A review by mnls
Beartown by Fredrik Backman

emotional inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

’Culture is as much about what we encourage as what we permit.’

Wow. Some writers can make you fall in love with a story, even if nothing wild or exciting happens, simply by their writing. Fredrik Backman did that here. 

The story started a little slow - with so many characters, it was hard to keep everyone straight at first. Yet, it crept up on me slowly in a way that was simple, yet beautiful. I often had to set it down and really absorb everything I was feeling. That’s how hard this story hit me.

‘Beartown' addresses some difficult content and warns about the hazards of blind idolization. From rape culture, to homophobia, to groupthink, to personal integrity and collective morality, this book forces readers to take a candid look at problems that plague all societies.

I'm sure some may find this book too slow or meandering. But my rating reflects the fact that this book engaged all of my thoughts and emotions at every turn. It so beautifully illustrates the complexity of humanity and the capacity that we have, both to hurt and to uplift each other. It made me feel seen, both as a woman and as a human. 
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