Reviews with content warning for Toxic relationship - Beartown

Reviews tagging 'Toxic relationship'

Beartown by Fredrik Backman

17 reviews

cnohero's review against another edition

emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

4.5 stars. I love the way this author write his characters. They seem so real and relatable.

5 stars for writing
4 stars for the story

There are some very disturbing events which include a sexual assault and there is a lot of very strong language. The behaviors are certainly not condoned but they are present and quite graphic at times

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bookishgoob's review against another edition

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emotional sad tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? N/A
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

“One evening in late March, a teenager walks into the forest, puts a shotgun to another teenager’s forehead, and pulls the trigger.“

I don’t even know where to begin with this book. Before I read the authors note, I had so many feelings about a man writing a story about the rape of a young girl, but after reading the authors note, I found out he did his research and handled it as sensitively as he could. This whole book tore me apart. As a woman I felt deeply for the victim, but as a victim myself, I felt even more connected to the victim. This whole book is a trigger warning. The assault happens in chapter 21 and everything from there is a lot of victim blaming, and it really shows the toxic culture of victim blaming and rape culture. I want to go more in detail but it was honestly just a beautifully written but triggering book. I think I will come back to this review at a later time to get my thoughts fully written out.

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ecamaselli's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional informative reflective tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I honestly don't know that I could ever write a fully comprehensive review for a book like this. This is the kind of book that leaves you thinking and feeling a thousand different things As Murphy Napier said in her review, "[Backman] will make you cry, he will change your worldview (or confirm it)."

I can, however, say a few things about this book.

1) I don't think I've ever seen such brilliant character work or descriptions in my life. Not all of the characters are likable, or even flat-out detestable. In fact, many of the characters are morally-gray.

In addition, though we follow at least 20 different perspectives throughout this book, the individuality of each character makes them easy to keep track of. Every character is unique, and true to themselves, whether their choices are morally right or not.

2) This is a very slow-moving book. Because of this, it leaves you with a lot of time to think, to grow familiar with the novel itself, and to develop any emotion or opinions that you may have regarding the events of the plot. It's brilliantly paced. I don't think it could have possibly been executed more perfectly.

3) This entire book is a perfect blend of social commentary and character study. The writing lends a deeper look into the psych of the human race, and what motivates, completes, and breaks us. I believe an in-depth essay could be written on each character, for even the minor ones, such as Robbie Holts, had drive, flaws, and distinct backstories.

CONCLUSION

Beartown by Fredrik Backman is perhaps one of the most difficult and rewarding novels I've read to date. And I'm not sure that I see a lot of potential for other books to top it in this regard. It is not an enjoyable read, by any means (though there are some hopeful moments sprinkled throughout the story), but it is incredible.

This is one of those novels that I truly believe everyone (who can handle the explored topics) should read at some point in their lifetime. I will never cease to recommend this book to those who can read these subjects.

Thank you, Backman, for confirming (and changing) my worldview.

-Elliana Maselli
Thursday, February 3, 2022
1:14 PM

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