Beartown is a novel by Swedish writer Fredrik Backman. It is considered hockey literature. Yet, for me, it tells human stories around a town obsessed with hockey.
The book focuses on hockey in a town where people’s lives revolve around this sport. Although it is seen as hockey literature, for me, the novel shows the lives of individual athletes. It also illustrates how being part of a team and a good player can make someone famous and influential. We tend to view athletes as heroes and ignore the fact that they make mistakes like everyone else.
I liked the writing style, but you must give the story time to draw you in. At first, you may not get hooked, but keep reading because the story and action improve. As you read more, you may enjoy some characters more. This book is the first in a series, followed by “Us Against You” and “The Winners”. Although I liked the book, I likely won’t read the other books in the series. I want to read so many different books that I will choose another author and story instead. The book is probably an excellent choice for sports fans as it will connect with some themes.
Hockey the town’s king
At the start, around 20% of the book, it may seem monotonous as the author introduces each character and the history of hockey in the town of Beartown. Then, it becomes more dynamic, building to the climax and resolution. I believe the themes and story reflect any sport or system to some extent. The characters’ behaviors mirror how people act in real situations.
I’ll share my thoughts without spoilers. Some characters didn’t initially interest me, but they reveal a side I like more when a critical situation happens. It helped me understand them deeply. I enjoyed seeing the human side of various characters’ portrayed actions and emotions. Some didn’t seem appealing at first, but they showed kindness and value over time.
Beartown is a small forest community obsessed with hockey. They pin all their hopes on the youth hockey team winning the national semifinals. They aim to restore the town’s former glory, and a win would uplift all residents. So, they place their dreams and hopes on the teenage hockey players. They also rely on the team’s coach, as his work is essential for success.
“Beartown isn’t close to anything. Even on a map, the place looks unnatural. “As if a drunk giant tried to piss his name in the snow,” some might say. “As if nature and man were fighting a tug-of-war for space,” more high-minded souls might suggest. Either way, the town is losing. It has been a very long time since it won at anything. More jobs disappear each year, and with them the people, and the forest devours one or two more abandoned houses each season.”
But, the intense pressure these kids face leads them to make mistakes. Others overlook the faults because winning the tournament is most important. It doesn’t matter if someone gets hurt in the process.
“Late one evening toward the end of March, a teenager picked up a double-barreled shotgun, walked into the forest, put the gun to someone else’s forehead, and pulled the trigger.
* * *
This is the story of how we got there.”
When fanaticism eats up the society
One thing I really liked about the book is the diverse perspectives, not just on sports but on life itself. As you read, you may agree with some views, understand others even if you disagree, and have nothing in common with some attitudes.
Beyond the hockey story, there is a dark narrative showing how society can be blinded by fanaticism. It also reflects how a person’s status allows unacceptable behavior. In other words, fame or importance to a group leads to excusing the inexcusable. So, the treatment of that person is very different.
It’s a book I recommend, especially for sports fans who will enjoy it even more. The diversity of people and outlooks makes you think. Although it centers on hockey, the deeper story examines society’s flaws, like justifying poor actions when sports glory is at stake.
