Reviews

Beartown by Fredrik Backman

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kasvi_mavani's review against another edition

4.0

I’ll start off by saying how dare you Fredrick Bachman make me tear up multiple times on public transit in the wee hours of the morning, when I’ve already got my definitely not waterproof mascara on for the day.

I’ve heard soooo many great things about Beartown, and I was so skeptical after not really liking A Man Called Ove as much as the hype promised. I actually wasn’t even going to read this book until I found a copy at a little free library, and decided many the universe just wants me to read it, and so I did.

It did not disappoint.

The cast of characters in this book basically encompasses the entire community, and were written with such depth that every character felt so real and human. I’ve never really read anything where I can completely understand where everyone’s coming from, and each perspective makes sense to me in their own ways.

I thought Maya was so strong, and her relationship with her brother had me in the feels over and over again. I haven’t heard anyone talk about the sibling relationship, but it was one of the most quietly tender I’ve read, and it really stuck with me.

I also don’t really know much about hockey, and the “action” scenes still felt very impactful and dynamic, even though I don’t know the technicalities of the sport.

I don’t know what else to say except that you should definitely read this book if you’re reading this review, and to also check out the trigger warnings to say safe.

I don’t know if I’ll continue on with this series, I feel like I’m satisfied with the span of this book, and I don’t want to ruin this experience by continuing on. If you think I should continue let me know please! I’m easily convinced haha.

caroline_rk's review against another edition

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dark emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

chills_multiply's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional sad medium-paced

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

3.75

nsmithson's review against another edition

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Really couldn’t get into this one. Didn’t really find myself caring enough about the characters or plot. I think I was too busy to be able to focus on all the characters and their goings on.

roosamariaaa's review against another edition

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4.5

ihan super hyvä!!!! tosi erilaisia tunteita herättävä ja tykkäsin tosi paljon ku kerrottii eri henkilöiden näkökulmist asioi koko ajan 🤩 osa oli ihan kauheita ja osa taas tosi ihania

beckeal's review against another edition

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3.0

Just not my thing, I guess. Took about a third before I wasn’t bored out of my miiiind. Of the last 2 thirds, a good amount was too on-the-nose and tiring. But a few of the characters finally became compelling, and I did love the author’s (and translator’s) voice and style. I feel like in the end it was better than a 3 star, but not a 4. I guess it’s too bad I live in a hockey town, ‘cause it’s just not my thing.