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It felt good to be reunited with these characters and the small town surrounded by forest that lives for hockey. Like the first book, this was character-driven writing at its best.

“This is the story of what happened afterward, from one summer to the following winter. It is about Beartown and the neighbouring town of Hed, and how the rivalry between two hockey teams can grow into a mad struggle for money and power and survival.��

The aftermath from events in Beartown linger in Us Against You �� then things escalate. It features similar themes: toxic masculinity, tribalism vs community, loyalty, friendship, identity, small-town issues and more. Once again, the town itself is one of the strongest characters. With so much happening to these people, Us Against You was always going to be about more than hockey.

The characters are the highlight. I felt strongly about each of them. Some I loved �� Benji, Amat, Ramona, Bobo, and Teemu. Others I despised - William Lyt, newcomer Richard Theo, and perhaps controversially, Ana.

Many characters have come a long way in their development. I loved seeing the character arc of Bobo - truly one of the most transformative. Benji is centre stage this time though, and he drives the story well. I’ve always felt invested in his plight.

“Exclusion is a form of exhaustion that eats its way into your skeleton. People who are like everyone else, who belong to the norm, the majority, can’t possibly understand it.��

The author manages to balance wholesome and brutal, often within the same paragraph. It was great to have the mystery lifted around the men in black jackets (The Pack) and their leader, Teemu Rinnius. No one explores the topic of masculinity better than Backman.

Not everyone survives this book. Backman has an ability to deliver an emotional punch when you least expect it. While I found myself emotional whenever Amat, Bobo, or Alicia were mentioned, some of the most heart-warming moments were reserved for Benji and Maya.

“She waits for him. Walks by his side. Their steps are slow; perhaps it looks as though they’re moving slowly, but they don’t creep quietly into that corridor. They take it by storm.��

So, why four stars, not five? I didn't enjoy Richard Theo and talk of politics. There was also a particular love story I didn’t buy. Despite this, it was impossible not to hope many characters would have a happy ending.

Us Against You highlights the power of sports and community to help us through life’s challenges. While I didn't enjoy it as much as the first, it's still multi-layered writing that leaves an impact. I enjoy how Backman gives us a glimpse into the distant future - I’m looking forward to reading the final book.

“Life is a weird thing. We spend all our time trying to manage different aspects of it, yet we are still largely shaped by things that happen beyond our control.��

Many thanks to my dear friend, Tracy, for gifting me this book 🙏🏻