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redheadbookgirl's review
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I’ve seen this ALL over bg for years and finally gave in to the hype (I *think* it was @chrisreads who I most recently saw love this!) I went in totally blind + let me just say.. this is NOT what I’d expected/imagined this book to be about!
Haunting, thought provoking + raw, with a unique writing style, 𝘉𝘌𝘈𝘙𝘛𝘖𝘞𝘕 delves into some dark and sadly all too common themes, most heartbreakingly: the way women are treated in the aftermath of SA allegations. I’ll remain spoiler free but the story elicited a hell of a lot of intense sadness and *literal* fury from me.
The story feels slower paced to begin, as a LOT of characters are introduced, BUT the way this was done really was so important for the plot. The narrative switches between character perspectives *constantly* (I think around 10-12 pov throughout the book)—— I listened to this on audio, but I can imagine in the book, the pov must change every few paragraphs, so it’s definitely a book that demands your full focus. So many narratives should be confusing but Backman wrote them so flawlessly.
Despite a slower start, as the story developed, so too did my enjoyment for the book, and I did fall in love with the story of Beartown despite the town and its characters’ *many* flaws.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Gun violence
mrsmishler's review against another edition
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- 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
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexism, and Homophobia
Moderate: Toxic friendship and Violence
mccutiereads's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
My favorite Fredrik Backman book TO DATE. So different from everything else he’s written, but so beautiful and human. I hated and lived reading it. I hated and loved the characters. This was a painful reminder of the power of actions and choices in a community (big or small). So floored and will be thinking about this book everyday. Now officially grieving. TW for SA!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Rape, Bullying, Self harm, Homophobia, Racial slurs, and Alcoholism
Minor: Suicidal thoughts
bondenj's review
emotional
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Rape, Bullying, Violence, and Suicidal thoughts
aepop12's review against another edition
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Violence
Minor: Gun violence
liaminator18's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexual assault, Violence, and Bullying
"Björnstad" (Beartown) by Fredrik Backman is a gripping and emotionally charged story that revolves around a small town's junior ice hockey team and the life-changing events that unfold around it. Set in a close-knit community, the book explores the intense pressures of sports, the complexities of human relationships, and the moral dilemmas faced by its residents. The audiobook is brilliantly narrated by Marin Ireland, who captures the depth and nuances of each character, making the story even more compelling. With its medium pace, "Björnstad" offers a mix of plot and character-driven elements, ensuring that listeners remain engaged from start to finish. The character development is strong, and despite their flaws, the characters are deeply loveable and relatable. This audiobook is perfect for those looking for a story that is adventurous, challenging, dark, emotional, inspiring, mysterious, reflective, sad, and tense.halliesreaderera's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I loved this book dearly but the ending is why she gets -.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Child abuse
emi_momo's review against another edition
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment, Sexual assault, Rape, Gaslighting, and Violence
Moderate: Drug use, Child death, Bullying, Sexism, Gun violence, and Cancer
Minor: Suicide attempt, Pregnancy, Suicidal thoughts, and Homophobia
carlymb's review
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Rape, and Sexual assault
nicstephenson19's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Rape