103 pages • 3 hours read
Fredrik BackmanBeartown
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2016A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Before You Read
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
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.
RecommendedReading Age
18+yearsLexile Level
840L