I have so many thoughts floating around my mind. So many things I want to say about this book. One thing is clear, Fredrik Backman is a master story teller
Us Against You (Björnstad #2) by Fredrik Backman
After 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. 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. Amidst the mounting tension between the two rivals, a surprising newcomer is handpicked to be Beartown’s new hockey coach.
Soon a new team starts to take shape around Amat, the fastest player you’ll ever see; Benji, the intense lone wolf; and Vidar, a born-to-be-bad troublemaker. But bringing this team together proves to be a challenge as old bonds are broken, new ones are formed, and the enmity with Hed grows more and more acute.
As the big match approaches, the not-so-innocent pranks and incidents between the communities pile up and their mutual contempt grows deeper. By the time the last game is finally played, a resident of Beartown will be dead, and the people of both towns will be forced to wonder if, after all they’ve been through, the game they love can ever return to something simple and innocent.
(AUDIOBOOK REVIEW)
Us Against You – Fredrik Backman
My thoughts
He has a true talent of writing stories that touch hearts but also destroy them. Beartown and now Us Against You were raw, dark and emotionally touching stories. They make you think, and they made me hate the author too. Especially after everything he forced me to go through.
I believe, at this point, that the author is also a master manipulator. He has this way of sprinkling these dire predictions throughout his books like confetti. Especially at the end of chapters he had the habit of pointing towards one outcome, only to turn it into something else. He did this again and again, playing with the reader’s mind. I was a basket case at the end of the book. Sitting on the edge of my seat I was constantly waiting for the next shoe to drop, for someone to die, and for my heart to be stomped on.
Beartown and Us Against You are not easy books for the heart.
But they are beautifully written. With characters that were vibrant, unique, and who made my heart weep. These books are one of a kind. Truly different and worthy to be picked up, just be aware of what you get into.
4.5/5 Stars
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Us Against You – Fredrik Backman
You reminded me that I still need to read this one! I needed a break after Beartown. It was so heavy. It sounds like this one might have been, too. Great review!
I DNFed Beartown the first time I read it – because of how dark and sad it felt. I think I had to wait for the right time, the right mindset to tackle it a second time, and I was hooked. It was still sad, but manageable.
Some books are just like that. I’m happy you were finally able to stomach it.