A Man Called Ove: Chapter 33 Summary & Analysis

The narrator suggests that Ove knew all along what he had to do, but says that all people are "time optimists" and operate under the incorrect assumption that they will have enough time to do and say things to people.

When Ove comes down the stairs, he notices that the house smells like toast, which it hasn't smelled like since Sonja died. He accuses Mirsad of making toast and notices that Mirsad made coffee and fed the cat as well. Ove tells Mirsad that he's going to take a walk with the cat. Mirsad asks if he can come, and Ove agrees, after looking at Mirsad like he's crazy.

When they get outside, Jimmy runs up to them and greets them. He's in a tracksuit and is panting. He tells Ove that he's starting to exercise and wants to join Ove on his walk. Mirsad briefly explains to Jimmy that he's not getting along with Amel and is staying with Ove. Ove stops Jimmy from asking Mirsad uncomfortable questions.

Jimmy asks Ove if he has heard that the council is picking Rune up today. He explains that Anita has been trying for two years to get more help for Rune and now the investigation is closed. Ove refuses to accept this and says that Sonja would've heard about it if it were true. Jimmy says that Anita asked him to not say anything to Sonja, since she and Ove had so many troubles of their own.

Ove is silent and continues his inspection, but grows noticeably angrier. Mirsad asks Ove if he's okay, and Ove turns and asks Jimmy to confirm Anita's reasons for not wanting to tell Sonja. Ove thinks that Sonja would've been heartbroken to find out. He mumbles that he thought he had more time to help, and then strides off to Anita and Rune's house. He bangs on the door and Anita opens it. Ove steps in without being invited and asks for the paperwork. The narrator says that Anita hadn't seen Ove so angry since a possible Saab-Volvo merger in 1977.