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A review by bibliomich
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
challenging
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
UPDATE: After a meaningful conversation with @ashsaxreadsstacks, I'm pulling my stars for this book. (Not giving it 0 stars, just unsure of how to rate.) I'm also adding this addendum to my review: I'm not really sure how to think or feel about this book now. Perhaps Backman (a cishet white man) was not the right person to write a story about the SA of a young girl. Maybe stories about rape, especially those that delve into the feelings and perspectives of the victims, should not be told by people who don't share those lived experiences. I also obviously don't know what Backman's experiences are. But these are now questions I'm asking and wondering.
---
Fredrik Backman is a brilliant writer, and my only regret after finishing this book is that I didn't pick it up eight years ago when it was first published. This book very much felt like if Backman finished watching all five seasons of Friday Night Lights and then chose to write FNL fan fiction set in the world of competitive junior hockey. And while that may sound a little derivative, FNL is one of my favorite shows of all time, and if I could have chosen anyone to write a book with similar themes, characters, and even conflicts, I probably would have chosen Backman.
For those who have read his other popular works, especially Ove and Anxious People, just know that this book is thematically darker. The entire book revolves around the rape of a young girl by a rising hockey superstar and the events that follow. I'm not sure how I feel about a man writing about the feelings and experiences of a young girl who has survived sexual assault (not great, I think), but I do feel that Backman consistently tries to approach his writing with empathy and intentionality.
My favorite part of the book (and my favorite part of Backman's writing, in general) is the way he is able to create an entire town of characters, create distinct personalities for these characters, and then show the different ways these characters interact with each other in different contexts. I was so invested in these characters' stories, particularly Benji, Amat, and Maya, and I'm looking forward to reading the next books in the trilogy.
I also highly recommend listening to this one on audiobook, as Marin Ireland is a brilliant narrator who has never failed to captivate me with her storytelling.
---
Fredrik Backman is a brilliant writer, and my only regret after finishing this book is that I didn't pick it up eight years ago when it was first published. This book very much felt like if Backman finished watching all five seasons of Friday Night Lights and then chose to write FNL fan fiction set in the world of competitive junior hockey. And while that may sound a little derivative, FNL is one of my favorite shows of all time, and if I could have chosen anyone to write a book with similar themes, characters, and even conflicts, I probably would have chosen Backman.
For those who have read his other popular works, especially Ove and Anxious People, just know that this book is thematically darker. The entire book revolves around the rape of a young girl by a rising hockey superstar and the events that follow. I'm not sure how I feel about a man writing about the feelings and experiences of a young girl who has survived sexual assault (not great, I think), but I do feel that Backman consistently tries to approach his writing with empathy and intentionality.
My favorite part of the book (and my favorite part of Backman's writing, in general) is the way he is able to create an entire town of characters, create distinct personalities for these characters, and then show the different ways these characters interact with each other in different contexts. I was so invested in these characters' stories, particularly Benji, Amat, and Maya, and I'm looking forward to reading the next books in the trilogy.
I also highly recommend listening to this one on audiobook, as Marin Ireland is a brilliant narrator who has never failed to captivate me with her storytelling.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Child death, Drug use, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism