1. General Impressions

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

• How did your impression of Ove evolve throughout the novel? Did you find him to be a sympathetic character, or did his gruff demeanor make it challenging to connect with him?
• What was your reaction to the novel’s satirical and sometimes darkly humorous tone, considering its subject matter?
• Did you find the novel’s ending a satisfying completion of the story and Ove’s arc?

2. Personal Reflection and Connection

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

• How did you respond emotionally to a story about a character who no longer wants to live? What did Ove’s journey teach you about the meaning of life and the importance of human connection?
• Reflect on Ove’s experience with loss and grief. Compare your experiences with grief to those of Ove, particularly with regard to coping mechanisms.
• Do you think Ove’s feeling of being isolated and alone reflects a universal human experience? Why or why not?
• Ove’s life is built around the solace of routine. What routines and rituals bring you comfort?
• How does the story reveal the power of small acts of kindness? When have you experienced this in your life?

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