Books Like A Man Called Ove
I read A Man Called Ove years ago, and since then, it has become the second-chance story to which all other books are measured. What can make you feel better than a book about someone finding themselves and finding happiness? Inevitably, everyone loves this book and asks me what to read next. So I made a list of my favorite books like A Man Called Ove when you are looking for your next book.
Since its translation into English in 2014, many other authors have given us books like this one, but Backman is the OG. At its heart, this is a book about friendship, forgiveness, and finding the ability to be kind.
Ove is crotchety, miserable, and somehow completely lovable. This book had me laughing and crying. It prompted my search for more books that encapsulate everything that this book has to offer. These books like A Man Called Ove will make you smile and laugh… and might just restore your faith in humanity. We’ve also included a few Fredrik Backman books for you to enjoy.
The Best Books Like A Man Called Ove
Each colorful block below represents the best book in a subgenre. Click on the arrow to reveal my “best” pick in any category. You’ll also be able to use a page jump to see more books in that section.
Best Book with an Older Protagonist
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt – Jump to Section
Best Book About Friendship
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murdered by Jesse Q Sutano – Jump to Section
Best Redemption Story Like A Man Called Ove
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman – Jump to Section
Best Frederik Backman Book Like Ove
Anxious People – Jump to Section
*Post contains affiliate links. Purchases made through links result in a small commission to us at no cost to you. Some books have been gifted. All opinions are our own.
Books Like A Man Called Ove: Older Protagonist
Remarkably Bright Creatures
Author: Shelby Van Pelt
Year: 2022
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: May 2022 Read with Jenna Book Club Pick
Instant New York Times Bestseller
Age Range: 12+
Plot
I haven’t read a novel with as much heart as this one in quite some time. Elderly, recently widowed Tova loves her job cleaning the aquarium in town in the quiet of the night, especially because of her fondness for Marcellus, the octopus. She finds solace in the aquarium as it makes her feel closer to her son, Erik – a marine life lover – who disappeared on a boat when he was 18.
But when she hurts herself and is unable to return to work at full capacity, she grows close with her replacement, Cameron, a young man who newly arrived in town looking for his birth mother.
Meanwhile, Marcellus knows what happened to Erik and he wants to help Tova find the closure she needs. His narration is interspersed with Tova and Cameron’s for a story that is compelling, heartwarming, and utterly unique.
I will be shoving this book into the hands of everyone who asks for a book recommendation because it’s my favorite book of 2022
Why Jackie loves it
This book has more heart than any book I have read in a long time. The unique perspective of a grumpy octopus may seem silly, but is brilliantly done and adds a unique perspective.
Why Kirsten loves it
The themes in this book, the plot, and the characters- especially Marcellus- really tugged at my heartstrings. I loved that Marcellus added some laughter and made me smile. I recently gave this book to my son and he adored it as much as I did.
Adaptation
The Netflix adaptation starring Sally Field finished filming in 2025. The movie, directed by Olivia Newman, is set to premiere in 2026.
Find this book in: Ultimate List of Feel-Good Books / Contemporary Fiction Books / Best Book Club Books / Best Read With Jenna Books / Read with Jenna Book Club List 2022 / Books Becoming Movies / The Best Audiobooks of All Time
Sylvia’s Second Act
Author: Hillary Yablon
Year: 2024
Genre: Fiction
More info:
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
If you are looking for an absolutely hysterical novel, this is for you! After walking into the Florida retirement home she hates and seeing her husband in a compromising position with their neighbor, Sylvia decides it’s time to start her life over in New York City.
Armed only with the money she has from pawning her watch, she gets herself a geriatric roommate and relaunches her career as a wedding planner. The scenarios she gets herself into are filled with heart, humor, and wisdom to create a novel unlike any other.
Trigger Warnings
Reference to drug-related death, Financial instability, Cheating
Why Kirsten loves it
I’ve never met a character quite like Sylvia. She’s vivacious and fun in a way that most 66-year-olds are not depicted in literature. I was rooting for her success during the entire book. I’m hoping that scene in the epilogue means a sequel is in the works.
Why Jackie loves it
I could not stop laughing at the antics in this book. But, it was also a book with strong character development and was deeply emotional in some parts. All together, this book is the perfect mix of emotions and plot.
Find this book in: Best Fiction Books of 2024 / Books like A Man Called Ove / The Best Books of 2024 / Books with Older Protagonists / Books with Numbers in the Title
When the Cranes Fly South
Author: Lisa Ridzén, Translator: Alice Menzies
Year: 2025
Genre: Fiction
More info: International bestseller, Winner of the Swedish Book of the Year Award
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Bo is an older man who lives with his dog, Sixten. His wife is in a facility for people with Alzheimer’s and apart from visits from his son and cargivers, he has very few visitors. His son wants to take the dog away because he insists that Bo can no longer care for him. This adds tension to a relationship that was not perfect but Bo is intent on fixing with the time he has left.
Told from Bo’s point of view along with short snippets from his son and caregivers, this is an incredibly moving and poignant book about growing older and the indiginities that come with aging.
Trigger Warnings
Alzheimer’s
Why Jackie loves it
This is an incredibly moving and beautiful story that broke my heart. it examines past mistakes, family, fatherhood and love of a dog. I can see why it won the award for Swedish book of the year. It is a must read, but have tissues ready because you will need them. Thank you PRH audio for my copy of this book.
Find this book in: Books Like A Man Called Ove / Books with Older Protagonists
Books About Friendship Like A Man Called Ove
Vera Wong’s Unsolicited Advice for Murderers
Author: Jesse Q. Sutanto
Year: 2023
Genre: Mystery
More info: Vera Wong #1
Spice Rating:💋
Age Range: 13+
Plot
Vera Wong lives above her tea shop in Chinatown in San Francisco. When she finds a dead body in the shop, she calls the police immediately but also cleans up a bit, uses a Sharpie to trace the body, and takes the flash drive out of the man’s dead hand.
She is sure that she can do a better job of finding the murderer than the police. She comes up with a plan to find the killer and finds four suspects who she grows to care for.
Why Jackie loves it
I loved this mystery book and have recommended this cozy book too many times to count. Vera is easily one of my favorite amateur detectives and the story is simultaneously funny and heartwarming!
Find this book in: Ultimate List of Beach Reads 2023 / Books Like a Man Called Ove / Fiction Books About Tea / Best Cozy Mystery Books
The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry
Author: Rachel Joyce
Year: 2012
Genre: Fiction
More info: Harold Fry #1
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Harold Fry is an unhappy retiree who lives with his wife who is as unhappy as he is. She is irritated by everything he does. When he receives a letter from Queenie Hennessey to let him know that she is dying of cancer, he embarks on a journey to walk 600 miles to hand-deliver the letter to his dying friend. He has not seen her in over 20 years and he suddenly knows that writing a letter will never be enough.
Trigger Warnings
Suicide, Cancer
Why Jackie loves it
This novel is full of fun and humor but is also poignant and powerful. It is easy to see why this was longlisted for the Man Booker Prize.
Find this book in: Books Like a Man Called Ove / Books with Older Protagonists
The Lido
Author: Libby Page
Year: 2018
Genre: Fiction
More info: The Lido #1, Formerly known as Mornings with Rosemary
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This intergenerational story of friendship, love, and overcoming personal obstacles, touched my heart. Kate is a reporter whose dreams of becoming a star reporter have dissolved into writing fluff pieces for a small, local newspaper.
She is almost paralyzed by her own fears and loneliness. When she is assigned to write a piece about a local lido closing, she meets Rosemary Peterson. Rosemary is 86 years old and has been swimming at the lido her entire life. The unlikely friendship between these two women is heartwarming and you won’t want to put it down.
Why Jackie loves it
When I picked up this contemporary fiction book, it immediately reminded me of A Man Called Ove. The relationship between Kate and Rosemary is wonderful and the book will leave you feeling light-hearted
Find this book in: Books Like A Man Called Ove / Contemporary Fiction Books / Poolside Books / Books with Older Protagonists
Redemption Stories Like A Man Called Ove
Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
Author: Gail Honeyman
Year: 2017
Genre: Fiction
More info: June 2107 Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick
Age Range: 14+
Plot
I wasn’t sure how I felt about this contemporary fiction book initially. Initially, Eleanor’s behavior and responses to people and situations upset me. I had the outside perspective of a reader to understand how Eleanor is misinterpreting situations. She is not supposed to be likable initially which is why I persevered and ended up loving the book and Eleanor.
Eleanor has difficulty with social skills and is used to being alone until one day, she saves an elderly man who has fallen with the help of Raymond from her work. The three develop a friendship that helps Eleanor heal.
Trigger Warnings
Loneliness
Why Jackie likes it
As we get to know Eleanor and understand her profound loneliness, it made me think about what initial judgments I make in other areas. Eleanor is able to find herself and understand herself in this wonderful, feel-good book.
Why Kirsten loves it
If you love a character-driven novel, this is the book for you. Eleanor changes so much from the beginning of the story to the end, I loved taking the journey with her.
Find this book in: Books Like A Man Called Ove/ Books About Scotland / British Books / Books With Neurodivergent Characters / Best Books Like Lessons in Chemistry / Ultimate List of Feel-Good Books / Amnesia Books
Find books like this in: Books Like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine
How to Age Disgracefully
Author: Clare Pooley
Year: 2024
Genre: Fiction
More info: Best-selling author
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Like Clare Pooley’s previous books, this one has a multi-generational cast of characters that make it utterly delightful and laugh-out-loud funny.
Lydia has a new job running the Senior Citizen’s Social Club and the members are unlike anything she expected. Art is an out-of-work actor, William is a former paparazzi, and Daphne is a 70-year-old who lives alone and talks to her plants. And that is only half of the lively crew. When the City council tries to sell the community center building, the Social Club members enlist the help of the daycare, a teenager, and a dog to save the building.
Why Jackie loves it
I read this book in a day. I laughed, I cried, and I applauded. This book made me feel so good. The multi-generational cast of characters makes this book appealing to anyone who loves a great second-chance fiction book. It is about finding yourself and your inner strength (with a side of revenge). And one of our favorite characters from a previous book makes a brief appearance!
Find this book in: Feel Good Books / Ultimate Beach Reads 2024 / Best New 2024 Fiction / The Best Books of 2024 / Books with Older Protagonists
The Storied Life of A. J. Fikry
Author: Gabrielle Zevin
Year: 2014
Genre: Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestseller
Spice Rating:💋💋
Age Range: 16+
Plot
The recent death of his wife, bad book sales, and the recent robbery of a rare book is wreaking havoc on his life. But this tale of redemption and unexpected chances has a serious soul.
Trigger Warnings
Cancer, Suicide
Why Jackie loves it
This lovely story about a bookstore and its owner will capture your heart. A.J. Fikry is like a bookstore version of Ove in all the right ways except A.J. is only in his thirties.
Find this book in: Books Like a Man Called Ove / Books About Bookstores
Fredrik Backman Books
Anxious People
Author: Fredrik Backman
Year: 2019
Genre: Fiction
More info: New York Times Bestselling Author
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Fredrik Backman is a master storyteller and he does it again with this book. He somehow manages to tackle difficult subjects without trivializing them but still allowing them to be humorous.
This book is a story of a bank robbery gone very wrong and the idiots in the story (his word, not mine) who are taken hostage after the failed robbery. While the police are interviewing each of the hostages to find the robbers, they become more confused after each interview. It is also a story about compassion, human relationships, and the daily struggles that we all have.
Why Jackie loves it
I love how Fredrik Backman’s books show the good in people despite the flaws that make them human. Backman writes so many different kinds of books but they all have so much heart. Backman weaves themes of love, friendship, and compassion throughout all his books.
Adaptations
Angelina Jolie is set to produce and star in the movie adaptation of this book. A Swedish adaptation came out in 2021 and is on Netflix.
Find this book in: Books Like A Man Called Ove / New Year’s Eve Books / Best Beach Reads / Locked Room Mysteries / Best Books of 2020 / Ultimate List of Feel-Good Reads / Best Books in Translation / Books Becoming Movies
Beartown
Author: Fredrik Backman
Year: 2016
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: Beartown #1
Age Range: 16+
Plot
This is a heavy story that also has a lot of heart. It’s about a small-town hockey team and the fallout when the star player is accused of raping the General Manager’s daughter.
As the town takes sides and loyalties are tested, a gripping narrative of the complexities within a community emerges. This character-driven story is the first in a three-book series.
Trigger Warnings
Rape
Why Kirsten loves it
This was my first exposure to Fredrik Backman. I was instantly enthralled by his writing abilities. He took a coming-of-age story and wove in life lessons while simultaneously creating characters I will never forget.
Why Jackie loves it
Frederik Backman is a master storyteller. He doesn’t just tell a story but, he submerges his reader deep in the lives of his characters. This town will follow me for a long time. It’s my favorite of all the Fredrik Backman books.
Find this book in: Coming-of-age Books for Adults/ Winter Books / Books like Where the Crawdads Sing / Books like A Man Called Ove / Books About Sports
My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She’s Sorry
Author: Fredrik Backman
Year:2013
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
More info: NY Times Bestselling Author
Age Range: 16+
Plot
Elsa’s best friend is her grandmother and Elsa has grown up listening to stories about the Land-of-Almost-Awake and the Kingdom of Miamas. When Elsa’s Grandmother dies, she leaves Elsa with a stack of apology letters to people that she has wronged and asks Elsa to deliver them.
Trigger Warnings
Animal Death
Why Jackie loves it
I read this book right after I read A Man Called Ove, and this solidified my view of Backman as a gifted writer. There is nobody that can weave together relationships into a story quite like him. This is a story unlike any that I have read.
Find this book in: Fiction With a Funeral / Books like Ove
Expert Tip
If you are choosing a book like A Man Called Ove, I have a few tips for you.
- Do not be afraid to choose a book that you have not heard of. There are many books on this list that are really popular, but Kirsten and I have read all of these books and recommend them.
- Have a look at the descriptions of the books to see if it’s the vibe you are looking for. Some of these books are funny, and some will make you cry!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is A Man Called Ove Translated?
Yes. Fredrik Backman is from Sweden. The original name of the book is “En Man Som Heter Ove”. All Fredrik Backman books that are in English have been translated.
What Should I Read After A Man Called Ove?
We recommend reading any of the novels on this list of books like A Man Called Ove. Our top three books like A Man Called Ove are:
1. All the Lonely People by Mike Gayle
2. The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley
3. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
Is A Man Called Otto Based on a Book?
Yes! The new movie starring Tom Hanks, A Man Called Otto, is based on the book A Man Called Ove.
Related Content
Epilogue
Are there more books like A Man Called Ove that you love?
THANK YOU FOR THE RECOMMENDATION