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bibi003's review against another edition
5.0
The first half of this book was really hard for me because I knew something bad was coming and damn Backman just kept making me care more and more about all of the characters, even through (despite?) their multitude of flaws. The dark sense of foreboding made me close the book and put it aside several times, but I was committed to finishing it in time for my book club meeting. I had a deadline, so I kept going.
The ending of the book (after the 'event'), was absolutely beautiful. The grit, courage and growth of the characters moved me to tears. The redemption was there for me in the end. I'm so happy I didn't give up on this book.
An aside: as a Canadian whose country reveres the sport of hockey (and as a person who never really cared much for the sport), it was really interesting reading about a small hockey town in (what I'm assuming is) Sweden. This story could have been set in any small town in BC or Ontario. The similarities are striking, and the humanity shone through.
4.5 stars
The ending of the book (after the 'event'), was absolutely beautiful. The grit, courage and growth of the characters moved me to tears. The redemption was there for me in the end. I'm so happy I didn't give up on this book.
An aside: as a Canadian whose country reveres the sport of hockey (and as a person who never really cared much for the sport), it was really interesting reading about a small hockey town in (what I'm assuming is) Sweden. This story could have been set in any small town in BC or Ontario. The similarities are striking, and the humanity shone through.
4.5 stars
alishabuford's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
vishwesh's review against another edition
5.0
“Everyone has a thousand wishes before a tragedy, but just one afterward.”
“Never trust people who don’t have something in their lives that they love beyond all reason.”
I liked this more than "Man called Ove". Loved the depth of the characters and the insights into different people's and community's behavior. Backman's writing ultimately draws you in. I could feel what each character was going through and was heavily invested in them. You can feel the pain every character undergoes, you can see every tree, every road, and every scar on everyone.
This book is dark and emotionally compelling. Being a parent, this book hit me harder in multiple places.
“Being a parent makes you feel like a blanket that’s always too small. No matter how hard you try to cover everyone, there’s always someone who’s freezing.”
“Never trust people who don’t have something in their lives that they love beyond all reason.”
I liked this more than "Man called Ove". Loved the depth of the characters and the insights into different people's and community's behavior. Backman's writing ultimately draws you in. I could feel what each character was going through and was heavily invested in them. You can feel the pain every character undergoes, you can see every tree, every road, and every scar on everyone.
This book is dark and emotionally compelling. Being a parent, this book hit me harder in multiple places.
“Being a parent makes you feel like a blanket that’s always too small. No matter how hard you try to cover everyone, there’s always someone who’s freezing.”
sizzlesteaks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Rape
Moderate: Violence, Racial slurs, and Homophobia
jennireadsmaybe's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
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
Fredrik Backman is immensely talented. Everything about his writing style is consumable, but it's also haunting. I don't know if there's another author I've read from that would have been able to write something like Beartown.
Beartown is traumatizing. Backman doesn't pull his punches. You know something horrible is going to happen. There were times when I was reading that I would step away to do things and I would be sick to my stomach. It's brutal.
Not only is Backman a talented writer, he is phenomenal at character work and setting. All of the characters read like someone that could live down the street. I was in the run down, small, forest town the whole time. I wouldn't go so far as to recommend this to anyone unless they are looking for a horrific experience.
Beartown is traumatizing. Backman doesn't pull his punches. You know something horrible is going to happen. There were times when I was reading that I would step away to do things and I would be sick to my stomach. It's brutal.
Not only is Backman a talented writer, he is phenomenal at character work and setting. All of the characters read like someone that could live down the street. I was in the run down, small, forest town the whole time. I wouldn't go so far as to recommend this to anyone unless they are looking for a horrific experience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Violence
Moderate: Bullying, Homophobia, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Child death, Child abuse, and Alcoholism
mauraruth's review against another edition
3.0
All too real; all too much. Kept crying!
At the same time, the hockey stuff was a bit grating and it was melodramatic at times (lots of times)
Maya unfortunately felt like too much of a “perfect victim” to me, and way too forgiving/wise beyond her years. Didn’t feel realistic
Also wanted to say I appreciated that Backman focused so little on Kevin’s thoughts and feelings after the rape, because who tf cares??
At the same time, the hockey stuff was a bit grating and it was melodramatic at times (lots of times)
Maya unfortunately felt like too much of a “perfect victim” to me, and way too forgiving/wise beyond her years. Didn’t feel realistic
Also wanted to say I appreciated that Backman focused so little on Kevin’s thoughts and feelings after the rape, because who tf cares??
gwennn_'s review against another edition
5.0
Wow, just wow. An instant favorite. I could not put it down, I dont plan on it either, I'm so invested in this town and these people I am jumping right into the next book.
zoesteinberg214's review against another edition
5.0
There are no books that come anywhere close to being as beautiful as Fredrik Backman’s.
liminal_dolphin's review against another edition
5.0
This book is an honest portrayal of how people are simultaneously complex and uncomplicated, how community can equally create a sense of isolation and belonging, and how culture (specifically sports/hockey culture) shapes us. Though a little slow to start, Backman’s prose and use of repetition worked very well for the story and he is able to constantly integrate these little moments of innocence and beauty in larger moments of tragedy and suffering. He is able to capture the essence of what it means to be human and all that comes with it.