A review by scarletshore
Beartown by Fredrik Backman

adventurous dark emotional inspiring tense slow-paced

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

4.5

Before you decide to read this book, one thing you need to know is that it's a slow burn; it takes a while before you reach the climax. I assure you, skimming through it might lead to regret, as every detail the author presents in the first half is related to the rest of the book.

The blurb suggests the story is about a town and a game, hockey, but it digs even more into themes of loyalty, commitment, and the responsibilities of friendship. It's not just about hockey as a game but also how hockey becomes the identity of the town, influencing how people act based on their status in that community.

This book left me in a state of puzzlement, speechlessness, frustration, and happiness. The author skillfully brought out a variety of emotions, indicating the book's success in crafting a truly engaging experience

I've never read a book with more detail than Beartown. Initially, I had a hunch that it might be boring, only talking about sports. In the end, my hunch proved wrong. The book is superb, and I love how the second half unfolds. I wholeheartedly recommend immersing yourself in this compelling read.