Ove is a grumpy old man with strict routines, a deep sense of duty, and a strong dislike for anyone who disrupts his ordinary life. Ove has lost his wife, Sonja, and feels lost without her. He plans to end his life, believing he has nothing left to live for.
However, Ove’s plans are interrupted when new neighbors move in next door. A lively young family, including a mother named Parvaneh and her two daughters, unwittingly intrude into Ove’s isolated world. Through their kindness and persistent efforts to connect with him, Ove slowly begins to open up. He experiences moments of joy and laughter he thought he had lost forever.
Alongside the story, through flashbacks, we learn more about Ove’s past, his love for Sonja, and the struggles he’s faced. The relationships he forms with his neighbors help him rediscover purpose and connection, showing how important community and love can be, even in the darkest times. Ultimately, Ove learns that life is worth living, even amidst grief and loneliness.
An excellent and heart-warming read, well-paced and with endearing characters. Parvaneh, while initially seeming like a token non-white character, grows to be a central figure in the narrative.