This town and series is so loved and memorable. The reader must read book one first, but this book in general is just so amazing. Highly highly recommend.

An enjoyable read that you will be hooked on once you begin. From the POV of many characters in the novel and great writing style, you cannot help but love and enjoy this book from beginning to end. A book that I recommend.

"A lyrical look at how a community heals, how families recover, and how individuals grow."
- Quote from The Washington Post


Thanks to NetGalley, and Atria Books for a digital ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I have read and enjoyed A Man Called Ove, And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer, and Britt-Marie Was Here by Fredrik Backman.
Although I had a digital ARC, I chose to listen to the unabridged audio of US AGAINST YOU written by Fredrik Backman, translated by Neil Smith and narrated by Marin Ireland. Many of my GoodReads friends rated this book 5 stars and loved it. Alas! I did not. This book disappointed me and did not rise to my expectations or meet them.

"The residence of Beartown are tough, hard-working people who don't expect life to be easy or fair. They've always been able to take pride in their local ice hockey team, especially when they are victorious over their long time rivals in the neighbouring town of Hed. Just when it seems that Beartown ice hockey might be disbanded due to the defection of their best players to Hed, the team gets a surprising new coach - and a chance at a comeback. Bringing the team together, however, proves to be a challenge as old bonds are broken, new ones are formed, and the bitterness between the adversaries threatens to turn into violence.
With immense compassion and insight, Fredrik Backman reveals how loyalty, friendship, and kindness can carry a town through its most challenging days."
- Quote from back of cd case

There is an over abundance of repetition in the story, which became tiresome. Politics and hockey seemed to be the main characters in this book, pushing Benji, Peter, Maya, Anna, Leo, Bobo, Vidar, Ramona and others into the background.

Backman did show that most people are not
pure evil nor are they perfectly good. A community is a mixture of all kinds of people and they go through hard times, tragedies and celebrations, sad times and happy times.

Another positive is that although Fredrik Backman had numerous threads in this book, he tied them up leaving no loose ends.
3 stars ⭐️️⭐️️⭐️️

I loved this story especially coming from a hockey family and country - Canada where hockey is HUGE. this was such a great story of how a community comes together to make change and persevere through difficult times. a heart warming story and I cannot wait for the next instalment

RATING: 3 STARS
2018; Simon & Schuster Canada

Us Against You is the sequel to Beartown, and continues the story from where the last book left off. I enjoyed the book, but it wasn't as great as Beartown. I almost didn't need to have a sequel, and felt like Beartown ended satisfyingly. I do enjoy Backman's characters and story.

***I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.***
1 like

Than you Netgalley and the publisher and especially Fredrik Backman
I love everything that Fredrick Backman writes, he is such a talented writer that makes you feel so much when you read his books.
Thank you for a wonderful read.

Hilarious! Heartfelt! I absolutely loved this book. Such a relatable narrator that I genuinely felt for. This book will make you laugh and cry. I absolutely loved it!

As I write these words, the Stanley Cup Playoffs are in full swing — though the timing of these playoffs has always struck me as odd as there’s no longer any snow on the ground. Anyhow, if you’re looking for another dose of hockey during this season of sudden death elimination, you may want to pick up Fredrik Bachman’s latest novel, Us Against You. Set in the small Swedish burg of Beartown, the book follows a hockey team as it struggles to survive. At the novel’s opening, the daughter, Maya, of the general manager, Peter, of the Beartown hockey team has been raped and one of the team’s player’s, Kevin, did it. People take sides, with a very vocal group of hooligans known as “the Pack” taking Maya’s side, which allows Peter to keep his job. However, as a result of the controversy, the hockey team is on the verge of bankruptcy and most of the team’s players have moved over to playing with the team in a neighbouring town called Hed. It takes a rather unusual politician to start making backroom moves to save the club in order to further his election bid. However, once a team gets assembled and the regular season looms, the team is to play their Hed rivals as the first game of the season. Tragedy occurs as a result, but some good things happen to characters, too.

If the words “baggy and digressive” were ever meant to describe a novel, then they would for this book. Us Against You is a loooong book. Minor characters keep on getting introduced, and it should come as no surprise that, by novel’s end, there are multiple endings as Bachman tries to tie all of the loose ends together. That is probably the book’s only failing, as this is an impeccably written work that explores the love and passion, and the sense of community, that goes into what some people may scoff at as being “only a game.” Hockey rules the world of Beartown, so when things start to happen on the ice, they naturally have a spillover effect off the ice — particularly in terms of how small-town politics are carried out.

There are a few surprises in Us Against You. One of the Beartown star hockey players gets outed as being gay, and a community that isn’t used to dealing with people “like him” suddenly have to find a way to grapple with it. Bachman realistically paints the character as someone who gets a lot of grief handed his way, but, in the end, most people find some way to accept and deal with his gayness in their own ways — making the book oddly sentimental. It turns out that this character’s salvation is hockey: people wind up rallying behind him because, in part, he’s such a good player. Bachman writes a convincing and well played out character who has to come to grips with his own sexuality. On that note, Maya’s story is also handled sensitively, and we come to learn how she manages to survive and the alliances she makes as some choose not to believe her. She doesn’t find her passion in hockey, but in Mixed Martial Arts and music, and, she, too, gets a bittersweet ending.

The book leads towards its climactic showdown between the two teams, and if you thought Canadians were the only ones who were hockey-mad — think again. Hockey means everything to the people of the novel — so much so that when Peter is forced to tear down the stands where “the Pack” congregates, it sets off all sorts of complications. However, this isn’t really too much a book about violence in sport. This is really a book about how people in small communities find a rallying point to come together — especially when jobs go to the neighbouring town or people from Beartown have to wait longer for care at the hospital in Hed. Violence is just an outpouring of populist anger and frustration. The inhabitants of Beartown practically put Canadians to shame — it may be our game, but the people of Beartown really make it theirs. Practically everything revolves around the sport, and it’s apt that Peter is seen as something like a god for having played professional hockey in Canada. Canucks, you may have to start worrying — another nationality may just be usurping our sport! In fact, it turns out that Peter is so wrapped up in his hockey world, it is threatening to destroy his marriage!

There’s an interesting narrative tactic in Us Against You. There is a narrator who provides foreshadowing, but just as often offers commentary on the comings and goings of this novel. In a sense, the narrator is a hidden character of the book — someone with just as much personality as the characters, young and old, who populate this book. I was surprised to find out that Bachman is just 37 years old, because the narrator feels older and wiser than that. He (assuming the narrator is a he) has a birds-eye view of what happens or is about to happen, and that helps to soften the blow of the novel’s sometimes predictability by leading us onto another narrative thread to delay what’s about to happen in another section of the book.

Overall, I was quite charmed by Us Against You. It is well-written and moves at a leisurely pace — but there might be one other caveat for more ardent sports fans. One thing that I was also taken aback by was the fact that even though this is a book about hockey, it doesn’t get played very much here. In fact, you’re more apt to see characters in practice as you will at an actual game, probably highlighting the work and dedication these characters take in prepping themselves for the final showdown — which, as it turns out, is not really all that surprising. (The outcome is pretty much known, not because it’s revealed in any way, but because the other outcome would be the more predictable route, which makes the real outcome just as predictable.) Still, as a character study and an examination of life in small towns, Us Against You is not meant to be missed. It is largely a sterling, succulent novel meant to be savoured till the last drop. And it is a very good book with hockey as a backdrop. If you’re a sports nut, you’ll probably go ga-ga over this.

Amazing book!! Would recommend to any fan of his or to anyone that lives in a small town. Great story about coming together through love of a town and love of hockey.

Us Against You has been on my NG shelve for quite some time. I loved Beartown and it is one of my favorite books. So why did it take me so long to read this one I really don’t know. I like to think maybe it had to do with the timing. Sometimes you just have that special book that seems like you are waiting for the perfect time. Well, I read this one just at the perfect time because I read this one in an Instagram Group read and shared this one with some wonderful ladies. We shared a great discussion with a few emotions with this one.

A Community consumed by hockey, torn apart by violence, hate, conflict and differences.

Us Against You is not just about hockey. It’s a look into how a community heals, after violence tears apart a town and we see how that affects the community and families. We see the damage that competition and hate from a rivalry community can affect communities. We were like a whirlwind of emotions as we saw how the people in the town dealt with the violence and hate and we see how they grow from it. It’s heartbreaking and heartwarming.

Fredrik Backman knows how to capture the insight into his characters and had me feeling compassion for all the characters. He captures their environment and just how that shapes the people they are.

These are my favorite types of books to read and stories like this remind me why I read. It reminds me sometimes I just need to go back to being that mood reader that really makes me a happy reader.

Thank you to NetGalley, and Simon & Schuster for a copy to read and review.

After reading the first book I wasn't sure if I would read the second but I'm really glad I did. The pace was better in this story and since I had just finished Beartown not too long ago the characters were still with me. I do believe there were parts that were not necessary to the plot but overall it was told on a way that flowed well. Being used to the style from the first book allowed me to transition between characters more easily this time around. I would recommend reading this book even if you weren't totally in love with the first one. Will be reading more from this author for sure!

Backman once again writes a beautifully heartbreaking story about this small hockey town.

Even though it takes place in a small town in Sweden, the story feels like it could be any small town.

From the point of view of many of the characters from Beartown, and a few new ones, we see the heartbreaks and the joys they experience, repercussions that follow decisions they've made, and how interconnected everything is.

Backman's language is very simple, and yet he beautifully weaves together such a complex story. Evocative and tangible, You will feel for the characters, what they face, be frustrated with the choices they make, experience heartbreak, and feel joy.

Thank you to #NetGalley, the publisher and the author for an advance e-copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I love everything about this book. Preface - I love all of Fredrik bavkman’s books - and I have read them all! Highly recommend Bear Town and Us against you! A man called Ove is one of my favourite books that everyone should read!

"Us Against You" is set a few months after the events of "Beartown" - and so we are reunited with the same cast of characters while they try to muddle through the aftermath of a town torn apart by a rape.

The beauty of Fredrik Backman's books are that they sit with you. I find that sometimes it takes me a while to get into his stories - but once I do, I get completely lost in the characters and the story.

I remember reading reviews about "Beartown" being a book about a small hockey town with a big heart ... but both of these books are about so much more.

Beartown is about hockey - those who play, those who watch, those who would do anything to ensure the team stays put. Hockey isn't just a sport here, it's not only a way of life, it's considered a lifeline for an entire community.

What would you do if your lifeline was threatened?
What would you do if you were so angry at everyone that you don't know what to do ... other than use your fists?
What would you do if you spent your entire life supporting someone else ... and finally decide that you need to find yourself again?
How do you deal with grief so heavy that you can barely breathe?

These are some of the questions that are asked of the entire town - and in true Backman fashion, he addresses them in such a raw and honest way that it leaves you in tears. These books are filled with characters - some you read about once or twice, some who are more developed characters - but Backman will bring out a depth and importance to each character - no matter how much page space they are given. Each and every character will tug at your heart. Just like life, Backman reminds us that nothing is black and white - things are grey.

I don't want to say too much - because this book will take you on a roller-coaster of a ride; highs and lows, turns that are unexpected. I will say, this is the second book and not a stand alone read. If you have picked this up and not read "Beartown" first - you will understand what's happening, but will be missing so much that makes this books so great - the heart, the conflict, the loyalty that was first explored in the first book.

Such a brilliant read. So highly recommended.

Thank you Netgalley and Simon & Suchuster Canada for an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

It’s been a long time since a book made me cry, but Us Against You did. Multiple times. And not just a couple of tears, but full on sobbing. It’s been three days since I finished it, and I’m still processing my emotions.

I read A Man Called Ove (which easily became one of my all-time favourite books) when it was first released in Canada, and since then, I have made a point to pick up every single one of Fredrik Backman’s books. While some didn’t work for me as much as Ove did, I loved Beartown and was ecstatic when I heard about the release of Us Against You.

Us Against You has a multitude of characters, yet Backman is so incredible at writing each and every one of them that I felt their individual worries and sorrows. Opening the pages of this book was like physically stepping into Beartown, which isn’t so different from my own, hockey-obsessed, rural village. While I was never involved in hockey, and don’t really care about it one way or the other, Us Against You demonstrates how towns come together and are pulled apart by a common interest/goal. If you aren’t a fan of hockey, don’t be deterred. This book is so much more than that. It is a story of family, community, friendship, brotherhood, love, and hate, with subtle commentary of our current society which managed to stop me in my tracks on multiple occasions.

My heart continues to break, and I will forever be in awe of Backman’s way with words.

I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This was hands down, the easiest 5 star rating I have ever given. I'd give it more if I could. I absolutely loved it. What an emotional roller coaster ride...I laughed, I cried. I got incredibly angry, I was awed.

This novel picks up right after where Beartown left off, the summer following the rape and the disbanding of the hockey club. There are still snippets that allude to the future for all of the characters that we know and love but the main story concerns the present time. Backman has this uncanny knack for leading the reader down a certain path (and making me freak out), only to completely turn it around (hence the emotional roller coaster).

The language is beautiful, the story is compelling and the characters stay with you long after you've finished reading the novel. Nothing would please me more than for the author to keep writing about this town and its occupants, I can't seem to get enough. This was by far, my favourite book of 2018.

I had put off reading this book as I loved Beartown so much. I am so happy to say this book was just as good maybe even better! You are quickly transported back to Beartown and back into the lives of all these beloved characters. With Beartown's hockey team in jeopardy this book follows the journey of putting the team back together. Although this book follows a hockey team and talks a lot about the sport it again is much more then the sport. It is about a community who although can be divided can also come together when they need to. It is about families struggling to provide for their kids and kids trying to follow their dreams. It is about being different and not being afraid to stand tall. Backman's writing just has a way that keeps you on your toes and eagerly flipping through the pages to find out what happens next. This book covers a lot of controversial topics but Backman handles them with the love and care they deserve. So often I was getting teary eyed hearing how the community in Beartown responded when faced with these topics such as rape, homosexuality and hate. Truly a beautiful book about how human beings can be so strong when they band together and how maybe we really are not ever alone if we have a team or community who has our backs.

Backman has done it again. He's given me a book that has changed my life. This is more than just a sequel. This explores a whole other side of human nature and what it means to be a part of a community. I am still astounded with his ability to tell stories. I think he has just become an auto-buy author for me.

I would like to thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. Although this book was good, ...I wish I had read the first book before reading this one! There were way too many references to the first book that at times I was struggling to read and comprehend this novel!

4.5 stars
If I didn't say it last time, I will say it now, Fredrik Backman can write!!! Us Against You is the sequel to Beartown (one of my favorite books EVER written) and this is another story that grabs the reader's heart and rips it right out of their chest. I was lucky enough to get an ARC from Simon & Schuster Canada.

The reader is taken back to Beantown but this time its rival town Hed plays a more prominent role. There is much foreshadow that things will not end well and violence is the culprit. Us Against You delves into the hockey craziness but is more focused on the politics and town dynamics rather than the actual sport. It is a story about rivalry, violence, solidarity, acceptance (and lack thereof) and how a town moves forward after losing its heart and soul (from events that occurred in the first book). Most of the characters from Beartown are back but some who were merely background last time are fully developed while other central characters from before are less part of the show this time.

I was immersed in the story and was often bubbling with various emotions, particularly in the last third of the book. I wavered between 4 and 5 stars because overall it could have used some more editing and it was ALMOST as good as the prequel. However, I can't stress enough that this story is fantastic and if you fell in love with Beantown, you will most certainly be captivated with Us Against You. And if you haven't read Beartown...WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!!!!