Review of The Winners (Beartown, #3) by Fredrik Backman
I am verklempt. Having devoured The Winners not once, but twice in a matter of months, I find myself overwhelmed with emotions—like a puddle on the floor, utterly spent and yet yearning for more. Fredrik Backman has an extraordinary gift for capturing the essence of what it means to be human, a talent that deeply resonates with me and, I suspect, with anyone else who dares to dive into his world. As the final installment of the Beartown trilogy, this book is both a conclusion and a heart-wrenching departure from characters I’ve come to love deeply.
At the heart of The Winners lies a profound exploration of relationships: the good and bad of marriage, the complexity of friendships, the painful beauty of love and loss. Backman’s writing makes me feel each emotional nuance—raw and unfiltered. He delves into the realities of human nature with such intimacy that I couldn’t help but cry hysterically throughout the narrative, often feeling like I was experiencing every grief, joy, and nuance alongside his characters.
The book’s setting—a hockey town divided into two rival camps—serves as a perfect backdrop for these profound themes. The innocence and passion of youth are juxtaposed beautifully with the complexities of adult relationships. There’s something beautifully primal about the line, "There’s dysfunction, family, friendship, love, loss," capturing the sheer chaos of life that I think many of us can relate to. It’s a reminder of the choices we make and those made for us, often with unforeseen consequences.
Backman’s characters? I adore them to bits! From Benji Ovich—whose loyalty and love break my heart—to Bobo’s undeniable humor amidst tragedy, each one feels like a friend. Ramona’s snark and wisdom, Teemu’s steadfastness, and Alicia’s fierce spirit all beckon readers to engage deeply. It’s not just their triumphs and heartbreaks that resonate, but also how they reflect the fragility and strength of our own lives. As I shared with my reading buddy, Kaceey, “I love you with my whole heart and more” could easily be my mantra for these characters.
On a technical level, Backman’s pacing in The Winners felt intimate yet expansive, seamlessly weaving through moments of laughter and tears. The tragic-comedic moments flow organically, reminding us that life—much like hockey—is sometimes unpredictable and wild.
As I closed the book for the final time, I felt an achingly bittersweet sense of closure. Backman has gifted us a brilliant end to a series that will linger in my heart long after the last page. While I yearn for more time in Beartown, I’m comforted by the idea of revisiting its residents over and over again.
I wholeheartedly recommend The Winners to anyone who enjoys deeply flawed, beautifully human stories. If you’ve ever felt the complexities of love, family, or friendship—through laughter or tears—this book will connect with you on a profound level. Fredrik Backman has once again demonstrated why he’s one of the most insightful authors of our time, and for that, I am truly grateful.
Thank you, Fredrik, for sharing your incredible characters with us. They have enriched my life in ways I can’t fully express. As I always say, "Bang, bang, bang, bang, bang"—and with that, I stand tall, if you stand tall.
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