Ove’s Saab

Throughout the narrative, Ove is portrayed as driving only one kind of vehicle: a Saab, a Swedish auto manufacturer. The Saab, and more specifically Ove's habit of buying only that brand of car (not to mention his astonishment that anyone else would even think of buying ANOTHER brand) represent his reliance on habit, tradition, and loyalty.

Ove's House

Ove's home, built in a terraced neighborhood (i.e. suburban housing development), is precious to him as the place where he made his life with Sonja, and changed that life when his circumstances changed. He is as protective of it as he is of both other aspects of his routine / security and his memories of / love for Sonja.

The Residents' Association

The association of residents that live in Ove's terrace (i.e. suburban sub-division) was, narration suggests, both an important focus of activity for Ove and...