This story begins with a 'bang' (forgive the pun). It is set in a northern Swedish town called Beartown, a place that's seen better days, where the residents focus more on their ice hockey teams - indeed, obsession comes to mind.

Backman spends quite a time setting the scene and delving deep into the multiple characters, whom I won't name individually. As a group, we agreed on the ones we liked and disliked.

Emotions are definitely high in this book, which the author deals with so skilfully. Namely, love in its many forms, and loyalty, are the prevalent ones, and the consequences thereof. Also, how you can be driven into circumstances with disastrous results.

Ice hockey is a sport we didn't know much about, but even if sport is not your 'thing', it's part and parcel of this story.

There were moments which we as a group didn't see coming (brutal or otherwise).

We whole heartedly recommend this novel. Please note, this is a trilogy - the other books are "Us Against You" and "The Winners".