Anxious People
By Fredrik Backman
- Release Date: 2020-09-08
- Genre: Literary Fiction
Description
An instant #1 New York Times bestseller, the new novel from the author of A Man Called Ove is a “quirky, big-hearted novel….Wry, wise, and often laugh-out-loud funny, it’s a wholly original story that delivers pure pleasure” (People).
Looking at real estate isn’t usually a life-or-death situation, but an apartment open house becomes just that when a failed bank robber bursts in and takes a group of strangers hostage. The captives include a recently retired couple who relentlessly hunt down fixer-uppers to avoid the painful truth that they can’t fix their own marriage. There’s a wealthy bank director who has been too busy to care about anyone else and a young couple who are about to have their first child but can’t seem to agree on anything. Add to the mix an eighty-seven-year-old woman who has lived long enough not to be afraid of someone waving a gun in her face, a flustered but still-ready-to-make-a-deal real estate agent, and a mystery man who has locked himself in the apartment’s only bathroom, and you’ve got the worst group of hostages in the world.
Each of them carries a lifetime of grievances, hurts, secrets, and passions that are ready to boil over. None of them is entirely who they appear to be. And all of them—the bank robber included—desperately crave some sort of rescue. As the authorities and the media surround the premises, these reluctant allies will reveal surprising truths about themselves and set in motion a chain of events so unexpected that even they can hardly explain what happens next.
Proving once again that Backman is “a master of writing delightful, insightful, soulful, character-driven narratives” (USA TODAY), Anxious People “captures the messy essence of being human….It’s clever and affecting, as likely to make you laugh out loud as it is to make you cry” (The Washington Post). This “endlessly entertaining mood-booster” (Real Simple) is proof that the enduring power of friendship, forgiveness, and hope can save us—even in the most anxious of times.
Reviews
Loved it!!
5By ShivouskeI love this author’s writing style. His stories are written with each character being important and somehow Interconnected. By the end of his stories, you feel like you know the characters intimately, almost like a close friend. I love all his books but this book I’m unique with the amount of humor imbedded in it. It’s funny, sad, hopeful and inspiring with many pearls of wisdom spread throughout. Highly recommend!!Beautiful Backman
5By BigAppleGregJust a beautiful, captivating story that only ‘Stockholmers’ would understand…. The fabric of life is complicated and when it comes together, there is magic. My second Backman read, and just totally thrilled - makes you want to be a better person.Interesting and Fun
4By Mcb717There were so many twists and turns to this book…and somehow at the end it all comes n together. I’m not sure this would happen in real life, but wouldn’t it be wonderful if it did….Absolutely amazing
5By Molly_.sTruly shifts your perspective; 100% a must readMy favorite book ever
5By Darica123I can’t explain why I love this book. I just do. And you will too.It was ok
3By AGRekoSlow start but good character development. For the translators/editors: in English, the correct grammar is “did you use to”, not “did you used to”. This error is repeated throughout the bookI’m not crying… you’re crying
5By Crusader 333333This book is exactly what I needed at this time. Fredrik Backman has a way of seeing straight into the heart of humanity. Anxious People is funny, chaotic, a little absurd but at its core, it’s a beautiful reminder that everyone is just doing their best. The characters are messy, flawed, and completely relatable. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, and you’ll probably hug the book when you’re done, like I did. Backman gently shows us that kindness, understanding, and connection are more powerful than we realize. We never really know what someone else is carrying. We’re all a little messy, a little lost, and a lot more connected than we think. So just… be kind.Anxious People
5By NoBrainerToMeSimply brilliantNot my usual genre, but worth every minute.
5By whineauxHands down, the best book I have read, ever! ~ viaExcellent plot, characters and writing.
5By Beachy 43The characters are so real. The vulnerabilities so credible. The insights so touching. The writing is exquisite.Great read
5By CautnySurprises, insights and enjoyment throughout.Anxious People
5By sconnolly22Funny, intriguing, purposely confusing. Life is complicated; we need to help each other. That’s all you need to know. Read this book.Absolutely delightful.
5By ksychbjeYou’ll laugh and then you’ll cry. And then you’ll look at everyone around you with a little more empathy.Outstanding.
5By SUEileenStory unfolds in unexpected and compelling ways. Great read. Didn’t want to put it down.Good not great
3By JeanneInDallasTxThis is not the kind of book that I normally read, but I laughed several times. I thought it was merely OK.Great book
3By JA ElkinGreat book.Axious people
5By IdfmomMr. Backman’s books just keep getting better and better! Can’t wait for the next oneA heartfelt story line
5By Denyce21I loved how each of the characters story lines collided. The plot was beautiful and deeply touched my heart. I will definitely be sharing this read.Great read
5By grabber2Great book loved the way all the characters tied together!
