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mllesophie's review against another edition
- 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
In reality this book treat of a really serious subject... Rape Culture, but there were small joke here and there that were needed to change the mood a little. This was a great read and I would recommand it to anyone after they check the content warning section. I really appriciate that there were no graphic scene in this book.
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Lesbophobia, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child death, Drug use, Grief, Alcohol, and Classism
Minor: Child abuse and Death of parent
mel_s_bookshelf's review against another edition
- 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? No
5.0
Graphic: Homophobia, Rape, Sexual assault, and Violence
Moderate: Bullying, Drug use, Alcohol, and Classism
Minor: Addiction, Suicidal thoughts, and Pregnancy
mysterymom40's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
3.5
Graphic: Cursing and Rape
Moderate: Bullying, Homophobia, and Violence
Minor: Addiction, Racial slurs, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
cevec's review against another edition
- 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
3.5
Graphic: Bullying and Violence
Moderate: Addiction and Rape
ecamaselli's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I can, however, say a few things about this book.
1) I don't think I've ever seen such brilliant character work or descriptions in my life. Not all of the characters are likable, or even flat-out detestable. In fact, many of the characters are morally-gray.
In addition, though we follow at least 20 different perspectives throughout this book, the individuality of each character makes them easy to keep track of. Every character is unique, and true to themselves, whether their choices are morally right or not.
2) This is a very slow-moving book. Because of this, it leaves you with a lot of time to think, to grow familiar with the novel itself, and to develop any emotion or opinions that you may have regarding the events of the plot. It's brilliantly paced. I don't think it could have possibly been executed more perfectly.
3) This entire book is a perfect blend of social commentary and character study. The writing lends a deeper look into the psych of the human race, and what motivates, completes, and breaks us. I believe an in-depth essay could be written on each character, for even the minor ones, such as Robbie Holts, had drive, flaws, and distinct backstories.
CONCLUSION
Beartown by Fredrik Backman is perhaps one of the most difficult and rewarding novels I've read to date. And I'm not sure that I see a lot of potential for other books to top it in this regard. It is not an enjoyable read, by any means (though there are some hopeful moments sprinkled throughout the story), but it is incredible.
This is one of those novels that I truly believe everyone (who can handle the explored topics) should read at some point in their lifetime. I will never cease to recommend this book to those who can read these subjects.
Thank you, Backman, for confirming (and changing) my worldview.
-Elliana Maselli
Thursday, February 3, 2022
1:14 PM
Graphic: Bullying, Cursing, Drug use, Gun violence, Homophobia, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Body shaming, Child death, Violence, Grief, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Death, Eating disorder, Gun violence, Self harm, Sexism, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Outing, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
alparker394's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Graphic: Bullying, Gun violence, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Child death, Death, Mental illness, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Homophobia, and Alcohol
lovis_erics's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Graphic: Cursing, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, and Classism
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Vomit, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Minor: Child death and Eating disorder
caitlin_43's review against another edition
- 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? It's complicated
5.0
Graphic: Homophobia and Rape
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child abuse, and Child death
cyndibug's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Rape
Moderate: Addiction
chamaeleontis's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Drug use, Physical abuse, Rape, Violence, Medical content, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Cancer, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Homophobia, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Blood, Outing, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Body shaming, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Gun violence, Self harm, and Gaslighting