A Man Called Otto isn’t originally a separate book : it’s the 2022 American film adaptation of the Swedish novel A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman, and most “A Man Called Otto book” mentions online are actually referring back to A Man Called Ove or to movie tie‑in editions branded with the Otto title.

What the book is actually called

  • The original book title: A Man Called Ove (Swedish: En man som heter Ove).
  • Author: Fredrik Backman, first published in 2012 in Swedish and later in English.
  • Connection to Otto: the Tom Hanks movie A Man Called Otto is a localization/remake of the Swedish film A Man Called Ove , which adapts the novel.
  • In some markets and listings, you may see “A Man Called Otto” on book covers or product pages, but the underlying text is still A Man Called Ove repackaged as a movie tie‑in.

Quick Scoop: story, themes, and vibe

  • Core premise: A grumpy, rule‑obsessed 59‑year‑old widower (Ove) plans to end his life after being forced into retirement and losing his wife, but his meticulously ordered world is disrupted by loud, caring new neighbors and a stray cat.
  • Tone: Bitter‑sweet, darkly comic, and ultimately heartwarming; it deals with grief and suicidal thoughts but leans toward hope, community, and second chances.
  • Main themes:
    • Loneliness versus community and how small acts of kindness pull someone back from the brink.
* Grief, aging, and the meaning of a life that doesn’t look “big” from the outside.

* Clashes between rigid principles and a messy, diverse modern world.

Mini snapshot of the plot (spoiler‑light)

  • We follow Ove in the present as he repeatedly and often comically fails to carry out his suicide plans because neighbors keep needing his help (ladders, tools, rides, emergencies).
  • Flashbacks slowly reveal his childhood, his great love for his wife Sonja, and the tragedies that shaped his rigid exterior.
  • Over time, the new neighbors, a persistent pregnant woman (Parvaneh), her family, a stray cat, and several misfit characters force Ove into relationships he doesn’t think he wants—ultimately giving his life new meaning.

How it differs from A Man Called Otto (the movie)

Aspect| A Man Called Ove (book)| A Man Called Otto (film)
---|---|---
Setting| Sweden, Swedish culture and bureaucracy.19| U.S. suburb, Americanized context and character names.10
Protagonist’s name| Ove.9| Otto.10
Depth of backstory| More detailed backstory, inner thoughts, and side characters through multiple flashbacks.13| Streamlined for runtime; focuses on key emotional beats.10
Tone| Quiet, observant, with slow‑burn humor and pathos.35| Similar mix of humor and heart but structured like a mainstream dramedy.10

Both versions tell essentially the same core story of a suicidal, grieving older man slowly reconnected to life by neighbors and community; the book just has more pages to dig into Ove’s interior world and long history.

Is it a “trending topic” or forum favorite?

  • After the Tom Hanks film release, readers on sites like Goodreads and various Reddit threads revisited or discovered the book, often discussing how accurately it portrays grief, rigidity, and a certain kind of older neighbor they recognize in real life.
  • Many forum posts frame it as a “sad but comforting” read, with frequent content warnings for suicidal ideation, spouse death, and chronic illness, but also praise for its emotional payoff and optimism.

A typical forum sentiment: the book (and movie) can be heavy because of the self‑harm elements, but people view it as ultimately life‑affirming rather than glamorizing despair.

If you’re searching for “A Man Called Otto book” to read what the film is based on, you’ll want to pick up A Man Called Ove —often sold in movie‑tie‑in editions now, but always the same underlying story.

Note: This post is informational and touches on topics like suicide and grief; if those are sensitive for you, it may help to check content warnings or read in a supported setting.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.