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what_heather_loves's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I began reading this, aware of the weight of its positive reviews, which may, perhaps unfairly, account for my disappointment in it. Or it may have just been my mood at the time, particularly after having recently read what I expect may be my book of the year (any other book will have to be beyond outstanding to top it). Rivalries, competitiveness, pressure, responsibility and entrenched positions - ice hockey is everything to most residents of Beartown - signify success or failure. This small town in a large Swedish forest, is struggling with unemployment, fallen heroes and desperation to advance their junior ice hockey team's position and reputation. "There are thousands of ways to die in Beartown. Especially on the inside." There are no nuances, only winning or losing and Beartown feels maligned and lesser to the rest of the country's teams: "Bears shit in the woods and everyone shits on Beartown". Full of concise, astute observations about generations of residents, who are carrying a heavy load of responsibilities and pressure, including poverty, racism and grief for a lost child, parent and husband, between them. Those with wealth and status have power and misogyny is rife: there's notably no girls' ice hockey team in Beartown.
I read a translation and the book was written over five years ago, pre-pandemic. I can appreciate the skilful writing and complex characters, but struggled to engage with them and the multiple perspectives, which changes numerous times within chapters. The arrogance and aggression encouraged in the teenage boys in the team made for uncomfortable reading. I felt an understanding of (or interest in) ice hockey and its terms and nuances, which I lack, would have helped, found it and other elements of the storyline more expansive than necessary for the plot. The dramatic event that shocks the town happened late in the plot and was, I felt, not entirely unpredictable, as was most residents' depressing and sometimes threatening responses. A small number of characters are stronger and make positive decisions and there is plenty of nuance in the plot, but overall the tone was miserable and I didn't enjoy reading it, unfortunately.
Graphic: Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, and Racism
Moderate: Xenophobia, Racial slurs, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Alcoholism
namelesssam_'s review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Terminal illness, Suicide, Violence, Mental illness, Suicide attempt, Bullying, Body shaming, Blood, Alcoholism, Stalking, Sexual assault, Physical abuse, Adult/minor relationship, Abandonment, Suicidal thoughts, Injury/Injury detail, Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Cursing, Rape, Racial slurs, Drug use, Death, Alcohol, Homophobia, and Grief
prairieraven's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Rape, Child death, and Homophobia
Minor: Toxic friendship, Racism, Physical abuse, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Sexual harassment, Vomit, Sexism, Racial slurs, Pregnancy, Panic attacks/disorders, Misogyny, Lesbophobia, Hate crime, Body shaming, Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism, and Child abuse
sarahrahrah's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Graphic: Violence, Sexual violence, and Rape
Moderate: Alcohol, Grief, Drug use, and Child death
Minor: Physical abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Child abuse, Misogyny, Racism, Suicide, Classism, and Racial slurs
amariela02's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Cursing, Rape, Bullying, Classism, Racism, Xenophobia, Sexism, Violence, and Grief
Moderate: Child abuse, Drug use, Dysphoria, Suicidal thoughts, Alcoholism, Homophobia, Mental illness, Eating disorder, Gaslighting, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Addiction, Alcohol, and Child death
Minor: Gun violence, Racial slurs, and Stalking
aprilyvonne's review against another edition
5.0
“Beartown” by Fredrik Backman was an emotional and gut-wrenching read. It’s also an important one when it comes down to the themes it reveals. I still feel emotionally exhausted after reading it. I plan to finish the series eventually; I’m just not sure how quickly I can jump into the next one yet.
“Beartown” might at first glance seem to merely be a hockey story, but it’s so much more than that. It’s about human nature and all the ugliness that it entails such as toxic masculinity, rape culture, discrimination, homophobia, domestic violence, alcoholism, poverty, classism, etc. Yet, somehow, the novel also offers glimpses of love, joy, happiness, pride, friendship, family, community, and standing up for what’s right. That’s what helped me continue reading. I was angry enough I needed answers, but I was anxious the entire time. If it weren’t for those heartwarming moments, I don’t know if I could’ve read it as easily.
Thankfully there are a lot of characters that made the book work, and I’ll carry a special place for Maya, Ana, Amat, and Benji especially when I think back. The tragic elements of the plot was difficult and readers should check with the triggers before pursuing it.
Overall, I’m glad I read the novel and Backman remains one of my favourite authors. I just need a happier book to read next to help repair my poor heart. ♥️📚
Graphic: Sexual assault, Alcoholism, Racial slurs, Gaslighting, Child death, Rape, Sexism, Racism, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Violence, Homophobia, Grief, Emotional abuse, and Bullying
sydneys_bookshelf's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
Moderate: Racial slurs and Racism
jesophie's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Rape, Child death, Violence, and Misogyny
Moderate: Xenophobia, Suicide, Vomit, Racial slurs, Homophobia, and Death of parent
Minor: Cancer
sjanke2's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Sexual content, Alcohol, Violence, Sexual harassment, Suicidal thoughts, Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, and Bullying
Moderate: Hate crime, Grief, Gun violence, Racial slurs, Gaslighting, Xenophobia, Child death, Homophobia, Suicide attempt, Drug use, Death, Classism, Death of parent, and Cursing
yeagleyreads's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Graphic: Homophobia, Cursing, Gaslighting, Physical abuse, and Racial slurs