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taracloudclark's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The first half of this book is a lot of exposition, setting the stage for the driving action. But it’s done well, creatively, interestingly. In other words, “nothing happens,” and I was *almost* bored with it, but I only had to push through a little. It kind of reminds me of Spoon River Anthology with the intertwining of lives and stories of a small town where everyone knows everyone and always have (except the newbies, but that’s not portrayed as harshly as many of this trope).
While it’s a sports town, the sport itself doesn’t take a front seat. It truly is the background while still sating any love for it.
This definitely borders on literary fiction bc the structure is done in a very precise and lovely way, using almost poetic mechanisms such as repeated phrases and parallelism. The narrative style also has a starkness that reflects the setting and the situation, and vice versa. Tension and foreshadowing are done in an obvious but not ridiculous manner. The *way* it was written is as well done as the story itself.
This is definitely a book for consideration. The story is laid out, and while there’s no ambiguity as to “what happened,” there is much speculation to be made as to why and how and what the underlying issues are and how else they affect society. There are no stark answers given. Bad behavior is mentioned, implicated, but not condemned outright. That’s for the reader to determine, negotiate in some cases. Anyone who feels this is moralizing is probably on the more brutal side of the issue.
The narrator Marin Ireland does very well in complimenting the narrative style as well. It’s 3rd person, and the author is male, but I’m pleased they chose a female to tell this story. Such topics through the male perspective can be troublesome, but I feel like the author did well and the narrator helped convince me of it.
Graphic: Child death, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Grief, Gun violence, Alcohol, Domestic abuse, Misogyny, Murder, Homophobia, Sexual assault, Injury/Injury detail, Rape, Vomit, Classism, Blood, Outing, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic friendship, Child abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Addiction, Bullying, Drug use, Mental illness, and Suicide
jadedjill's review
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual assault, and Rape
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Suicide, Homophobia, Toxic friendship, Drug use, Mental illness, Islamophobia, Gun violence, Grief, Death of parent, Child death, Violence, Outing, Hate crime, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, and Classism
shley's review against another edition
- 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
5.0
Graphic: Grief and Bullying
Moderate: Rape, Drug use, Gun violence, Sexual assault, Violence, and Alcohol
Minor: Outing and Fatphobia
ecamaselli's review against another edition
- 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 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
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Rape, Sexual violence, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Drug use, Gun violence, Homophobia, Misogyny, Violence, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Child death, Grief, Body shaming, Pregnancy, Violence, and Alcohol
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Eating disorder, Gun violence, Injury/Injury detail, Outing, Self harm, Sexism, Addiction, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Toxic relationship, Suicide, and Toxic friendship
chamaeleontis's review
- 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: Alcohol, Sexual harassment, Violence, Addiction, Injury/Injury detail, Pregnancy, Death of parent, Drug abuse, Medical content, Drug use, Rape, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Death, Sexism, Terminal illness, Blood, Cursing, Bullying, Outing, Suicidal thoughts, Homophobia, Cancer, Child abuse, and Child death
Minor: Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Gaslighting, Self harm, Body shaming, Cursing, and Gun violence