A Man Called Ove, a story about compassion and change that lasts for a lifetime, was at the core of the first session of the monthly Book Club, held on the 11th of October in IE Segovia’s Creativity Center
Students from a variety of degrees gathered to discuss the book, and later had the opportunity to enjoy the movie with Tom Hanks in the title role.
More than showing the importance of friendship and support through the cloudy days, this event highlighted the important role of reading for many members of the IE Community.
We all need something to help us relax in the post-midterm season. In that light, we bring you three recommendations for you to spend these cool Autumn days cuddled up with a good book.
1. Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
This story of youth, sisterhood and maturing is an essential read for any lovers of Jane Austen or the Bronte sisters and is a must read for those who enjoy contemporary classics.
It follows the four March sisters, Jo, Amy, Beth and Meg, through the years of the American Civil War. Though largely differing in character, interests and goals, they share a deep love for their family and compassion for those less fortunate than them. This read, also explored by the Book Club last year, may count as the ultimate feel-good story of the 19th century.
For those of you who don’t enjoy reading, there are three movie adaptations, with the most recent featuring Saorise Ronan, Emma Watson, Florence Pugh and Timotheé Chalamet.
If you, however, liked seeing these little women growing up, there are three more books in the series.
2. Poems by Wisława Szymborska
Szymborska, winner of the 1996 Nobel Prize for Literature, is one of the most significant and influential poets of the twentieth century. Known for her witty, but clear writing style, her poems have been translated into over 40 languages.
Her works deal with themes of war and loss, highlighting her early life during the Holocaust and the Second World War in Poland. In later years, she captured small but crucial moments of domesticity and homeliness. Her poems are humorous and rich with imagery that is sure to keep any reader entertained. They will be a great fit for anyone who knows how to appreciate and find joy in the small things.
3. A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman
The novel follows Ove, a 59 year old man who recently lost his wife to cancer. Every morning, the grumpy Ove tries to end his life, and every morning, without fail, someone “accidentally” stops him.
While the book deals with heavy themes of losing a loved one and fighting regret, A Man Called Ove captures the importance of learning how to live with pain and asking for help when needed.
Backman based Ove on himself, writing a blog from “Ove’s” point of view for years prior to the release of the book. Ove launched his writing career, and he is now one of the most popular fiction authors of the early 21st century.
The book has two movie adaptations, one of which is in Swedish. Though its main character is an older man, young people can recognize themselves in his ever-evolving perspective. As such, A Man Called Ove is a book for those eager to see the world in a slightly more beautiful light.
In the wise words of Stephen King, “Books are a uniquely portable magic.” When the wind and cold keep you away from outdoor activities, nothing can be better than reading something that enriches the mind and the soul alike.
