Curmudgeons Revisited

I recently read "A Man Called Ove"by Fredrik Backman and found it very delightful. It's about a curmudgeon who has a tender spot buried underneath his exterior grumpi-ness. Few people besides his wife know about it. When she dies he becomes more isolated and lonely and actually considers suicide. He gets upset with neighbors who don't follow the block association's rules and has stopped speaking to his former friend for some reason he has forgotten. His new Muslim neighbors save him from his disastrous plans by innocently disturbing him at just the right time. They either need someone to take them to the hospital, or want to borrow a ladder, or need directions, or some other emergency. At first he responds somewhat grudgingly, but the family persists and his tender heart eventually surfaces. He visits his wife's grave every day and talks with her about what is happening. It's a charming story, touching and funny at the same time.

It made me think of the curmudgeons we all encounter at one time or another. They usually seem disgruntled and negative, but if we take the time to speak to them and perhaps ask for their help, they might surprise us. Many of them are lonely and depressed, but don't know how to reach out to others. Although it might take a while to break down their barriers, they usually have a soft spot underneath all their irritability.

Anyway, I highly recommend the novel for its insight into a curmudgeon and what happens when he feels needed. It has also been made into a movie.