Us Against You

By: Fredrik Backman

Narrated by: Marin Ireland

From the "Dickens of our age" (Green Valley News) and New York Times best-selling author of Beartown and A Man Called Ove, a heart-wrenching story of how loyalty, friendship, and love carry a town through its darkest days.

After everything that the citizens of Beartown have gone through, they are struck yet another blow when they learn that their beloved local hockey team will soon be disbanded. What makes it worse is the obvious satisfaction that all the former Beartown players, who now play for a rival team in Hed, take in that fact. Amidst the mounting tension between the two rivals, a surprising newcomer is handpicked to be Beartown's new hockey coach.

Soon a new team starts to take shape around Amat, the fastest player you'll ever see; Benji, the crazed lone wolf; and Vidar, a born-to-be-bad troublemaker. Bringing this team together is a challenge as old bonds are broken, new ones are formed, and the enmity with Hed grows more and more acute.

As the big match approaches, the not-so-innocent pranks and incidents between the communities pile up, and hatred grows deeper. When the last game is finally played, one of Beartown's key players will be dead, and residents of both towns are forced to wonder whether, after all they've been through, the game they love can ever return to something simple and innocent.

Us Against You is a declaration of love for all the big and small, bright and dark stories that form and color our communities. Compelling and heartbreaking, it's a roller-coaster ride of emotions with Fredrik "Backman's pitch-perfect dialogue and an unparalleled understanding of human nature" (Shelf Awareness).

©2018 Fredrik Backman (P)2018 Simon & Schuster Audio

Critic reviews

"You'd be forgiven for comparing narrator Marin Ireland and author Fredrik Backman to the great hockey tandem Mark Messier and Wayne Gretzky. Like Messier and Gretzky, Ireland and Backman are quite the formidable pair... [Ireland] once again gives an unforced, nuanced take on characters that include adolescents struggling to find their way, a crusty old barkeep, a power-hungry politician, and a married couple hoping to reconnect after terrible tragedies. If you enjoyed Ireland's work in Beartown, you will not be disappointed hearing her read Us Against You. (AudioFile)

One of the greatest books about hockey ever

I absolutely loved this book. The author obviously knows what it is like to be a hockey player and a hockey parent. Each character and storyline resonated with me on so many different levels that it was difficult to stop listening. My emotions were all over the map, rejoicing one moment then crying the next. I cannot recommend this book enough for those who love the game of hockey or just want to gain a deeper understanding.

Another great Backman book!

Loved this sequel to Beartown...getting to know the characters more in depth. Every reader can relate to at least one individual in the story, or at least with the struggles the characters must overcome. The performance was perfect. Can't wait to listen to the next book in the series.

add to your library!

couldn't stop listening. The reality of the situations are in each of our own towns

Unforgettable

Did not want it to end ! You love them, you hate them and you just want to be one of them.

Glad I stuck with it

I almost bailed on this book before the halfway mark. So much sadness, it was hard to see how anyone could come out alright. Fortunately, I stuck with it (mostly because I liked the author’s other books so much.) Characters I’d grown to like in Beartown and this book aren’t all left in misery as I had feared. I was satisfied with the conclusion, which wasn’t all happy but offered glimmers of hope and redemption. Overall, worth a listen.

Great sequel

This book is the sequel to Beartown. It took me a little while to really get into it but it turned out to be an amazing listen. I fell right back in love with the characters from Beartown. So many things in this book remind me of what is going on in the United States today. We can all learn a few life lessons from these characters. This is one of the best audiobooks I have listened to in a while.

Cooper

I love the language ! Beautiful written! I could not put it down . Take your time to absorb the beauty of the story

Great follow up to Beartown

Love Fredrik Bachman’s writing. This was a great follow up to the wonderful story told in Beartown- but could easily be followed if read alone.

Wonderful sequel

The author has written an engaging story and it keeps you wanting more of his writing. The performance is superb

A Powerful Story

I have read all five of Backman's books and recommend all five. They are each a reminder of the value of community, family, and how each person can make a difference - for good or not - in a unique way. This book is particularly relevant in these divisive times. It was difficult to read at times, and yet, hopeful. I hope Mr. Backman continues to share his insights into our humanity in future work.