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With its blend of romance, mystery and a sprinkling of magical realism, this book is a cosy read, perfect for fans of Japanese or Korean literature like Dallergut Dream Department store. With its highly unusual setting ( a mysterious prescription-dispensing facility) and range of discussable issues, it’s well-suited as a book club choice. If you read contemporary fiction like Lessons in Chemistry, anything by Taylor Jenkins Reid, Celeste Ng or Sarah Winman, you might enjoy The Dispensary.

This is a short and easy read, but incredibly moving ( I genuinely cried whilst reading it ) . At the beginning Ove appears to be a grumpy interfering old busybody; a thoroughly unlikeable character who is disliked by his neighbours. However, as Backman develops the character and I learned more about his past I developed a great empathy and understanding of this complex character. Backman deals with the themes of loneliness, suicide and death with enormous skill and sensitivity, often with a delicious black humour. Ove’s life is turned around when a new neighbour moves in; a young single mum with a boisterous child; everything that Ove would ordinarily disapprove of, and the development of their relationship is joyously satisfying . In my opinion this book is a little masterpiece. I have recommended/ given a copy to all my family and friends and, without exception, they have all loved it.

It’s full of humour, intrigue and emotion. It forces the reader to ponder what they would do in their position. 3 friends retired to a mobile home park overlooking the rugged bay in Trillinick north Cornwall. Life is steady until one of them makes an incredible beach discovery. So the story begins.