BEARTOWN

by Fredrik Backman

After reading and reviewing Anxious People (read review here), I knew I wanted to read more of Fredrik Backman’s work, and several people recommended Beartown as it’s the first in a series. When I was down visiting my mom in Maine and saw it on her shelf it felt like the perfect opportunity. At first I was baffled by why anyone would recommend this book to me as it seemed to be 90% about hockey. And although I live in Canada, that’s just not my sport.

But, about halfway through Beartown something truly terrible happens and this tiny community in the forest is ripped apart. Backman fluidly switches perspectives between the hockey players, parents, coaches and other townspeople more peripheral to the action.

I struggled whether to name the horrible event, but think it’s important to say that there is a rape for those who wouldn't want that as a part of their pleasure reading. I found the way Backman works through the rape victim's trauma and that experienced by the town to be riveting. In the end, he illuminates just how many ways there are to respond to violence in our lives. (Lily)

A SECOND HELPING

I previously reviewed the first book in this series, and my Mom mentioned how much she enjoyed all three books. I've finally finished the third and final book, The Winners and can definitely echo my Mom's strong recommendation for the whole series. Although the third book is perhaps a bit longer and more formulaic than the others, I found immense satisfaction in seeing all the threads tied together and these realistically flawed characters reach some resolution. (Lily)