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.