Fredrick Backman is a Swedish columnist and blogger.  He is also The New York Times bestselling author of “A Man Called Ove,” “My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry” and “Britt-Marie Was Here.”  In his native Sweden they were all number one bestsellers and have been published around the world in more than twenty-five languages.  The movie adaptation of “A Man Called Ove” starring Rolf Lassgård is now in limited release.  It is in Swedish with English subtitles.

According to Amazon, “A Man Called Ove” is about a grumpy old man called Ove.  People call him “the bitter neighbor from hell” because he has strong principles, strict routines and a short fuse. Just like everyone else, behind that cranky exterior there is a deeper story filled with sadness.  He has always been this way but since his wife Sonia died it has gotten worse.  He has decided that life without her is not worth living and has planned to join her.  His life begins to change when a young couple with two young daughters moves in next door.  They accidentally flatten his mailbox and that sets in motion a funny and heartwarming tale of unkempt cats, unexpected friendship and the ancient art of backing up a U-Haul.  In the end Ove’s life, as well as those of his neighbors, will be forever changed.