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A man called Ove

And a fiction book sneaks into my book review section...

Recommended by a friend, this book is a bittersweet read set in Sweden. And written in an endearing manner. Especially the earlier chapters - that move along at a languid pace without hurrying you up - and the clock that goes back and forth. Takes a few chapters to get used to...but by then you are rooting for the protagonist with whatever he is upto.

The story is beautiful - Ove in some parts is like the older generation. That generation for whom, the work alone is what mattered...he has a routine that he follows every single day come rain or sun...he will fight over rules with people...like a stubborn pig...he likes to do things, not talk...

The 4 main characters are well formed. I liked the writing style - the dry, wry humour - it is a style that I wish I could write.

The simplicity of the protagonist Ove  appealed to me - usually the protagonist is the one who does everything - in this case, it is he who is the subdued person, who belives in a certain simplicity to life - and the writing brings to life that life of simplicity - which perhaps we all have seen upto a generation ago...

The emotion - the layers of it - are subtle - without being in your face...and the author evokes it brilliantly - to combine humour and sadness is an art in itself...

I did not like much of the supporting cast - they seemed force fitted and even stereotypical.

And yes, it is an atypical story...

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