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challenging
dark
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a strange book. There were good parts, bad parts, and mind-numbingly boring parts.
While the story revolves around a hockey town, I didn't realize, perhaps stupidly in retrospect, how much the book actually revolved around hockey and the sports mentality that naturally follows a story like that. The locker room talk made me super uncomfortable, and while I'm sure that was the point, it grated on my nerves each time something highly sexual or discriminatory was said. The belief that certain people should get a pass in life just because they're a "sports star" or a "prodigy" also annoyed the ever living crap out of me. I'm completely aware that Backman was highlighting the hypocrisies and injustices that happen in life more often than we care to admit, but God, it doesn't mean it wasn't frustrating to read.
Some smaller issues I had with Beartown was the large cast of characters and the narrative style that Backman used throughout. Having each character get a little snippet or arc in each chapter really wasn't for me, as it made it hard for me to connect with them (as well as remembering who they actually were), and it detracted from any tension being built up, rather than highlighting or reflecting upon it.
Overall, this book was fine. I don't really understand why it's such darling of the literary world, but I'll just have to conclude that it left others feeling more profoundly moved than I myself felt. Also, I honestly believe that Backman could have called this book "Boys Will Be Boys" and I think you could derive everything you need to know about the plot from that title alone. (3 stars)
While the story revolves around a hockey town, I didn't realize, perhaps stupidly in retrospect, how much the book actually revolved around hockey and the sports mentality that naturally follows a story like that. The locker room talk made me super uncomfortable, and while I'm sure that was the point, it grated on my nerves each time something highly sexual or discriminatory was said. The belief that certain people should get a pass in life just because they're a "sports star" or a "prodigy" also annoyed the ever living crap out of me. I'm completely aware that Backman was highlighting the hypocrisies and injustices that happen in life more often than we care to admit, but God, it doesn't mean it wasn't frustrating to read.
Some smaller issues I had with Beartown was the large cast of characters and the narrative style that Backman used throughout. Having each character get a little snippet or arc in each chapter really wasn't for me, as it made it hard for me to connect with them (as well as remembering who they actually were), and it detracted from any tension being built up, rather than highlighting or reflecting upon it.
Overall, this book was fine. I don't really understand why it's such darling of the literary world, but I'll just have to conclude that it left others feeling more profoundly moved than I myself felt. Also, I honestly believe that Backman could have called this book "Boys Will Be Boys" and I think you could derive everything you need to know about the plot from that title alone. (3 stars)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Physical abuse, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts