Reviews with content warning for Rape - Ведмеже місто

this book was too long in my opinion but actually dealt with some pretty heavy issues like machismo and sexism in sports, rape culture, sexuality, and parenting styles. i loved his description of the sport and how far players (and parents) would go to achieve their goals. however, if i hear anything about having “the bear” in you again, i will scream.

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sarahmae531's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional reflective 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

4.5

Such a beautiful and heartbreaking story. For every terrible character there were so many more that I fell in love with.
I really enjoyed Backman’s writing style/this translation. The ending tied everything together perfectly.

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autumntune's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated

5.0

“This town doesn’t always know the difference between right and wrong, I’ll admit that. But we know the difference between good and evil.”

This is my third Fredrik Backman book. Each has been a spectacular ride that my amazement toward this author goes beyond measure. While I believe nothing can top A Man Called Ove as my all-time favorite, Beartown doesn't fall short.

Truth be told, I was having uncertainties to push through the first a hundred pages. I have never been fond of sport in general, let alone hockey. I was unfamiliar with the rules and whatnot. Yet there is zero regret upon finishing a four hundred something pages book of hockey-obsessed people and the town they inhabit.

It would be hard to overlook the ice sport when it could appear as the center of the story, but I promise you, this book offers more than that. You first need to understand that Beartown's denizen regard hockey as the town's chance at survival (in order to expand their job opportunities and promise the future to the younger generations so the town doesn't die out), so you see, the sport's significance is vital. Their views may seem strange for those who don't have hockey as years-long tradition and culture, because these people, they idolize the team, especially the best player the town has ever "produced."

The young boys that play are investments in the eyes of grown-ups. Anything that grants the team's success will be in their best interest. Unfortunately, that comes with a price.

It is said that the club's motto is: community, values, and culture. What does it actually mean? Sune says to David,

"Culture is as much about what we encourage as what we actually permit. That most people don't do what we tell them do. They do what we let them get away with."

Which prompts a question: when one player is accused of a crime, how far would the townspeople go claiming what happens off-ice doesn't concern what's in?

It was so devastating, I cried a couple of times throughout. I will not recover I fear.

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gillzzzo's review against another edition

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dark reflective sad 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

4.0

I listened on audiobook which probably was not ideal as I found it harder to get into. Overall a good book, interesting and important themes. Worth a read

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miranda_graham's review against another edition

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dark sad medium-paced

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

4.0

Even though I've never been a massive sporting fan, I enjoyed hockey games because they felt fast-paced, the athletes and game play are entertaining, and I at least know how to ice skate. Having that little bit of background helped me appreciate the comradery around the town and team. When the novel gets further into the trouble that can arise when boys aren't taught consequences to their actions or how to be held accountable (or simply how to understand consent), the violence of the hockey team and town are already known to the reader and make it very clear what the outcome will be. Maya's bravery to come forward is not understated, and I think this truly demonstrates how hard it is for women and girls to acknowledge and address when they've been assaulted. One issue I had with Beartown is that Maya's almost too focused on preserving the comfort of her family and the town, and though this isn't unrealistic, it just felt slightly forced. On the whole, this was a good listen with an expressive narrator.

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meenalgarg's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad tense slow-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

3.75

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itsme_lori's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

I am not of fan of the writing style in this book. Also, I thought from comments and reviews that this was a heartwarming story of an underdog hockey team from a small town. That is not what this book is about. It's a difficult read and I was not prepare for that.

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