After reading the first two chapters of this book, which I'd been meaning to read for quite some time, and which so many people had recommended to me--I was afraid that it would be a dull book about a man I didn't much like. But I persisted, and am so glad I did.

This novel is simply written and presented in short vignettes which are arranged in a clever way that lets the reader see Ove from all directions. Ove had been on his own from an early age. He has known tragedy. He is a good man. He is principled, and lives his life based on those principles. He has his routines, as everyone should. And he thinks that he doesn't need other people. That is where his is wrong.

Not to worry--Ove does not hate cats. Ove especially does not hate The Cat Annoyance.

"The cat eats tuna fish twice per day and doesn't like shitting in other people's houses. Please respect that..."

One could pretty much say the same of Ove. Everyone needs a routine and, perhaps, something to complain about...I fell in love with Ove. There is sadness in his life, but also humor. The author placed these funny moments very well.

Random note: I was put in mind of the Nick Hornsby novel, About a Boy; it's also about the importance of having other people in one's life.

Anyway, I would recommend this to anyone!