This book is positively amazing. It is funny, sad, happy, poignant, and thought-provoking, all at once. I laughed, and I cried, and I found myself wishing I had been held hostage in that apartment too. Backman is a master storyteller, and I simply can’t get enough.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an electronic copy to read and review.

I simultaneously wanted to race through this book and hold off on reading it so it would never end. It is completely spellbinding in both its story and character development. Backman grabbed my heart with Beartown and Us Against You and hasn't let go since. This book far surpasses any expectations I had.

The story is about so many things - a bank robber, a hostage situation, love, honesty, people. It is pure perfection in print.

I know, a day late and a dollar short but, this book had a Birthday yesterday and I needed to spotlight it for a few reasons..1. It was my first Fredrik Backman book. 2. I loved it. 3. I don't know that I've ever seen such beautiful rants in a book before. Backman wrote this with a personal passion and it is very apparent he shared the same views with his characters. (At least I think so). 4. The very beautiful @arielestewart loves him, and swore I'd love him too. I do!! 5. I loved that it gave off a 6 degrees of separation vibe, and how it seemed chaotic and all over the place, but then pieces started to fit in the puzzle.

First off, you should probably note that I received and early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review (from netgalley). These are my thoughts on the novel.

Wow. I've never read a story quite like this one. It was beautifully crafted and so well executed. I wasn't sure what the story was really about, even now I have no idea if it was about the bank robber, the hostage drama, the bridge or the idiots. I just know that it was absolutely brilliant. The writing style, the characters, the storyline: all of it was amazing!
I highly recommend it, please note that it does cover topics such as suicide and depression and learning how to handle grief. If you're sensitive to any of those, please go in cautiously.

Anxious People is very different from author Fredrik Backman's prior books. There is no misunderstood, lonely curmudgeon or hockey-playing teens. There are plenty of interesting characters though.

The characters are introduced a bit haphazardly. The story layout is interesting with after-the-crime police interrogations interspersed with real-time action. At first, it seems disjointed, but a few chapters in, and the flow of the story becomes apparent. This is not a book to be skimmed or read quickly. The subtle statements about and from each character eventually become woven together so that readers see a rich pattern of how each of our own decisions to act or not act can have a significant impact on someone else.

Anxious People is a study of human nature done with a bit of dry humor and a lot of compassion for we humans who try hard but are still imperfect. A #MustRead2020 book.

Thank you @NetGalley for the advanced reader's copy of Anxious People by Frederik Backman, this is my honest review.

"People want to be good. Deep down. Kind." - Chapter 27

I'm finding difficulty putting my feelings together for this one, I have so many. To me deep down, this book highlights the positives in humanity, and exemplifies the truths that we all seek. All of us want to be accepted for who we are and to find kinship in those around us. Every one of us has experienced moments where we are distraught or feel like we've hit the end of the road, moments where we don't quite know what to do or don't want to go on. Backman's book Anxious People takes decisions made in these moments and exposes the importance of these decisions for both ourselves and those our decisions effect.

I loved this book with my whole heart. Backman tends to have this effect on me. His writing style is so light and his thoughts so heavy, that I found myself rotating between outright cackling and tearing up.

This being my first novel by the celebrated Fredrik Backman, I was surprised and intrigued by the premise of this book. A lone would-be bank robber appears to have taken an apartment full of people hostages. But the reality of the situation is actually very different.

The seemingly diverse group of people, and the two police officers who interview them, seem completely unconnected. Backman has a quirky, darkly humorous style of writing that is actually funny in parts and quite emotionally deep in others. Always though, he examines the human condition and what it means to be kind and ethical in a rapidly-changing world.

Each page is infused with wit and humanity, even when Backman is making sarcastic observations or revealing the sometimes-tragic back stories of each of the many characters in this book. An unlikely bank robber, a married lesbian couple, an elderly woman, an inept realtor, a successful banking executive - there is more but in the end, everyone is interconnected and the author shows how every action, no matter how insignificant, can have a reaction.

Each chapter is brief and lends to the rapid pacing of the story. Backman is a sharp observer of the human condition and his wit and humanity shine through in this very interesting tale. While I didn't always connect with each of the characters, I was fascinated by the story and by the author's brilliant way of conveying ideas in a simple, straightforward way.

Definitely pick this one up for the unusual writing style and the clever twists! I am so looking forward to experiencing Backman's other books.

Backman’s latest book reminds me of doing macramé. At first, its just a lot of individual pieces of string you are trying to get into a pattern of order, except that it doesn’t always make sense until you finish the last knot. So it is with Anxious People, a bunch of people are thrown together at an apartment showing in a small Swedish city, only to be kept there by an inept bank robber. Meanwhile, you, the reader is going back and forth in time, trying to make sense of what goes on. I struggled with the book until I got to the part where the older policeman is having to google “what to do in a hostage situation”, and with one guffaw of laughter, I got it. The story didn’t have to make a lot of sense, until the end, when you discover that the book is about love and caring for one another. Hang in there, just like you did with that goofy piece of macramé, at the end you’re not only going to really care about everyone but you’re going to be so glad you got to share this part of their lives. And you’re going to go “This is one of the most clever, witty books I’ve ever read” and maybe you’ll turn that feeling into something positive by helping someone who is struggling with depression.

I read A Man Called Ove and loved it so I jumped at the chance to read Anxious People. Unfortunately Anxious People didn't grab my attention or imagination. I think perhaps too many characters. I also felt the plot moved just a bit too slow. It was one of those books that was almost a "did not finish." Perhaps this is Backman's style. Somewhat understated. Or perhaps if I had read it a month from now I would love it. I can be a fickle reader. I did like the meaningful message of all of us doing the best we can in this life. So three stars, not bad, but not really good either. Thanks for the ARC!

POV: multiple, third person omniscient. A bank robber, the hostages, and the father & son police officers on the case

Speaking of Anxious People, I have been so very anxious to get my hands on this book that I must have entered 5 different giveaway contests, as well as preordered it from B&N, in a desperate hope to get it sooner. Backman is, hands down, my favorite author, and I’ve really needed something to look forward to this year (2020, of course.)

My sincere thanks, therefore, go to Simon and Schuster and NetGalley, who have provided me with an early copy in exchange for my honest review.

Page one thoughts: Oh I am going to love this. I have needed a new Backman for so long!!! The second paragraph, which I would quote if I was permitted to, is perfect! But omg, the third paragraph is even more perfect...

I can’t stop passing the book over to my husband saying, “read this paragraph,” “read this line.” Backman can describe the whole human experience with such brevity, without taking us on a philosophical tangent away from the story. He is succinct, but I hang on his every word for More.

~50% thoughts: Genuinely, I haven’t smiled this much in ages. I’m charmed by the new characters and fondly remembering characters from Backman’s other novels (Öve, Britt-Marie) as I catch glimpses of them in this cast of characters. The startlingly astute comments about life and the human condition just keep coming. I wish Backman was my therapist, or my brother.

The analogies are absurd- perhaps it’s a language issue, where Swedish idioms just don’t translate- but perhaps it’s just another way that the author peppers in humor to balance the stories of love, loss, and regret.

Final thoughts: I just might have to read this book every year from now on, and I am not a person who does that. I will absolutely be shoving this book in everyone’s face, and wishing I could be the one experiencing it for the first time again. If you love someone, read this. If someone has hurt you, read this. If you’ve let someone down, read this. If you’re an idiot, well, you’re in good company. Read it!

Rating: 1000/5 stars. I’m in love.

Oh, Backman can do no wrong. Okay, a strong statement and I hope I didn’t jinx him. I just love his writing and this one is no exception!

You start off thinking, this is a book about a bank robbery?! Hmm.. not sure how this is going to grab me right away?! Except that it does and it doesn’t let go.

Backman has an amazing way of writing very human and flawed characters and making you fall in love with them. This is much more about a bank robbery but more about all the people it touches. All these people come together from a single act. This is truly about anxious people. They are anxious for so many reasons. There are little reasons and huge reasons but ultimately how do they deal with it is the journey. So many of these characters have a special place in my heart.

Another thing Backman is amazing at is his writing style. He has such a fabulous way with words that really blow your mind. There’s something really small that ends up making a huge impact later and you didn’t even see it. He’s also so witty. I don’t know another author that can break my heart and make me laugh at the same time. Genius. His stories aren’t predictable and that’s what I loved about this. I didn’t know who was doing what! This is a very character-driven book, so keep that in mind.

This story is also very thought-provoking. It kept taking me back to my philosophy class in college. I hated that class but it has made an impact on really trying to see both sides of a story. There’s a lot in this book that really makes you think. Is this wrong? Yes. Are the reasons valid? Yes. but No. Is this forgivable? Yes and No.

This was such a moving and enjoyable story. I had such a book hangover after that it was hard for me to leave and pick up another story. I cannot wait for the world to read this book. I will definitely be buying a physical copy myself. I did find myself laughing, in tears, and joyful. Please make sure to read the Author Notes in the end. This book was personal for him and it makes it a bit more impactful. ❤

Thank you, Netgalley & Atria Books, for providing me with an e-ARC of this book. It has in no way influenced my opinions!

A bank robbery goes wrong, making the thief desperate enough to take an apartment full of people hostage. As the day progresses, the hostages, the thief, and the police officers on the case will all find themselves grappling with their lives’ greatest hurts. Veteran author Fredrik Backman returns with another touching, funny, relatable novel with his latest book Anxious People.

In a medium-sized town in Sweden, policeman Jack is left bewildered late in the afternoon on the day before New Year’s Eve. He’s just successfully negotiated the release of eight hostages, but the hostage taker is nowhere to be found. Moreover, after interviewing the hostages, Jack can’t shake the suspicion that at least one of them is lying about what happened in the apartment where they were held.

It doesn’t help that Jack’s father, Jim, is also a cop on the case and keeps hovering. Jack should be happy the hostages are okay, but he’s worried. When the hostages were set free, the police heard a gunshot in the apartment. After storming it, they stumbled across a large pool of blood. Jack wants to bring the hostage taker to justice, but he also doesn’t want the person to die. He can’t lose anyone else.

He keeps reviewing the facts on hand. He knows the hostage taker started the day as a bank robber, but when the robbery went horribly wrong the robber ran into the nearest building. There, on the top floor, a real estate agent was holding an open house for an apartment. The robber took one look at everyone in the apartment, threatened them with a gun, and announced everyone there was now a hostage.

At least, that’s what Jack thinks happened. The hostages just won’t give him straight answers. In their town, this is the most dramatic crime to have taken place pretty much ever, and Jack’s boss and other superiors have called for the “experienced” officers from the capital of Stockholm to step in. He’s determined to solve the crime before the Stockholmers arrive, and he just might be able to do it…if at least one of the hostages is willing to cooperate.

What Jack doesn’t know is that before leaving the apartment, all eight of the hostages make a decision. It comes after a day spent first under the threat of the bank robber and then under the threat of their most precious secrets coming to light. When the inevitable happens, the hostages decide their experience with the bank robber will bind them to one another in ways only they can understand.

Author Fredrik Backman brings to readers yet another poignant book that will induce laughter, tears, and a pause for reflection all on the same page. His lyricism and gentle prose might deceive some into thinking that his method of storytelling is easy. It is neither easy to accomplish nor easy to imitate, and Backman breaks many standard writing rules. Yet he does it with such grace, wit, and experience that readers won’t even realize he’s done it.

Backman manages to give readers enough information on the hostages, the bank robber, Jack, Jim, and a clinical psychologist to make all of them feel like real people. His use of an omniscient point of view allows him to interject opinions and questions, often addressing the reader directly, all in a conversational style. With a practiced hand, every paragraph of that conversation leads back to the heart of the conflict: on a given day, when the circumstances align, people’s greatest anxieties come to the fore.

The short chapters, some of them less than a page, will make it easy for readers to speed through the book, and carefully placed revelations about the characters will create the compulsion to go right back to the first page and start again as soon as it’s finished. Anyone looking for a relatable novel containing universal life truths and a story that is still wholly established in its culture will definitely enjoy this one. I recommend readers Binge Anxious People.

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman is a literary novel centered around several people who are attending an open house for a new apartment but quickly find themselves as hostages to failed bank robbers. Each character has their own struggles they are working through in their lives and watching each grow and develop strong relationships with their fellow hostages is beautiful. The book starts a bit slow, but the character development gets you hooked and want to learn how it turns out. It weaves themes of morality, how mental illness affects our daily lives, our expectations of gender roles, and how connecting with others is critical especially in difficult times. I think the last few chapters were a bit repetitive and self-indulgent, but it hit the various themes eloquently. Overall, I recommend this book and will be visiting the author's backlist!

Many thanks to the publisher Atria Books and Netgalley for the ARC in return for an honest review.

Thank you Atria Books for the gifted copy.

Fredrik Backman is a literary genius. This book is quirky, unique, and the best book about a bunch of idiots that I've read yet.

The character development was fantastic. Each character is described to a T and I felt like I had met all of them by the end of the book. Even when each character started out annoying me, I ended up getting attached to all of them! I loved the bank robber and was pulling for them the entire time.

I think the witness interviews were some of my favorite parts. The dialogue between the police and the witnesses was hilarious and I found myself laughing frequently - mostly at the stupidity of the things said, but that was the point. I could only imagine how frustrated the officers must have been but the more I read, the more I realized that was the point.

This book is perfect for fans of Backman, and I think it will be loved by many.

Thanks to Netgalley for an advance copy.

It hurts to give this book 3 stars. I have read everyone of Backman's books. I felt it was slow in the beginning and some things were repetitive. Sometimes it was hard to follow along. I got a little bored.

The first chapter in this book is one of the best I’ve read in a long time. I absolutely LOVED the overall message + vibe of the story right from the very beginning. I really appreciated how this book didn’t seem to take itself too seriously while also discussing some very heavy topics throughout the story. Little by little, the mystery opens up and you get to see how each person is connected, and I just loved this book. I was so curious to see how things would tie together, and once again I have found a new favorite from this author.
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This is a very character driven novel, which can sometimes be a hit or miss for me depending on whether or not I can connect to the characters. In this case, I did have a really hard time connecting to or liking any of the characters + that made me less invested in the story. Even though I personally wasn’t as invested in the characters or story, I still appreciated the overall message + how well everything came together in the end. I think this is just a case of the book not being quite for me, but it’s clear that Fredrik Backman is an extremely talented author + fans of his will absolutely love this one! ⁣

He’s done it again, only better.

My thanks go to Net Galley and Atria Books for the review copies. You can buy this book today, and I suggest you do it. The world around us may have gone nuts, but Backman helps us to remember the good in ourselves and in those around us, even in the most unlikely people. For that alone, this book is worth its weight in gold.

We start with an attempted robbery at a cashless bank; as with so many crimes done on impulse, nothing goes the way it’s supposed to. There’s no money to be robbed, and with the cops on the way, the best thing to do is to duck out quickly…until you realize that the door you chose isn’t an exit. Then there are these hostages, an insurance policy to prevent your being swept away to prison, but “it’s harder than you might think to take people hostage when they’re idiots.”

Backman often creates complex situations with huge numbers of characters in his novels, and he does better than hardly anyone else when he does it. This book, by contrast, has a more manageable number of characters, and perhaps that’s a big part of its even greater success. We have the robber; the hostages, who are the people viewing an apartment for sale, and the seller and realtor; a pair of cops that are also father and son; the therapist that sees one of the hostages; and a couple of other people. The first that we meet is Zara, a sharp-tongued, wealthy woman that is viewing the apartment even though she is obviously too rich to want it. Just about everything that comes out of Zara’s mouth is smart, mean, and very funny; we gradually learn that she does this to deflect the conversation away from herself. With apologies to Dickens, Zara is as solitary as an oyster.

Besides Zara, the prospective buyers include two dysfunctional couples. There’s an older couple, man and woman; and there’s a pair of women, one of whom is hugely pregnant. When this is revealed I roll my eyes, convinced that the climax is almost certainly going to include the obligatory emergency birth. But I should know better, by now, than to underestimate Backman. He doesn’t use tired tropes or formulas, and Julia isn’t going to give birth during this crisis.

I don’t want to give away any of the details here, but as we get to know our collection of hostages and others, it’s pretty clear, as the title suggests, that everyone’s misbehaviors come from their anxieties, and when they criticize and pick away at others, they are actually dissatisfied with themselves. But of course, Backman’s writing is much more magical than my own, and the result is the sort of feel-good denouement that doesn’t insult our intelligence or become maudlin. At this moment I can only bring to mind three writers that consistently do this for us. (The other two are Alexander McCall Smith and Amy Poeppel.) And right now, friends, we need all of this magic that we can get.

Buy this book if you can; if your wallet is too thin right now, then get on the list at your library. Highly recommended to everyone.

Based on the blurb and the author I really expected to love this one, but I struggled with the writing style for a good portion of the story. It initially felt like a 'stream of consciousness' writing, which didn't work for me.

I liked the inclusion of the interviews and thought that they added to the storytelling, but the content of the interviews was frustrating to read. The officers, particularly the older officer, didn't seem all that intelligent or in control of the interviews, which gave it an unrealistic feeling. I understand why these were written the way they were, but I had difficulty believing that these were even remotely realistic interviews.

There was about 10-15% towards the end of the book that I really enjoyed. Unfortunately, the very end seemed to go on too long as additional connections were made and loose ends tied up.

I enjoyed the overall story, but didn't love the way it was told. I really expected something more. I have read most of Backman's previous books and really enjoyed most of them, so I was surprised that my issue was with the writing style. This one ended up being just average for me. I will continue to read Backman's work and look forward to seeing what he comes out with next.

This book falls second in line behind A Man Called One. I really liked Anxious People!

My summary: There is a bank robbery and now a hostage situation in an apartment viewing gone wrong. There is the sound of a gunshot. Two police officers work to figure out where their bank robber is now while the reader is taken through the afternoon that took place inside the apartment.

My thoughts: Backman’s signature style of writing is ever so apparent in this book and I freaking missed it. His characters come to life, they are warm, and are always people that I wish I knew irl. Their lives and stories are always intermingled in a way that can only happen in small towns. The characters in this book at times seem especially outlandish but stick with it because at the core of this book, they are representative. The relationships highlight troubles of parenthood, those left behind after suicide and death, love in marriage, love amongst strangers, and just all the other feels you could ask for.

There is a twist! I did not expect this - but I will say that most people will see this coming. I fully trusted Backman and walked right into the twist trap. Not mad at it.

This book is a sweet read with good heart but only dive in if you’re looking for a deeply character driven book with a plot with a so-so storyline. The hostage situation itself wasn’t very enthralling and even some of the supporting events that shaped character stories confused me.

Quirky and clever. Whimsical and bizarre. Heartfelt and candid. Fredric Backman masterfully creates authentic characters and uses them to paint remarkable stories. In simplest terms this is the story of a bank robbery gone wrong. An apartment viewing that becomes a hostage situation. BUT it is SO more than that it is about eight strangers who become lifelong friends. It’s about humanity, human connection, and empathy. It’s a tale of bumbling idiots that made me think Life is messy and sometimes we are all bumbling idiots. The story hit me in the feels and had me laughing out loud in the middle of the night. Marin Ireland narrates the audiobook and does a stellar job. She gave each of these colorful characters the perfect voice. I seriously felt as though I was right there in this apartment with these wonderful quirky characters. A quirky story with a ton of heart.

This book in emojis 🌁 🔫 🐰 🍕 🍷 📖 🗝

*** Big thank you to Atria and LibroFM for my gifted copy of this book. All opinions are my own. ***