Review by chaptersofchase - Beartown

chaptersofchase 's review for:

Beartown by Fredrik Backman

5.0

challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Let's talk about Beartown 👇🏼

Genre: Fiction
Format: 📖🎧
Pub Date: 4.25.2017
Star Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆

"The only thing the sport gives us are moments. But, what the hell is life apart from moments?"

Beartown- you either love it, or you don't.

Up until recently, I was in the latter category. In 2020, I started the book and then quickly DNF. The hockey references were too much, and good grief, there were too many characters. But, after a classic case of FOMO, I decided to give the book another try this year, and now I'm officially in the category of 'love it.'

I got over the hockey references fairly quickly this round and made a character cheat sheet that I referenced whenever I was confused. Creating the character key helped me better understand who was who and their relation to one another, allowing me to appreciate the story.

Let me be clear; this book is not as hockey centered as the first 50 pages lead me to believe. The heart of this story is about the decisions we make, the people we love, and the influences (good and bad) people can have on our lives.

Through Backman's incredible writing and character development, I became attached to these fictional people and wanted nothing but the best for their lives. I was angry at the town for allowing the events to occur and for not standing up for one of their own.

Once the story's turning point occurs, the book becomes impossible to put down.

💯 Character development
🏒 A hockey-obsessed town but not all about hockey
👌🏼 Audiobook
🗣 Third person omniscient narrator

Don't be fooled; this story is heavy. There are a lot of triggers throughout the novel - suicide, rape (graphic, imo), alcohol abuse, and victim blaming.

______

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Content Warnings