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I’m pausing this. I was listening to it and the narrator mispronounced two words in a span of 30 minutes (“tangentially” and “Niçoise salad”). I’m too fussy.

Going by the 25% I’ve listed to it’s a solid 3.5/5

I love this book. Themes of religion and its stranglehold on culture and the mindset of people; of home and belonging; of first love and real love; of family; etc. There’s so much warmth and humour and sadness and heartbreak and love. I procrastinated finishing this book because it meant having to say goodbye to Cyril Avery.

A gem 💎 ❤️

“It was a bright blue day. The green leaves curled playfully into the sky, and daffodils burst out like exclamation points among the tombstones.”

I wanted to create some distance (time) from having seen the Swedish adaptation of this novel many years ago to reading the source. I’m ready I think. This will be my 3rd book by the author and I’ve loved both prior to this, so a high bar for Ove.

“Sentiment and necessary action. Could the two…not coexist? Has necessary action been dictated by emotion? Could the heart not have a say?”
3.5/5 that’s rounded up to a 4/5. I’m a sucker for historical fiction and also beautiful covers with stickers (shortlisted or award winning ) but there is a pacing problem. The last 1/4 of the book is where a lot of the plot points happen and seem to have been rushed.

Have this the 50-page college try. I thought my brain needed a bit of brain candy. 🤮

Fascinating read so far. I knew he was a witty celebrity but I am impressed with the vivid details and wisdom he imparts. Must. Read. More.