'm fine, I'm a tough cookie but it was unexpectedly powerful. I won't be reading another book by him yet and I don't think I will ever reread this either (I am a big rereader). I will start The Mercies tomorrow. Looking forward to it. Thanks for hosting, I'm enjoying your book club so much ❤

[@ellenmadebookclub]

@@helenclare3250 That's good to hear! Tough cookies can use a hug every once in a while too 😊 I can't decide if I should start on The Mercies or Clytemnestra, I just finished The Power. Thank you 💜

[@helenclare3250]

@@ellenmadebookclub I will read both this month, The Mercies and Clytemnestra, but decided on The Mercies first. I can't wait to hear your thoughts when you get to them. How can it be more than half way through the month already?

[@ellenmadebookclub]

@@helenclare3250 I know, it’s gone by so fast! I’m not ready! I’ve decided on Clytemnestra now, it’s time! 😄

[@LibrariesandLattes]

Enjoyed this one too! Thanks for sharing so personally and for putting so much thought into your answers ❤️ That’s so interesting to get your perspective on Ove’s personality and how it might just be a Swedish/translation thing! But also everyone perceives books and characters differently so there’s that, haha. As far as the suicide question goes, I do think it’s a bit weird that the book synopsis doesn’t seem to mention that part at all, which could be pretty triggering if someone went in not knowing that and then realized that it’s a major aspect of the book. That would be my only concern, but I also think it was done well in the book and he even managed to make that aspect humorous the further we went on and the more times he got interrupted 😆 I just love Fredrick Backman. Beartown is definitely my favorite so far, but this one and Anxious People are tied for second place!

[@ellenmadebookclub]

Thank you 😊💜 There were a lot of good questions to help me along! Yes, I'm sure the translation is good for the most part, and if there's anything lost, it's likely on a pretty detailed level. Although some things, like the relationship to neighbors... It depends of course, but in general, I think Americans (and others) are more social, whereas in Sweden it's more of an introverted / socially anxious approach, where you just make a face at each other and close the door 😂 (Let's not mention the other day when a salesman knocked on my front door and I threw myself on the kitchen floor so he wouldn't see me... 🤫) So many characters in the book are quite friendly and forward, but I don't think it's a coincidence that the pregnant woman is a "foreigner"! You're so right about the suicide aspect! It should definitely say somewhere. It is on the cover image, and in bright colors, so I think that gives a hint. But everyone might not pick up on that. And it's a sensitive issue for sure. But yeah, it definitely reaches a bit of a ridiculous point in the book, where the attempts feel pretty halfhearted anyway, and he's almost waiting to be interrupted! Ove 💜 I haven't been that intrigued by Anxious people, but I'll probably read it at some point! Looking forward to Beartown though, I just don't want to think about snow yet 😂

[@nanana_naaaa]

@@ellenmadebookclub 😂lol, I would so much do the same with some random people at my door😂 (actually did it with neighbors before too…) 😬🤫 but that’s a valid point, I think Switzerland where I’m from is similar to Sweden in that regard, very reserved and everyone keeps to themselves minding their own business. So it didn’t surprise me either that the neighbor who came over frequently was a foreigner. Showing differences in cultures like this is so interesting to me.

[@nanana_naaaa]

that’s true, I didn’t know about the suicidal part of the book either and was a bit surprised by that. And it’s so early in the book that it wouldn’t really be a spoiler if it was in the blurb. I don’t usually check trigger warnings as I’m not triggered easily by anything. I think people who need the warnings would check for themselves before going into books? I’ve seen some authors now mentioning trigger warnings in the end of their books and warning readers at the beginning to go check them out if needed. I think that’s a good way to go and hope more authors (or publishers) start doing that.

[@ellenmadebookclub]

@@nanana_naaaa Haha I'm glad I'm not the only one! I almost knocked over a fire extinguisher in the process of hiding, so I'm sure he could hear me anyway... 🤦‍♀ I love the cultural aspects too! Especially when it shows the strength and love and humor of other cultures, it helps so much in shedding a different light on groups of people who are often portrayed very negatively.

[@helenclare3250]

Nice to see you pop up! I haven't read this one but want to. I shall return at a later date.

[@ellenmadebookclub]

Thank you so much, you too! 😊 You're welcome to come back whenever! How are you getting on with Achilles?

[@helenclare3250]

@@ellenmadebookclub I've finished it! I really enjoyed it. Thanks to your book club as I probably wouldn't have picked it up.

[@ellenmadebookclub]

@@helenclare3250 Me too! I really enjoyed it as well, but I think the other ones I've read are better. Maybe because they are from a female perspective, or maybe Miller just improved her writing in Circe. When you're up for another one, I would recommend Galatea or Stone blind next for some variety :) (And of course Clytemnestra in September!) I'm so glad you were inspired to try something new and enjoyed it, it gives me chills a little bit! ☺

[@helenclare3250]

@@ellenmadebookclub I am looking forward to Clytemnestra. It'll be interesting to try another Greek myth retelling just to see. Eventually I'll try your other recommendations and then I'll practically be an expert in the genre!

[@ellenmadebookclub]

@@helenclare3250 That sounds like a good plan! 😄

[@RDsLibrary]

Once again, it was was great to hear your reaction to the book and answers to the questions. I'm glad Ove worked out better than the other 2 books and was a hit. Re: the suicide question. I meant it in terms of storytelling, but it sounded really vague hearing it out loud :) It was my only criticism of the book. It almost became a slapstick comedy, whereby Ove tries to kill himself but gets saved at the last minute by somebody needing him. The humour didn't hit, for me, and devalued the experience, which is rare for one of his books. Stellan Skarsgård is much more how I imagine Ove than Tom Hanks. That said, I thought he was somebody in his late 70s and was surprised to find out he was quite a bit younger. I've read all of Fredrik's books except Britt-Marie Was Here. I prefer his fiction to his non-fiction 'advice'. Bear Town is my favourite, and the rest of the series is very good, IMO. I also really liked Anxious People. Ove would probably rank 5th, after these, but they're all well worth reading. I haven't read many authors who make me feel, think, laugh and empathise as much as he does.

[@ellenmadebookclub]

Thank you! I could have asked for clarification on the question! I thought it was pretty straight forward at first and then I was like wait... 😂 Hopefully I managed to answer it anyway! I think the humor worked, but it wasn't the suicide aspect I found funny. The further the book went along, I felt they were just halfhearted attempts and that Ove was almost waiting and hoping to be interrupted again, even if he was muttering about it. So I didn't put too much weight on that, it was just kind of there. But I could just as easily have been annoyed by it, I was in that mood, so I get where you're coming from. Haha yes, he read a lot older than he was! And I totally agree, Skarsgård is a much better fit than Tom Hanks. But then that's Hollywood for ya :) I actually got Britt-Marie recently, so that will be read at some point as well. Although probably not before the Beartown series, I need to mix it up! I really enjoy Backman's writing, and I'm curious to see if the Beartown books have a bigger impact on me than the tv series did. I thought that was good, but I barely remember it, and I hear some people being almost ruined by it... so maybe I wasn't in a very perceptive state of mind, I don't know. We'll see!

[@BeyondBooks-wt5il]

Great video! I did not realize my question would evoke such an emotional response. But you did a great job with it. Now it will be my turn. I will do a video in the next day or so answering the same questions. Hope i can do as good of a job. Do you have any questions to add to the list?

[@ellenmadebookclub]

@@BeyondBooks-wt5il Thank you! Of course, you did nothing wrong 😊 It’s an emotional book so there are plenty of things that one can be moved by or get emotional about, and then we all have our own experiences on top of that. I look forward to hearing your answers as well! I guess I would add: 1. Could you relate to Ove in any way, in terms of his outlook on people and rules etc? 2. Did you have any favorite characters other than Ove? If so why did you like them? 3. Was there ever a moment where you felt like Ove crossed a line of acceptable behavior? If so what do you think he should have done instead? Ok that’s enough 😄 Thank you for participating in the book club, it’s very much appreciated! You make it a lot of fun 🤩

[@nanana_naaaa]

I was actually so sad that I couldn’t like Ove (and with him the book) more even after knowing what pain he felt and where his grumpiness came from. I did understand, but just didn’t feel it I think. And because of that I just couldn’t really get into the story enough even though I normally get along well with cynicism or black humor. Maybe it was the time I read it or it was just not for me. (Agree on the MC of Yellowface, she was very annoying) 😂 I sadly didn’t love Beartown either, it was an “average” read for me, nice for entertainment but didn’t make me feel a lot. But I’m in the minority here, chances are high you’ll love it as so many others do ☺️ I on the other hand really liked Anxious People and Every Morning The Way Home Gets Longer And Longer (was that the title? not entirely sure) 😅

[@ellenmadebookclub]

I get that. But there is so much that goes into the reading experience, and we don't like or get along with all people, so it would be strange if we all got along and fell in love with the same characters. Sometimes it lands in the head but not the heart, and that's completely fine! It's more fun to fall in love, of course, but it's not something we can control. It might just be the current mood, or it reminds us of someone we find a bit annoying or whatever. Or sometimes I find that I care so much about someone else at the moment, I don't really have the heartspace to care as much for a fictional character. My resources are spent elsewhere :D I watched the Beartown series, and I can't remember much about it at all, or being very affected by it, so when people say it's so emotional I'm like... oh? 😂 I thought it was good, but not life changing. So I'm curious to see what I'll think of the book. I haven't been very intrigued by Anxious People, but I know people love that one too so, someday! I hadn't heard about the Way home, but that hits close to home for me, so I might try that... when I feel particularly brave :)

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[@ellenmadebookclub]

@@Freelancer-Musa Thank you for the offer, but I’m good! I’m doing this for fun and won’t be hiring anyone. Have a nice day! 🌤️

[@Freelancer-Musa]

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[@Freelancer-Musa]

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[@ellenmadebookclub]

No thank you. Good luck!