TOP 10 QUOTES FROM A MAN CALLED OVE

• “But sorrow is unreliable in that way. When people don’t share it there’s a good chance that it will drive them apart instead.”

• “And time is a curious thing. Most of us only live for the time that lies right ahead of us. A few days, weeks, years. One of the most painful moments in a person’s life probably comes with the insight that an age has been reached when there is more to look back on than ahead. And when time no longer lies ahead of one, other things have to be lived for. Memories, perhaps.”

• “We are always optimists when it comes to time, we think there will be time to do things with other people. And time to say things to them. Time to appeal.”

• “They say the best men are born out of their faults and that they often improve later on, more than if they’d never done anything wrong,” she’d said gently.”

• “Death is a strange thing. People live their whole lives as if it does not exist, and yet it’s often one of the great motivations for living. Some of us, in time, become so conscious of it that we live harder, more obstinately, with more fury. Some need its constant presence to even be aware of its antithesis. Others become so preoccupied with it that they go into the waiting room long before it has announced its arrival. We fear it, yet most of us fear more than anything that it may take someone other than ourselves. For the greatest fear of death is always that it will pass us by. And leave us there alone.”

A Man Called Ove – Quotes with Responses

• “Ove had never been asked how he lived before he met her. But if anyone had asked him, he would have answered that he didn’t.”

The quote underscores the idea that, before meeting Sonja, Ove’s life lacked vibrancy and meaning. He lived a life of routine and isolation, driven by principles but devoid of genuine connections or emotional depth. Ove’s existence was defined by his actions rather than his experiences, reflecting his stoic and practical approach to life.

Sonja’s arrival in Ove’s life marks a turning point. Her vivacious personality, love for literature, and unwavering support for Ove bring light and warmth into his world. She encourages him to embrace life’s spontaneity, appreciate the beauty of everyday moments, and consider alternative perspectives. Sonja’s impact on Ove is profound, transforming him from a man who merely exists to one who truly lives and cherishes the moments shared with her. Ove’s statement that he didn’t live before meeting her reflects the idea that he was merely going through the motions of life, devoid of the richness and depth that love and genuine human connections can provide. It emphasizes the idea that love has the power to awaken dormant emotions, reshape one’s priorities, and infuse life with meaning and purpose.

• “People said Ove saw the world in black and white. But she was color. All the color he had.”

The quote describes the relationship between Ove and his late wife, Sonja. Ove, as portrayed in the novel’s beginning, is a rigid, gruff, and emotionally distant man who sees the world in stark, uncompromising terms. His life is defined by rules and principles, devoid of emotional richness. Sonja, on the other hand, represents vibrancy, warmth, and love. She brings color and depth to Ove’s otherwise monochromatic existence. Through her love and influence, she softens his rough exterior and encourages him to embrace life’s complexities. This quote signifies that Sonja was the catalyst for Ove’s emotional transformation, and her love provided him with the emotional spectrum he had been lacking. It underscores how love has the power to change even the most stoic and rigid individuals, painting their lives with the hues of compassion, understanding, and joy.

• “She laughed and laughed and laughed until the vowels were rolling across the walls and floors, as if they meant to do away with the laws of time and space.”

Throughout the novel, Sonja is depicted as a vivacious and spirited individual who brings light and happiness into Ove’s life. Her laughter, as described by Ove isn’t an ordinary one but rather is so exuberant that it seems to defy the constraints of time and space. This moment is significant as it illustrates the profound impact Sonja has on Ove’s life, showing how she breaks through his stern exterior and fills his world with love, warmth, and moments of pure joy. Her memory and the love they shared continue to shape his actions and interactions with others, reminding him of the beauty and spontaneity of life.

• “We always think there’s enough time to do things with other people. Time to say things to them. And then something happens and then we stand there holding on to words like ‘if’.”

Ove contemplates the loss of his wife and grapples with grief and regret. The quote underscores the universal tendency to take time for granted and assume that there will always be another opportunity to connect with our loved ones, to express our feelings, or to mend strained relationships. However, life’s unpredictability and the suddenness of loss can leave us with unspoken words and unresolved emotions, represented by the word “if.” Eventually he learns to open up to the people around him and express his love and gratitude before it’s too late.

This quote serves as a reminder of the importance of seizing the present moment to communicate, connect, and show love to the people who matter most to us, as time is both precious and uncertain.

• “Men like Ove and Rune were from a generation in which one was what one did, not what one talked about.”

Through flashbacks the novel shows us a time when Ove and Rune were raised and came of age. These men grew up during an era when actions and deeds were highly valued, and one’s character and identity were defined by their practical skills, work ethic, and moral principles rather than mere words or self-expression.

Ove and Rune’s generation is contrasted with the more modern and expressive sensibilities of characters like Parvaneh and Patrick, who prioritize open communication and emotional expression. Ove, in particular, often finds himself at odds with the changing world and the people who inhabit it, highlighting the generation gap in attitudes and behaviors.