103 pages • 3 hours read
Beartown
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Book Brief
432
Novel • Fiction
Remote Swedish Town • Contemporary
2016
YA
18+ years
840L
Super Short Summary
Beartown by Fredrik Backman centers on a small, rural town whose identity and fortunes are intertwined with its junior hockey team. The narrative weaves through multiple viewpoints, exploring the pressures on young hockey star Kevin Erdahl and the fallout when he commits a serious crime. The story delves into family dynamics, community loyalty, and personal regret against the backdrop of a sport-obsessed town. The novel includes intense scenes of sexual violence and its aftermath.
Contemplative
Emotional
Melancholic
Dark
Bittersweet
Reviews & Readership
527,088 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Fredrik Backman's Beartown has been praised for its poignant depiction of small-town life and intricate character development. Reviewers applaud its exploration of community and morality. Criticisms include a slow-paced start and some predictability in the plot. Overall, the novel’s emotional depth and social commentary have resonated strongly with readers.
Who Should Read Beartown?
Readers who would enjoy Fredrik Backman's Beartown are likely fans of deeply emotional and community-focused narratives. Comparable to J.K. Rowling's The Casual Vacancy or Celeste Ng's Little Fires Everywhere, they appreciate intricate character development, exploring societal issues, and intimate portrayals of small-town life.
527,088 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Amat
Amat
Amat is a talented 15-year-old skater from a poor background, determined to succeed in hockey while caring for his mother and navigating complex personal dynamics.
Benji Ovich
Benji Ovich
Benji is a tough and resilient player on the team, known for his protective nature and struggles with personal and societal challenges.
Maya Andersson
Maya Andersson
Maya is a 15-year-old with a passion for playing guitar, who faces significant challenges while navigating life in a hockey-obsessed town.
432
Novel • Fiction
Remote Swedish Town • Contemporary
2016
YA
18+ years
840L
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