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A review by ems_rxlibrary
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-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? Yes
4.5
Wow. I wasn’t sure how I felt about this book for the first third or so, but I was pleasantly surprised by the time I reached the end!
In a small town completely dominated by hockey one girl has the courage to speak out against the best player. This book shows what it is to be human. Being right doesn’t mean that people will believe you. It will show who is worthy of your time and who you should look at through the rear view mirror.
I liked the nonlinear storytelling of Beartown. There is loads of foreshadowing and suspense and buildup to make you want to keep reading!
The role a good friend plays in your life is a major theme in this book and I absolutely loved the relationship between Ana and Maya. Benji became a favorite character as well because he wouldn’t stand by and let sleeping dogs lie.
There is also so much representation in this book. Anxiety plays a major role and one of the main characters is a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
There are a vast cast of characters- some are very likeable and some are VERY unlikeable.
In the end, I did find myself wishing that things had played out differently. I wished that one person’s word against another’s was worth more. I think that I will find myself thinking about this book for a LONG time though.
TW: rape, homophobia, bullying, suicidal ideation, alcoholism
In a small town completely dominated by hockey one girl has the courage to speak out against the best player. This book shows what it is to be human. Being right doesn’t mean that people will believe you. It will show who is worthy of your time and who you should look at through the rear view mirror.
I liked the nonlinear storytelling of Beartown. There is loads of foreshadowing and suspense and buildup to make you want to keep reading!
The role a good friend plays in your life is a major theme in this book and I absolutely loved the relationship between Ana and Maya. Benji became a favorite character as well because he wouldn’t stand by and let sleeping dogs lie.
There is also so much representation in this book. Anxiety plays a major role and one of the main characters is a member of the LGBTQ+ community.
There are a vast cast of characters- some are very likeable and some are VERY unlikeable.
In the end, I did find myself wishing that things had played out differently. I wished that one person’s word against another’s was worth more. I think that I will find myself thinking about this book for a LONG time though.
TW: rape, homophobia, bullying, suicidal ideation, alcoholism
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Bullying, Cursing, Rape, Sexual violence, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts, and Blood