Reviews with content warning for Death - Kleine Stadt der großen Träume

Reviews tagging 'Death'

Kleine Stadt der großen Träume by Fredrik Backman

63 reviews

wheety_rae's review against another edition

challenging emotional tense medium-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

4.5

Such an amazing and important read. Backman beautifully tackles heavy topics and challenges thought processes. Most satisfying ending probably ever.

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lucygoosey522's review against another edition

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challenging dark tense medium-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? It's complicated

4.0

okayyy first half of this book was mid. the writing felt meh to me (i did listen to it tho, so it could’ve been that) just very jumpy and there were a couple points where it was like “little did they know, that was the last time blah blah would ever be the same” and that’s like personally my least fave trope/writing device ever bc it just feels sooo lazy. but after about halfway thru i didn’t notice it as much and the jumpy writing added to the tone of the story.
i was hesitant about the fact that it’s a story about a young girl getting raped written by a man, but personally i feel like he wrote the story respectfully, realistically, but also was able to add some things to it that felt almost comforting to think that the girl, maya, found some peace later.

i also really liked the ending go maya! for a sec i was like oh god she cannot kill him but then she just threatened him and he wet himself. woot woot

i would also recommend to teenage boys in sports. it shows the consequences of actions, or can just bring the subject to light.

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shiran_fa's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.0

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ffj's review against another edition

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emotional inspiring reflective slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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ainereads's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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sofie1705's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful reflective sad tense

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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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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