Written by Sam Ali
A heartbreaking read of revenge, justice, and the love of community. Backman’s Us Against You, the sequel to his highly acclaimed Beartown, is so well written, that the characters stay with you forever. Fredrik Backman is known for his novels like A Man Called Ove, My Grandmother Sends Her Regards And Apologies, and of course, Beartown. Fredrik Backman’s writing in his novels are so unique, that the characters are relatable to the reader, and the events that take place in his books are almost like they are true events.
Backman is an incredibly talented writer, and that reigns true through each sentence of this book. Every character is carefully thought out, rounded, with ample growth shown throughout the book, not to mention they are mixed in with such an intense plot that leaves you wanting more.
Benji and Amat are probably the two most real, and heartbreaking characters within the book. Benji is an 18-year-old boy, whose best friend committed such a horrific act, left town, and now Benji is left to discover who he is and what he stands for. Benji is quiet, and so misunderstood, that he doesn’t even understand himself at times. But, I think that’s what makes him so endearing as a character, and so relatable. Amat is a 16-year-old with such a profound love for hockey, but an even more intense love for his mother, and the search for truth and justice. Amat is a character that completely represents the right in a right or wrong situation, and even when the rest of the world is against him, he rises to the occasion with bravery. Both these characters in this book are so admirable on so many levels, and I think they both gave this book such depth.
It’s hard to review such an amazing book like this without giving anything away.. but all I can really say is that I was literally hooked from the first page, and with the dialogue between these interesting people residing in Beartown, I just couldn’t put it down.
Us Against You by Fredrik Backman is now available everywhere at Amazon, Book Depository, and other good book retailers.
Have you read Us Against You? What did you think? Tell us in the comments below!
Synopsis | Goodreads
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.
