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A review by whatjamieread
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I flew through Anxious People in December after it was recommended to me more times than I can count. I immediately fell in love with Backman’s storytelling and vowed to read more from him. That being said, I can say with confidence after reading Beartown, not only has be been placed on my list of auto-buy authors, I now consider Beartown to be one of my favorite books that I've ever read.
After reading the synopsis, I felt I was agreeing to read a story about hockey. It took me fifty or so pages to realize that this book, in no way shape, or form, is about hockey. Sure, hockey is definitely front and center in the story, but it is merely a plot device for the deeper themes. Beartown is actually a story about trauma, family, friendship, and the depths we're willing to go for loyalty.
What I’ve come to understand about Backman’s style is that his stories build and build and build. We start with the narrowest view and then slowly, as the book goes on, we zoom further and further out until we are fully immersed in every single character’s perspective. When you think you know what his story is about, he quickly shows you that you’re not even close. Beartown is fabulously written and the character development and dialogue is flawless. It’s hard to believe that the English version is translated from Swedish. I can’t help but wonder if we are missing any additional goodness that might have been lost in translation.
I knew this was a five-star read halfway through. This is an instant classic in my library and I when I say that this has become a new all-time favorite, I do not say that lightly. Backman has thoroughly moved me and I feel like I will be healing from this story, Maya’s story, for many months to come. If you haven’t already, please read this book. It is worth every single page. Thank you, Fredrik, for respecting Maya and the real-life women who have experienced what she has. You have a new member of your fan club in me.
⚠️The trigger warnings for this one are important to know before going in if you might be sensitive. This story discusses rape in detail as well as child loss ⚠️
Full review (with spoilers) on my blog: tinyurl.com/1sn3dw4s
After reading the synopsis, I felt I was agreeing to read a story about hockey. It took me fifty or so pages to realize that this book, in no way shape, or form, is about hockey. Sure, hockey is definitely front and center in the story, but it is merely a plot device for the deeper themes. Beartown is actually a story about trauma, family, friendship, and the depths we're willing to go for loyalty.
What I’ve come to understand about Backman’s style is that his stories build and build and build. We start with the narrowest view and then slowly, as the book goes on, we zoom further and further out until we are fully immersed in every single character’s perspective. When you think you know what his story is about, he quickly shows you that you’re not even close. Beartown is fabulously written and the character development and dialogue is flawless. It’s hard to believe that the English version is translated from Swedish. I can’t help but wonder if we are missing any additional goodness that might have been lost in translation.
I knew this was a five-star read halfway through. This is an instant classic in my library and I when I say that this has become a new all-time favorite, I do not say that lightly. Backman has thoroughly moved me and I feel like I will be healing from this story, Maya’s story, for many months to come. If you haven’t already, please read this book. It is worth every single page. Thank you, Fredrik, for respecting Maya and the real-life women who have experienced what she has. You have a new member of your fan club in me.
⚠️The trigger warnings for this one are important to know before going in if you might be sensitive. This story discusses rape in detail as well as child loss ⚠️
Full review (with spoilers) on my blog: tinyurl.com/1sn3dw4s
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Child death