Reviews with content warning for Toxic friendship - Kleine Stadt der großen Träume

Reviews tagging 'Toxic friendship'

Kleine Stadt der großen Träume by Fredrik Backman

69 reviews

bookishgoob's review against another edition

emotional sad tense slow-paced

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

“One evening in late March, a teenager walks into the forest, puts a shotgun to another teenager’s forehead, and pulls the trigger.“

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.

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alexisgarcia's review against another edition

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dark sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Overall this book was so so good. I always recommend people who want to read Fredrik Backman’s books to go in blind. His books always have secondary plot points that make the book so much more interesting and develop the characters so much. The only reason I did not give this 5 stars was I wished there was a little less detail on hockey (I know that’s one of the biggest parts of the book but at some points it seemed a little excessive) and the ending was not as satisfying as I would’ve wished but I think that was kind of the point, it was realistic I guess. Please check the content warnings!!!!

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mysterymom40's review against another edition

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dark emotional tense medium-paced

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? It's complicated

3.5

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readingthroughinfinity's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

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

4.5

THIS BOOK??? I'm so glad I finally read this on Jaz's recommendation because this book was fantastic and like nothing I've ever read before. The writing is emotional, poignant and thoughtful, making us really invest in the protagonists. The slow start works perfectly to introduce us to the big cast of characters and, as the story progresses, we see how interconnected everyone and everything is, making the ending even more powerful and resounding. A truly excellent book.

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evallier's review against another edition

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emotional sad slow-paced

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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