Audiobook Sample
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- Title: Man Called Ove: A Novel
- Author: Fredrik Backman
- Narrator: J. K. Simmons
- Length: 09:14:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 26/11/2019
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster Audio
- Genre: Fiction & Literature, Literary Fiction, General
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
It reminds me of a time when I was wandering the narrow streets of Lisbon, the smell of grilled sardines wafting through the air, and an old man in a weathered cap sat on a bench, grumbling at passersby. I couldn’t help but smile – he was the spitting image of Ove, the curmudgeonly hero of Fredrik Backman’s “Man Called Ove: A Novel”. That trip was years ago, but when I slipped on my headphones and let J. K. Simmons’ gravelly voice guide me into Ove’s world, it all came rushing back. The audiobook experience unfolded like a well-worn map, revealing a landscape of solitude, unexpected connections, and the quiet beauty of a life reshaped by others.
Backman’s tale introduces us to Ove, a Swedish grump who’d rather fix a radiator than make small talk. He’s the kind of guy who’d scowl at you for parking crooked, and yet, beneath that prickly exterior lies a heart bruised by loss and tethered to routine. When a lively family moves in next door – complete with two chatterbox daughters and a knack for chaos – Ove’s orderly world gets flipped upside down. What starts with a flattened mailbox spirals into a story that’s equal parts hilarious and tender, a literary fiction gem that digs into the human condition with a sly grin.
Listening to this audiobook felt personal, like J. K. Simmons was sitting across from me at a dusty roadside café, spinning a yarn over a cup of black coffee. It took me back to those evenings in Oaxaca, where a grandmother’s voice wove tales under a flickering lantern. Simmons nails that same intimacy – his narration is gruff yet warm, perfectly capturing Ove’s stubbornness and the slow thaw of his defenses. You can almost hear the creak of Ove’s old Saab or the shuffle of his boots on the pavement. The audio quality is crisp, with just over nine hours of runtime that fly by like a good road trip. Simmons doesn’t just read; he embodies Ove, giving every grunt and sigh a weight that pulls you deeper into the story.
The themes here hit close to home. Ove’s solitude isn’t just crankiness – it’s a shield, forged from grief over his wife, Sonja, and a life that didn’t go as planned. I thought of my own stretches of loneliness, like that time in the Atacama Desert when I drove for hours with only “One Hundred Years of Solitude” on the stereo, the surreal dunes mirroring my own wandering thoughts. Backman’s genius lies in showing how connection creeps in – through a stray cat, a neighbor’s persistence, or a shared laugh over a botched U-Haul job. It’s a reminder that even the most guarded hearts can crack open, a lesson I’ve learned from countless strangers who’ve turned into friends on the road.
Simmons’ performance elevates this. His voice carries the weariness of a man who’s seen too much, but it softens just enough when Ove’s humanity peeks through – like when he begrudgingly helps his new neighbors or feeds that scruffy cat he claims to hate. The pacing is spot-on, letting the humor breathe (the scene with the bike shed dispute had me chuckling out loud) while giving the sadder moments room to settle. If there’s a flaw, it’s minor – the Swedish names and quirks might feel foreign to some listeners, and without visuals, you have to lean on Simmons’ tone to picture it all. But that’s a small price for such a rich listening experience.
Compared to other feel-good literary tales like “The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry”, “Ove” stands out for its bite. Where Harold’s journey is gentle and introspective, Ove’s is prickly and raw, softened by Backman’s knack for finding comedy in the mundane. It’s got the same neighborly charm as “Major Pettigrew’s Last Stand”, but with a Scandinavian twist that’s both refreshing and universal. The audiobook format suits it perfectly – Ove’s grumbling feels more alive when you hear it, and Simmons’ delivery adds a layer of grit that the page alone might miss.
For all its strengths, it’s not flawless. The story leans hard on Ove’s transformation, and if you’re not sold on his softer side by the end, it might feel a tad predictable. Some flashbacks – beautifully narrated as they are – slow the pace a bit, though they’re worth it for the depth they add to Ove’s past. Still, this is a minor quibble in a novel that balances humor and heartache so deftly.
I’d recommend this to anyone who loves a good story about the messiness of human connection – think literary fiction fans, or anyone who’s ever found themselves softened by a stranger’s kindness. It’s perfect for a long drive or a quiet night in, especially if you can snag it as a free audiobook through a trial on Audiobooks.com or a library app like Hoopla. The free download option makes it a no-brainer – why not let Ove grumble his way into your life?
Reflecting on it now, “Man Called Ove” feels like one of those rare finds you stumble across in a tucked-away village – a story that surprises you with its warmth. It’s left me thinking about the Oves I’ve met in my travels, those gruff souls who hide big hearts. Simmons’ voice still echoes in my head, a companion as steady as the hum of tires on an open road. This audiobook didn’t just tell me a story – it took me somewhere, and I’m better for it.
Until our next journey through words, stay curious and keep listening,
Marcus Rivera
