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A review by what_heather_loves
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
"It's only a game. It only resolves tiny, insignificant things. Such as who gets validation. Who gets listened to. It allocates power and draws boundaries and turns some people into stars and others into spectators. That's all."
I began reading this, aware of the weight of its positive reviews, which may, perhaps unfairly, account for my disappointment in it. Or it may have just been my mood at the time, particularly after having recently read what I expect may be my book of the year (any other book will have to be beyond outstanding to top it). Rivalries, competitiveness, pressure, responsibility and entrenched positions - ice hockey is everything to most residents of Beartown - signify success or failure. This small town in a large Swedish forest, is struggling with unemployment, fallen heroes and desperation to advance their junior ice hockey team's position and reputation. "There are thousands of ways to die in Beartown. Especially on the inside." There are no nuances, only winning or losing and Beartown feels maligned and lesser to the rest of the country's teams: "Bears shit in the woods and everyone shits on Beartown". Full of concise, astute observations about generations of residents, who are carrying a heavy load of responsibilities and pressure, including poverty, racism and grief for a lost child, parent and husband, between them. Those with wealth and status have power and misogyny is rife: there's notably no girls' ice hockey team in Beartown.
I read a translation and the book was written over five years ago, pre-pandemic. I can appreciate the skilful writing and complex characters, but struggled to engage with them and the multiple perspectives, which changes numerous times within chapters. The arrogance and aggression encouraged in the teenage boys in the team made for uncomfortable reading. I felt an understanding of (or interest in) ice hockey and its terms and nuances, which I lack, would have helped, found it and other elements of the storyline more expansive than necessary for the plot. The dramatic event that shocks the town happened late in the plot and was, I felt, not entirely unpredictable, as was most residents' depressing and sometimes threatening responses. A small number of characters are stronger and make positive decisions and there is plenty of nuance in the plot, but overall the tone was miserable and I didn't enjoy reading it, unfortunately.
I began reading this, aware of the weight of its positive reviews, which may, perhaps unfairly, account for my disappointment in it. Or it may have just been my mood at the time, particularly after having recently read what I expect may be my book of the year (any other book will have to be beyond outstanding to top it). Rivalries, competitiveness, pressure, responsibility and entrenched positions - ice hockey is everything to most residents of Beartown - signify success or failure. This small town in a large Swedish forest, is struggling with unemployment, fallen heroes and desperation to advance their junior ice hockey team's position and reputation. "There are thousands of ways to die in Beartown. Especially on the inside." There are no nuances, only winning or losing and Beartown feels maligned and lesser to the rest of the country's teams: "Bears shit in the woods and everyone shits on Beartown". Full of concise, astute observations about generations of residents, who are carrying a heavy load of responsibilities and pressure, including poverty, racism and grief for a lost child, parent and husband, between them. Those with wealth and status have power and misogyny is rife: there's notably no girls' ice hockey team in Beartown.
I read a translation and the book was written over five years ago, pre-pandemic. I can appreciate the skilful writing and complex characters, but struggled to engage with them and the multiple perspectives, which changes numerous times within chapters. The arrogance and aggression encouraged in the teenage boys in the team made for uncomfortable reading. I felt an understanding of (or interest in) ice hockey and its terms and nuances, which I lack, would have helped, found it and other elements of the storyline more expansive than necessary for the plot. The dramatic event that shocks the town happened late in the plot and was, I felt, not entirely unpredictable, as was most residents' depressing and sometimes threatening responses. A small number of characters are stronger and make positive decisions and there is plenty of nuance in the plot, but overall the tone was miserable and I didn't enjoy reading it, unfortunately.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Violence, and Racism
Moderate: Xenophobia, Racial slurs, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Alcoholism