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abbyjb's review against another edition
- 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: Bullying, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Rape, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Gun violence, Cancer, Alcoholism, Grief, and Child death
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Self harm, Homophobia, Pregnancy, and Lesbophobia
msavy15's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, and Stalking
bleepblorp's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Sexual assault, Cursing, Sexual violence, Rape, Homophobia, Violence, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual harassment, Self harm, Misogyny, and Child death
Moderate: Alcohol, Abandonment, Alcoholism, and Child death
gr3ywaren'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
Graphic: Rape and Violence
Moderate: Self harm and Homophobia
Minor: Suicide
bookishgoob's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don’t even know where to begin with this book. Before I read the authors note, I had so many feelings about a man writing a story about the rape of a young girl, but after reading the authors note, I found out he did his research and handled it as sensitively as he could. This whole book tore me apart. As a woman I felt deeply for the victim, but as a victim myself, I felt even more connected to the victim. This whole book is a trigger warning. The assault happens in chapter 21 and everything from there is a lot of victim blaming, and it really shows the toxic culture of victim blaming and rape culture. I want to go more in detail but it was honestly just a beautifully written but triggering book. I think I will come back to this review at a later time to get my thoughts fully written out.
Graphic: Rape, Sexual violence, Toxic friendship, Toxic relationship, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Misogyny, Racism, Pregnancy, Self harm, Sexism, Homophobia, Child abuse, Classism, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Alcohol, and Grief
samanthas_books's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Graphic: Sexual assault
Moderate: Homophobia, Alcoholism, and Child abuse
Minor: Self harm
roemfr'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: Bullying, Classism, Death of parent, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Gun violence, Hate crime, Self harm, Alcohol, Blood, Cursing, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, and Violence
jamesflint's review against another edition
4.0
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Self harm
ffj's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Homophobia, Violence, Self harm, and Child death
Minor: Death, Alcoholism, and Suicidal thoughts
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