Us Against You is the second book in the Beartown series by Swedish author Fredrik Backman. The Beartown book series has been so popular it has now been made into a HBO television series.
The Beartown book series follows the residents of a small, hockey-obsessed town as they navigate the complexities of community, loyalty, and secrets, starting with the repercussions of a violent act that threatens to tear the town apart.
Disclosure: This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases
In a small forest community, Beartown’s tough residents have always found pride in their local ice hockey team, but face despair as disbandment looms. Tensions escalate with rival Hed, whose former Beartown players now relish in their team’s demise.
Amidst the turmoil, a newcomer revitalizes Beartown hockey with a new coach and a chance for redemption. As a new team emerges, old bonds fracture, new alliances form, and animosity with Hed deepens.
As pranks escalate, tragedy strikes before the decisive game, leaving both towns to question the purity of their beloved sport.
Us Against You Book Review
Us Against You is another brilliant book by one of my favourite authors, in one of my all-time favourite book series.
Fredrik Backman just never disappoints, and this sequel is packed with the same emotional depth, lovable characters and powerful storytelling that made Beartown so unforgettable.
This book is emotional and deeply moving. You grow to love these characters and Fredrick Backman really captures the messy, complicated mix of love, grief, redemption, and belonging. It’s a story about hockey on the surface, but it’s really about so much more. It showcases the fine line between love and hate, and how communities can come together or fall apart in times of conflict.
While the shifting rivalries and alliances between Beartown and Hed keep the tension high, it’s the characters that truly make the story unforgettable. Benji, in particular, remains a favourite of mine. He’s such a brilliantly written character. He’s flawed but lovable, strong yet vulnerable. I’ll forever love him and the way Backman portrays his internal struggles with such depth and sensitivity.
In my opinion, Fredrik Backman is one of the most talented storytellers out there. His insight into human nature makes him one of my all-time favourite authors. I’ll be enjoying the plot, and then suddenly there’ll be a quote so wise and moving that I have to stop and re-read it just to savour it.
I particularly relate to the way Backman describes parenting. That all-consuming, sucker punch of love, fear, and protectiveness. He captures the raw emotions that come with being a parent in such a relatable and heart-wrenching way. It’s those moments in his writing that hit me the hardest and stay with me long after finishing the book.
All in all, it’s safe to say I loved this book and the series as a whole, and will be recommending it to everyone!
What to read next
If you haven’t already I’d definitely recommend completing the Beartown series. The third and final book in the trilogy is titled The Winners.
Fredrik Backman has written several other novels and novellas, so I’d definitely suggest also reading those. I’d particularly recommend A Man Called Ove.
