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bookstagirl's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
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
3.75
salt_y's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Frederick Backman simply has a way with words. Although this book made me cry most of the time, all the characters were written with such care that it took my breath away. The beginning was rather hard to get into properly, especially with the constantly switching perspectives, representing basically everyone who lives in Beartown. As soon as the 40% mark hit however, I couldn't put it down and was destroyed by the story in the best way. Mind the content warnings before going into this!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Toxic friendship, Rape, Homophobia, Violence, Sexism, Misogyny, and Bullying
Moderate: Gun violence, Eating disorder, Death, Suicidal thoughts, and Alcohol
samaraaax's review against another edition
5.0
this book just fills me with so much sadness, like I love this fucked up town. benji <3333
mswatek's review against another edition
4.5
Love his character building. I really root for so many of them. I’d rate this a little lower than Anxious People and A Man Called Ove
araskov's review against another edition
5.0
In "Beartown," Fredrik Backman takes readers on an emotional and thought-provoking journey into the heart of a small town that lives and breathes hockey. The novel brilliantly captures the essence of a community where dreams, hopes, and identities are deeply intertwined with the success of their junior ice hockey team. But beneath the surface of this seemingly close-knit town lies a complex web of secrets, loyalties, and the harsh realities that come with the burden of expectation.
The story centers around a handful of teenage boys who carry the dreams of an entire town on their shoulders as they approach the national semi-finals. Backman masterfully portrays the pressure that builds on these young athletes, illuminating the weight of responsibility they face and the sacrifices they must make to meet the town's expectations.
However, as the semi-final match approaches, a violent act takes place, leaving a young girl traumatized and the town in upheaval. The aftermath of this incident ripples through Beartown, exposing the fault lines within the community and leading to a moral crisis. Backman skillfully delves into the complexities of human nature, showing how blind loyalty, fear, and the desire to protect one's image can push individuals to make troubling decisions.
What truly sets "Beartown" apart is Backman's remarkable storytelling ability. He deftly weaves together a multitude of characters, each with their own unique perspectives, struggles, and motivations. Readers become emotionally invested in their stories, experiencing the rawness of their emotions and the dilemmas they face. As the narrative unfolds, Backman seamlessly transitions between viewpoints, allowing us to see the events from different angles, making the story all the more compelling.
One of the highlights of the novel is its captivating first chapter. Backman grabs the reader's attention from the start and holds it tightly throughout the book. Once the story gains momentum, it becomes nearly impossible to put down.
In "Beartown," Backman explores themes of loyalty, courage, and the consequences of collective actions. He presents a nuanced portrayal of the human psyche and the complexities of small-town dynamics. The book is a poignant reminder of the impact our choices can have on others and how the pursuit of dreams can sometimes lead us astray.
In conclusion, "Beartown" is a must-read for those seeking a powerful and compelling tale that delves deep into the human experience. Fredrik Backman's storytelling prowess shines through, leaving readers with a lasting impact. The novel is a rollercoaster of emotions, offering profound insights into the human condition and the strength we find in ourselves and others when faced with adversity. It's a story you won't want to miss.
The story centers around a handful of teenage boys who carry the dreams of an entire town on their shoulders as they approach the national semi-finals. Backman masterfully portrays the pressure that builds on these young athletes, illuminating the weight of responsibility they face and the sacrifices they must make to meet the town's expectations.
However, as the semi-final match approaches, a violent act takes place, leaving a young girl traumatized and the town in upheaval. The aftermath of this incident ripples through Beartown, exposing the fault lines within the community and leading to a moral crisis. Backman skillfully delves into the complexities of human nature, showing how blind loyalty, fear, and the desire to protect one's image can push individuals to make troubling decisions.
What truly sets "Beartown" apart is Backman's remarkable storytelling ability. He deftly weaves together a multitude of characters, each with their own unique perspectives, struggles, and motivations. Readers become emotionally invested in their stories, experiencing the rawness of their emotions and the dilemmas they face. As the narrative unfolds, Backman seamlessly transitions between viewpoints, allowing us to see the events from different angles, making the story all the more compelling.
One of the highlights of the novel is its captivating first chapter. Backman grabs the reader's attention from the start and holds it tightly throughout the book. Once the story gains momentum, it becomes nearly impossible to put down.
In "Beartown," Backman explores themes of loyalty, courage, and the consequences of collective actions. He presents a nuanced portrayal of the human psyche and the complexities of small-town dynamics. The book is a poignant reminder of the impact our choices can have on others and how the pursuit of dreams can sometimes lead us astray.
In conclusion, "Beartown" is a must-read for those seeking a powerful and compelling tale that delves deep into the human experience. Fredrik Backman's storytelling prowess shines through, leaving readers with a lasting impact. The novel is a rollercoaster of emotions, offering profound insights into the human condition and the strength we find in ourselves and others when faced with adversity. It's a story you won't want to miss.
jewelj's review against another edition
5.0
This was as good as everyone says it is. It simultaneously made me feel hopeless and incredibly hopeful and I've never quite felt that way reading a book before. Highly recommend.
madelyn_marquis's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
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
3.75
aezys's review against another edition
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
9ra6ce's review
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0