Review of The Winners (Beartown, #3) by Fredrik Backman
Oh, my heart. I really don’t know whether to laugh or cry after reading The Winners—the concluding chapter in Fredrik Backman’s brilliant Beartown trilogy. This book caught my attention like a rush of cold air on a warm summer day. The moment I turned its pages, I was transported back to Beartown, a place I’ve come to love as much as its unforgettable inhabitants. Backman possesses an extraordinary ability to weave stories that dig deep into our essence as human beings, leaving readers both verklempt and reflective.
In this final installment, we find ourselves reacquainted with familiar faces—Benji, Bobo, Ana, and Ramona, just to name a few. Their struggles, heartaches, and triumphs reflect the good and bad of life in a small, hockey-obsessed town. I can’t express how masterfully Backman captures the dualities of family dynamics: the deep love and agonizing anger that can coexist within relationships. It’s a fragile dance, one that he illustrates beautifully. Each character embodies these complexities, wrapped in layers of loyalty, heartache, and the relentless pursuit of belonging.
One of the most powerful themes in The Winners is the notion of choices and consequences—a thread that runs throughout the trilogy. The decisions we make aren’t always clear-cut; oftentimes, they reverberate in ways we can’t foresee. The emotional gravity of these choices caught me off guard, and at times, I found myself crying hysterically, feeling every triumph and tragedy as if they were my own. Benji, in particular, stole my heart completely. His boundless capacity for love and loyalty often leaves him vulnerable, yet it’s precisely this vulnerability that makes him such an endearing character.
Backman’s writing style remains a hallmark of his storytelling. He writes with a poignant rhythm, alternating between sharp wit and deep emotional insight that keeps you turning pages late into the night. The pace of The Winners felt just right; each scene unfolded effortlessly, allowing ample time for reflection. I was deeply moved by the tender moments contrasting with the raw realities of life in Beartown, and this balance showcased Backman’s literary prowess.
What truly stands out, however, is how authentically Backman portrays friendships and communities. The line “everyone gets a stick” resonated deeply with me. It symbolizes not just teamwork, but the shared human experience—everyone has a role to play, even in the chaos. In my conversations with friends about this series, I’ve come to appreciate that those shared moments, whether filled with laughter or tears, create the strongest bonds of all.
As I closed the book, I felt a sense of bittersweet closure. Although I will miss these characters dearly, I have the comfort of revisiting them through multiple reads. I whole-heartedly recommend The Winners to fans of deeply emotional, character-driven narratives. It’s a beautiful end to a trilogy that explores what it means to be human, the intricate ties of community, and the complexities of love in all its forms.
So, Fredrik Backman, thank you for gifting us this incredible series. Your insights into human nature linger with me long after the final page. If you’re looking for a read that will touch your heart, elicit laughter, and make you feel profoundly connected to the joys and sorrows of life, this is it. Bang, bang, bang—what a ride it’s been!
Discover more about The Winners (Beartown, #3) on GoodReads >>