Would you like to read a charming story about a cranky old man who has a heart that’s too big? Let me recommend A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman. [My friends who listened to the audio book say you pronounce it “oo-va”). A Man Called Ove features a Swedish curmudgeon, a vivacious pregnant Iranian, and many sweet lines that will make you smile. It also has some great vocabulary.
If you like learning new words, hop over to Kathy’s blog for Wondrous Words Wednesday, a meme where bloggers explore the meanings of new and interesting words.
This word struck me in the closing chapters of the novel.
I don’t have a car! Because I think it’s unnecessary and I want to use more environmentally friendly modes of transportation!” says the sales assistant in a tone of voice pitched somewhere between intransigent anger and the fetal position.
Intransigent: \in·tran·si·gent\adjective from Latin in + transigere- to come to an agreement;
- characterized by refusal to compromise or to abandon an extreme position or attitude; synonyms = adamant, hardheaded
It’s funny that the author, or rather, the translator, chose this word; it’s a perfect adjective for Ove himself. He’s stubborn, unyielding, and has an irrational love for Saabs. It strikes me, as we approach the presidential inauguration, that intransigent would be an apt descriptor for President-elect Trump.
Word Nerd Workout
Can you think of an intransigent character from books, movies, or real life?
Thanks for getting nerdy with me today!
An excellent word – actually great final sentence. I agree with the person named in your example. I’ve been watching the senate hearings and I’d say those rooms are also filled with intransigents. By the way, one of my book clubs has A Man Named Ove set for our read in March. I’m looking forward to it.
It’s a fun book club type of book. I’ll post my review next week. Thanks for stopping by!
Definitely describes Ove! I sometimes feel like my teenagers are intransigent, but my parents said the same thing about me during my adolescence.
Oh good grief, my teens are definitely intransigent!
Fabulous word! My mother will be 90 this month and she can be intransigent at times. Maybe it comes with age?
Thanks for the word~ I’m really looking forward to this book~ it’s been on my TBR list for a while now. And even before I saw your real-life comparison choice for the word, I was thinking it 🙂
It’s such a good fit. Great minds… Thanks for stopping by.
I like the word and remember reading it (didn’t love Ove book) but only vaguely getting its full meaning.
Sadly, I believe it was their intransigent personalities that led to Scarlet and Rhett’s demise. On the other hand, it’s why we loved them so much. A weakness or a strength…or both?
As always, thanks for the word!
Excellent examples! Scarlet’s perseverance served her well, but was also a hero’s flaw. Many strength’s can be weaknesses, especially in good fiction, right? 😉