The Winners

A Novel

By: Fredrik Backman

Narrated by: Marin Ireland

Return to the close-knit, resilient community of Beartown with this “engrossing page-turner” (Woman’s World) about first loves, second chances, and last goodbyes—from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Anxious People and A Man Called Ove.

Over the course of two weeks, everything in Beartown will change.

Two years have passed since the events that no one wants to think about. Everyone has tried to move on, but there’s something about this place that prevents it. The destruction caused by a ferocious late-summer storm reignites the old rivalry between Beartown and the neighboring town of Hed, a rivalry which has always been fought through their ice hockey teams.

Maya Andersson and Benji Ovich, two young people who left in search of a better life, come home and joyfully reunite with their closest childhood friends. There is a new sense of optimism and purpose in the town, embodied in the impressive new ice rink that has been built down by the lake.

Maya’s parents, meanwhile, are caught up in an investigation of the hockey club’s murky finances, and Amat—once the star of the Beartown team—has lost his way after an injury and a failed attempt to get drafted into the NHL. Simmering tensions between the two towns turn into acts of intimidation and then violence. All the while, a fourteen-year-old boy grows increasingly alienated from this hockey-obsessed community and is determined to take revenge on the people he holds responsible for his beloved sister’s death. He has a pistol and a plan that will leave Beartown with a loss that is almost more that it can stand.

Discover what it means to forgive with this “hell of a conclusion to an outstanding series” (Booklist, starred review). A poignant and moving read perfect for fans of Friday Night Lights.

Genius

Frederick Bachman is a genius. He weaves the most intricate story with interesting, complex characters. The reader is masterful.
This is a story of real life so it is sometimes dark or sad but it is a worthwhile read.

Epic

I will never understand how he can pull this story together like he does. I am in awe. I do wish this one had a bit more happy moments. This one always had me waiting for the next heartbreak.

The human emotions

Frederick Bochman is one of my all-time favorite authors. He really knows how to express human emotions through his creative writing skills.

I found myself laughing, crying, and writing down beautifully written quotes. I loved this book and I know you will too.

One of Bachman's Best

I read some reviews that said the story had too much foreshadowing and was too long but I couldn't disagree more. The foreshadowing in this story is brilliant and really doesn't give everything away. It sets it up in such a way that you feel like you're living the life that's in the book. I have never read a story that made me feel like I was seeing the parts like you do when you are living your life and you don't know really exactly what it means. This trilogy is at the top of my all time favorite stories list..

The best

Damn I love a book that makes you laugh, cry, reflect & then start it all over again. So beautiful with even better narration.