#aplit16indie

[krispykrew-blog]

I BEL CAN'T (o)

Sooooo bel canto the title translates to beautiful song, and I think that Anne patchett really embodies this throughout the whole thing. Her writing is in a sense almost lyrical, i kept reading certain sentences over again because they just sounded pretty. Also the beautiful song thing comes into play because the thing about a song is that it is a sliver of beauty that only lasts like three or so minutes, the characters in the book themselves are put into this hostage situation which they know will end eventually very badly but while they are still in it they start to live life in a heightened way, a way that is more passionate and condensed than normal life. But that beauty and love they find in each other is eventually cut off, just like a song. Beautiful but it doesn't last forever, and maybe that it can only be experienced for a short time makes it seem even more beautiful.

[graceannehorton-blog]

A Man Called Ove (again)

This could be me trying too hard, but the title seems really weird to me. The diction just isn't natural. Normally, you would say "A Man Named Ove", but it's "Called". Maybe it's supposed to draw attention to how people call him Ove, but that's not necessarily who he is. I don't mean that's not his name, but that who he actually is is different than how people perceive him to be. That does make sense because most people think he's a bitter old man, but underneath it all he is a kind old man hardened by the pain he's gone through. Titles almost always seem to have some serious significance, and I originally dismissed this one because it seemed basic. However, I think it does hold more meaning than I originally thought.

[lilytakada-blog]

Indie read: A Man Called Ove

Ove is a peculiar character with a lot of story behind him. I believe his stubborn nature really makes it difficult to love in the beginning but as you read, he becomes lovable. Ove often reminded me of my own grandfather, a hardworking man who loves using his hands. Although he does not speak about his feeling much, you know he loves you by the way he acts. Like Ove, he enjoys practical things without frills and does not mind being alone. However, the love Ove feels for his wife is not the same as the feelings that are between my grandparents. In A Man Called Ove, just when Ove begins to accept his life as it is, he dies. This ending is very fitting and was perfect for this book. I really enjoyed it.

[lilytakada-blog]

Literary Merit: A Man Called Ove

-Through humor and endearment, this book definitely entertains the reader

-This book definitely does not conform to one genre

-Although there are many starred reviews, there aren’t any scholarly awards. This could also be due to the fact that it is a fairly recent  book.

-This book is too recent to know whether it has stood the test of time.

-Yes, I believe there are certain themes like calling people by what they wear instead of who they are to make things easier is something that could be studied.

-The main viewpoint is through the eyes of an old man who is quite mean. I think it is very new and it is a way to see the world through his perspective.

-This book, even though it is very endearing, may not have as many blatant social critiques as others but it does show how many just write off the elderly when they really do have a lot to teach. It would be interesting to visit this concept.

-Gradually, we start to learn about Ove and what he has been through so I think it does have a certain “earned” emotional attachment.

-I don’t think the author meant to portray the book as artistic per say but it is very enjoyable.

-Being easy to read and quite humorous, this book definitely has universal appeal.

[lilytakada-blog]

Side by Side

Throughout the book A Man Called Ove, Ove recalls his past life in parallel to the present. The relationships created help us understand why he is the way he is. With the help of Paraveneh taking him out of his shell and the hope to find peace and his late wife, Ove becomes more and more of a lovable character. I really enjoyed reading the about how his relationships develop. As we read more into the book, we start to see how a hardened exterior hides a kind and very giving interior. With the two stories unfolding at the same time, little by little we get to see who Ove really is. It is really interesting to read about his history and his family. Recurring themes of proud men are often found in both sides of the story as well. I found that these themes often are used to render the characters as stoic and that they have a reason for their thought processes. 

[the-meggsterr]

shining

So I finished part 4 and am close to finishing the book and still disappointed. I wanted it to be scarier and I wanted it to feel better and less drawn out and boring. After I finish I'm going to watch the movie and compare those but as of right now I'm not excited. I'm excited to finish this book. I still love Danny and Hollarann isn't so bad but I'm just getting bored. I don't really care about the others. I wish it was better but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ im living. Apparently it's better than Bel Canto so I'm excited. Can't wait for these harknesses and to watch the movie (I've heard good things). I'm ready to be doNe with homework. The plot is repetitive and people see the same spooks or almost die but don't and I'm like KILL SOMEONE ALREADY THIS IS TOO MUCH FAKE SUSPENSE. I can tell that King was trying to sad suspense to his writing but it feels forced and fake I don't like how it feels when he writes like that and it's not giving me suspense it's just falling flat. In movies I know music sets he tone and really makes me get on the edge of my seat so I found the score online and am trying to read it with some spooky music underneath but I get caught up in the music and forget I'm reading and get distracted so that doesn't really work. But it's life. I'm almost done !!!

[maggieeeeeliz-blog]

Love and Locomotives

So a couple more thoughts about "A Man Called Ove." For one, the book has definitely grown on me throughout. At first I was kind of bored honestly but it definitely grew on me. One thing I haven't been able to shake is the fact that the name "Ove" is almost "Love" but just has something missing. I feel like there are several ways this could be interpreted in terms of this book considering Ove at a first glance is characterized as a bitter old man who lost his wife but then he begins to change as you realize his story and as he grows to use his life to help those around him more. I'm not sure if I can pinpoint exactly what that "something missing" is, but it's a thought that's been running though my mind. Also, and I mean I guess it's obvious that Ove loves cars and stuff but it makes me laugh how picky he is about different cars and I still don't understand why he's so picky about certain cars! I feel like a missed something?

[ecoonan-blog]

Literary Merit: A Man Called Ove

-Entertains reader: yes! -Does not conform to the expectations of a single genre: No -Has been judged as artistic: Probably not. Nothing was very unheard of with the book. -Has stood the test of time: It’s too recent to know. -Shows thematic depth, nuance, is complex: yes- white shirts, death, morals/principle, Rune being taken away/the rights of old people, etc. -Demonstrates innovation in style, voice, structure, characterization, plot, and/or description: Only in voice and plot. -May have a social, political, or ideological impact on society: No -Does not fall into the traps of pulp fiction such as clichéd or derivative descriptions and plot devices, or sentimentality rather than earned emotion: some clichés and descriptions, but emotion is earned. -Is intended by the author to communicate in an artistic manner: no -is universal in its appeal: yes

Overall? I believe A Man Called Ove does not have enough qualities to have literary merit!