103 pages 3 hours read

Fredrik Backman

Beartown

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016

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Before You Read

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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.

Reviews & Readership

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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 this

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.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

840L

Book Details

Themes

Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride

Emotions/Behavior: Grief

Genre

Humor

Realistic Fiction

Modern Classic Fiction

Topics

Sports