Books similar to "A Man Called Ove"
Discovering your next great read has never been easier! If you like "A Man Called Ove" by Fredrik Backman, you're in the right place. Our curated list features books that share similar themes, styles or vibes.
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The Hundred-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared
by Jonas Jonasson
Written by Jonas Jonasson, this novel is a humorous and adventurous tale of Allan Karlsson, who escapes from a nursing home on his hundredth birthday. Like Ove, Allan is a quirky and irritable centenarian whose life is rich with unexpected escapades. The story's charm lies in its blend of comedy, historical insight, and a heartwarming portrayal of its protagonist's relationships, echoing the blend of humor and sentiment seen in "A Man Called Ove."
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The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
by Rachel Joyce
Rachel Joyce's novel tells the story of Harold Fry, a retired man who embarks on a journey across England to visit a dying friend. This unexpected pilgrimage transforms his outlook on life. Similar to Ove's journey of self-discovery and new friendships, Harold's trek is filled with reflections on life, love, and redemption. Both novels feature protagonists who embark on transformative journeys, crafted with warmth, wit, and deep emotional insights.
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The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel
by Deborah Moggach
Written by Deborah Moggach, this novel follows a group of British retirees who move to India. The cultural and personal transformations they undergo are portrayed with humor and empathy. Like Ove, the novel focuses on older characters whose lives are rekindled through unexpected friendships and challenges. The themes of aging, embracing change, and finding new purpose resonate strongly, making it a befitting companion to "A Man Called Ove."
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Major Pettigrew's Last Stand
by Helen Simonson
Helen Simonson's novel introduces readers to Major Ernest Pettigrew, a retired British officer whose life is upended by a budding romance with the Pakistani shopkeeper, Mrs. Ali. Similar to "A Man Called Ove," it explores themes of love, loneliness, and societal expectations. The story delves into culture clash and the personal growth that arises from embracing the unexpected, much like Ove's journey of opening up to his new neighbors.
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Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine
by Gail Honeyman
In Gail Honeyman's novel, Eleanor Oliphant leads a highly regimented life that shields her from emotional disturbances. Her world begins to change when she befriends Raymond, a colleague. Like Ove, Eleanor's isolated life slowly transforms through unexpected friendships and love. Both novels explore themes of connection, healing old wounds, and the importance of human relationships, making them poignant character studies filled with humor and warmth.
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The Rosie Project
by Graeme Simsion
Graeme Simsion's novel is about Don Tillman, a socially awkward genetics professor who creates a survey to find the perfect partner. However, his plans are upended when he meets Rosie. The story mirrors "A Man Called Ove" in its depiction of an eccentric character finding unexpected love and connection. Both protagonists embark on journeys that broaden their understanding of themselves and others, with humor and emotion at their core.
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The Leisure Seeker
by Michael Zadoorian
Written by Michael Zadoorian, "The Leisure Seeker" follows an elderly couple, Ella and John, who embark on a final road trip in their RV. Like Ove, this novel grapples with themes of aging, love, and finding joy even as life nears its end. The mix of humor, poignant reflections on life and death, and the emphasis on the power of love and companionship align it closely with "A Man Called Ove."
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The Story of Arthur Truluv
by Elizabeth Berg
Elizabeth Berg's heartwarming novel tells of Arthur, a widower who forms unlikely friendships with his neighbor, Maddy, and Lucille, a fellow widow. Like "A Man Called Ove," the story is about intergenerational bonds and finding solace in companionship. The exploration of loss, hope, and new beginnings through Arthur's empathetic, courageous spirit makes it a touching, uplifting read similar in tone and message to Backman's novel.
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Anxious People
by Fredrik Backman
Another book by Fredrik Backman, "Anxious People," involves a seemingly absurd hostage situation that brings together a group of confused strangers. Similar to "A Man Called Ove," it uses humor and depth to explore human eccentricities, life’s unpredictability, and the compassion in shared experiences. While from the same author, this book expands on themes of connection, empathy, and understanding, central to Ove's story.
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The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper
by Phaedra Patrick
Phaedra Patrick's novel features Arthur Pepper, who discovers a charm bracelet belonging to his deceased wife, propelling him on an unexpected journey to uncover her past. Much like "A Man Called Ove," this novel is about dealing with loss and finding new beginnings through adventure and self-discovery. Both protagonists are elderly men who must confront the unknown and open up to change, with significant focus on love and healing.