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cnohero'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? No
4.5
5 stars for writing
4 stars for the story
There are some very disturbing events which include a sexual assault and there is a lot of very strong language. The behaviors are certainly not condoned but they are present and quite graphic at times
Graphic: Cursing and Bullying
Moderate: Misogyny, Rape, Violence, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual harassment, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Homophobia, Sexism, Religious bigotry, Racial slurs, and Racism
Minor: Alcohol
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
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
eavers'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? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Alcoholism, Classism, Homophobia, Islamophobia, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual violence, Sexual harassment, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, and Violence
her'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
4.0
Minor: Rape, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Alcohol, Blood, Bullying, Child death, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Grief, Gun violence, Homophobia, Mental illness, Murder, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship
leslie_overbookedsocialworker's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Moderate: Suicide, Bullying, and Toxic relationship
katiedoesntftba's review against another edition
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Graphic: Rape, Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Sexual content, Sexual assault, Gun violence, Death of parent, Cursing, Child abuse, Blood, and Alcoholism
Minor: Child abuse