It astounds me how deftly Backman manages to balance and flesh out the motivations and innermost thoughts of so many different characters in this novel. Even when I disagree with a character’s actions, I never question why they behave as they do because the author does such an excellent job ig giving each person a distinct voice. This sequel was every bit as wrenching as Beartown. It managed to be both bleak abd yet optimistic at the same time. Kinda like real life, right?