“There is even more potential for book group discussion here as Backman explores violence, political maneuvering, communities, feminism, sexuality, criminality, the role of sports in society, and what makes us all tick.” With immense compassion and insight, Fredrik Backman reveals how loyalty, friendship, and kindness can carry a town through its most challenging days. Here is a declaration of love for all the big and small, bright and dark stories that give form and color to our communities. By the time the last goal is scored, a resident of Beartown will be dead, and the people of both towns will be forced to wonder if, after everything, the game they love can ever return to something as simple and innocent as a field of ice, two nets, and two teams. But bringing this team together proves to be a challenge as old bonds are broken, new ones are formed, and the town’s enmity with Hed grows more and more acute.Īs the big game approaches, the not-so-innocent pranks and incidents between the communities pile up and their mutual contempt intensifies. Soon a team starts to take shape around Amat, the fastest player you’ll ever see Benji, the intense lone wolf always dutiful and eager-to-please Bobo and Vidar, a born-to-be-bad troublemaker.

Amidst the mounting tension between the two rivals, a surprising newcomer is handpicked to be Beartown’s new hockey coach. What makes it worse is the obvious satisfaction that all the former Beartown players, who now play for a rival team in Hed, take in that fact. A heart-wrenching story of how loyalty, friendship, and love carry a town through its darkest days.Īfter everything that the citizens of Beartown have gone through, they are struck yet another blow when they hear that their beloved local hockey team will soon be disbanded.

Us against you fredrik backman