Fredrik Backman’s writing does it for me once again. Tears. Laugh out loud humor. My heart, or whatever that space is in my chest, warmed. The hostages, the police, the bank robber each became such dear people. Quirky yes, crazy maybe but lovely. Every character has redeeming qualities. They suffer from grief, love and anxiety. Backman writes human connection so well. I loved this book.
#AnxiousPeople #FredrikBackman #NetGalley Many thanks to Net Galley for bringing this book to my attention.

I was nervous to pick up another Fredrik Backman book after reading the Beartown trilogy because I loved them so much. No need to worry, “Anxious People” is just as wonderful in it’s own way. The plot of the book is hard to describe without giving any of the story away. Someone tried to rob a bank. They are not successful but end up inadvertently taking an apartment full of perspective renters at a showing hostage. The book gives us details about each of the hostage’s lives, relationships, and personalities. Backman’s gift is being able to use collections of small moments and facts to create a picture of who a person is inside. The reader will connect to the different characters and understand them in a way that does not seem possible at the start of the book. The end of the story is touching, complex, and ultimately uplifting. This is a beautiful story told through beautiful details.

Thanks to Fredrik Backman, Atria Books, and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

4.5 / 5 🌟


Fredrik Backman has quickly become one of those authors that I would read his grocery list, given the opportunity. He has such a natural way of conveying emotions and the inner thought life of his characters, of all of us, really. What Backman truly excels at is understanding the human condition. His characters are flawed, vulnerable, and desperate, but yet they are good at heart.


This book is about a bank robber, well maybe. It might be about the hostages that said bank robber holds up in an apartment while trying to plot an escape. Or it could be about the two police officers trying to solve how the bank robber simply walked out of the apartment, unseen, when the hostages were released. Maybe this story is just about a bridge.

This is how Backman has set up Anxious People. At first, I felt like it was jumping around a bit, although it had all of his usual wit and humor, it felt a bit disjointed. Oh, but then Mr. Backman did his writing wizardry, and suddenly it all came together so beautifully.

Anxious People has a cast of quirky, nervous characters who, for a day, get stuck together because of a bank robber, who's not really a bank robber. Seven people who went to an apartment for a viewing, are now stuck with each other, and the bank robber. Funny the things you begin to share with strangers when you are being held hostage.

Overall this book comes off a bit like a slap-stick comedy. The banter of police interviews is quite cheeky. And some of the events that take place in the apartment are entirely unexpected but hilarious. Most importantly, there are insightful observations about humanity and our deepest needs.

Trigger Warnings: Suicide & Suicidal Thoughts

Thank you to @atriabooks and @netgalley for this advanced copy for review. Grab your copy on September 8, 2020!

Anxious People has the ability to deliver a gut punch and a cackle within a sentence... and it will do so repeatedly. This is my first Fredrik Backman novel and it will surely not be my last. Anxious People is the story of a bank robbery gone wrong, into a hostage situation gone wrong - but really it is a story about people in all their complexities. Wildly unique, entertaining, and thought provoking.

My first book by Fredrik Backman and I'm not really sure what to think of it! Its both funny and heartbreaking, but also very weird/quirky/ and downright strange!!

I really enjoyed the first chapters and the build up of what was happening with the hostage situation in the apartment complex. I did struggle as the book progressed and some parts were so silly to me that I couldn't imagine how this book was going to come together to make any sense, but in the end it does. You have to be quite a talented author to weave a puzzle like this one.

Favorite chapters involved the police interviewing witnesses. They really had a time getting any of the characters to give them a straight answer.

A crazy tale and there is a lot to tackle with as far as themes, but I think Backman fans will enjoy. I hope to read more from this author.

Wow....

Okay you know how there are certain books that either 1)tell a story where the author talk at you about what is happening in the pages or 2) it’s a story like a romance or thriller where you are sucked in and become part of the story, the narrative - you see yourself as the main character as the author weaves a great story 3) those stories that mesmerize and captivate you. Where the author tells you a magical story and you see yourself in The pages , not as a character but as a spectator - enjoying a great telling of a story that makes you feel and think. Well that’s Anxious People to me.

Let me start by saying, this was my first time reading Fredrik Backman. I can tell you this book will stay with me for a very long time.. From the very beginning is sucked me in. I think it was the quote about how we still don't know how to plug in a USB.... (trust me you have to read it) that had me laughing and sold into the story The characters are so well developed, and as I kept reading, I kept wondering how does everything and everyone tie in. I mean they have to right? The back stories are so complex, like the father and son and the crime that wasn't a crime.

I want to so much tell you all about the things the books says, about each characters issues, about the bridge, about the funny parts - the poignant parts. But I can't.... I don't want to ruin anything for you. I can tell you that this is a book you MUST read. I am a fan. And again thank you thank you thank you netgalley and Atria books

5 stars all the way

Quick summary: bank robbery gone wrong turns into a hostage situation at an apartment open house. But, this book is also SO. MUCH. MORE.

I’ll be honest; the first half of the book I wasn’t so sure, but I’m so thankful I kept reading. It all makes sense and comes together in the end and I was able to appreciate every bit of how this puzzle of a story comes together.

Thank you to Atria Books and NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Fredrik Backman is a master of observing people in all their wonderful, splendid idiosyncrasies and making us love them in spite of their all too human frailties. I have read three other Backman stories, my favorite was A Man Called Ove. Like Ove, this story resonates with heartbreak as well as hope.

When a young, cash-strapped bank robber discovers they've chosen a cashless bank to rob, it all goes downhill from there. They seek refuge in an apartment building and end up at an apartment viewing where all of the guests end up as hostages. The story unfolds as police interview the hostages following the drama, and then moves back and forth in time as the lives of the hostages are slowly revealed. The interviews are full of wit, and maybe a tiny bit of deception. The personal stories are full of warmth and heart that resonated strongly with me.

I can't say enough good things about this story. It skips around a bit at the start and takes a while to get to know the characters. If you have read Backman's book My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry, this is very similar in tone and style. Lots of characters and non-linear story telling as you gradually learn the backstories of the different people involved until you reach that a-ha moment where it all ties together. I wanted to just grab these folks and wrap them up in big (pre-pandemic) bear hug!

This story claims to be about idiots (Backman tells us this up front) but it's a tongue-in-cheek jab at what makes all of us human. It's about a bank robber, 7 hostages, and two police offiers; it's about couples and families and old women; it's about the anxieties of love and life - and death; and it's about an elk, a monkey and a frog. Find out who's who and the paths they've traveled in this outstanding story.

Fantastic book! I laughed so hard. Then cried so hard. Such a lovely book. I cannot recommend Anxious People enough. I adore Fredrik Bachman. What an insightful human. Such a magnificent storyteller. .

On December 30, an apartment viewing in a Swedish town unexpectedly turns into a hostage situation, when a bank robber bursts into the apartment waving a gun. The eight strangers (who are all pretty stressed-out before the robber shows up) begin to open up to each other and find they have more in common than it first appeared. But as the police gather outside the building, the group is forced to decide how they will move forward.

Not as good as A Man Called Ove (but really, what could be?) but filled with Backman's complex story-telling and signature wit. The story moves from character to character, relationships between the characters are messy to say the least (and turn out to be the worst hostages ever), and ALL of the characters are unreliable witnesses (except maybe Jack, the policeman). The story is a sort of "locked room mystery" and confusing as it twists and turns on itself, and just about the time you think you have it figured out, you find out you're wrong. Backman has given us a quirky story that is ultimately heartwarming and thoughtful, with underlying themes of depression and suicide, but don't let that stop you from reading the book.

This is the book you read if you are looking for a story to restore your faith in humanity. I think this is the reason I like reading Fredrick Backman, whenever I finish his books I want to be a better person for myself and those around me.

In Anxious People we meet…well… some Anxious People, but they are all anxious for different reasons, because they are adults who just need extra care. We meet a bank robber who is so desperate for money they went to rob a bank, only to find out it is a cashless bank. Not knowing what to do next they run towards a building and ends up at an apartment viewing with some very quirky characters who they unintentionally take hostage.

No one walks into an apartment viewing the day before New Year’s Day and expect to be held hostage. Then again, why are you having an apartment viewing New Year’s Eve… but here we are. A group of mismatched people all viewing an apartment who ends up being held hostages. With the building surrounded and no where to go the Robber weighs the choices, go outside and face the consequences or stay inside and try to manage these Anxious People.

I was utterly enamoured by this book. Backman KNOWS how to write convincing characters who are filled with heart who you cannot help but root for. I felt my heart warmed the entire time I was reading this book. I think the key take away message from this book is to be kind to everyone you meet because they are fighting a battle. Backman’s ability to let us see the humanity in others, to forgive others and to love others is truly heart-warming and why I will always pick up his book.

If you are looking for a great heart-warming read, this is it!

This is definitely not my normal genre, but I’ve heard a lot of good things about the author and because I’m anxious I was anxious to get my hands on it. I’m glad I was offered the opportunity, as I can now understand why Backman is regarded as such an amazing author! He writes so beautifully, and with such shear emotion and truth, it’s very easy to get lost in the pages and feel exactly what each character does! The writing style is unique and fantastic! I recommend to those looking for a book that will definitely reach in and tug on your soul!! I also recommend to fans of Backman’s work, as I do believe if anything like his others you’ll enjoy it! Beautiful, sad, funny, and a host of other emotions were felt while reading this story, so if that’s your thing, here’s your book! I would highly recommend!
Will make sure to buzz around platforms and use low Amazon reviewer number on release date!

Anxious People is a unique read and offers a unique writing style. The narrator zips from thought to thought and topic to topic. It’s an entertaining and thoughtful read, but the meat and bones of the story reveals very slowly, with lots of tangents. Then, 30% through, the story is revealed. The writer will only allow you to see what he wants you to see, when he wants you to see it.
All in all, the story is about people and family. It’s about a bridge. It’s about suicide. It’s about life. A worthwhile read. 4 stars.

I’ll be honest. I wasn’t a huge fan of “A Man Called Ove”. When I had the chance to read this I thought I’d give it a shot with no expectations


From the first few chapters I was already in love. The style of the narrator is so candid and real it’s almost like I’m talking to a friend. Without giving much away I can say this book is about a terrible bank robbery turned hostage situation. The story expands with the lives of the nine individuals involved in the hostage. You come to love the characters and almost feel as if they are friends of yours(I think Estelle was my favorite)

Overall the moral to this story is we all have a story. We are all dealing with something and you really never know what is going on with someone’s life just by looking at them.

There were many laughs. A few tears and even a plot twist or two(I even went back to re read chapters thinking I missed something). But after all that I was definitely happy I read this book.

Thanks to NetGalley for providing me an advance copy.

Anxious People is the newest novel by one of my favorite authors Fredrik Backman. This story takes place in Sweden during a viewing for an apartment listing. The viewers of the apartment are surprised to learn that they've been taken hostage by a wanna-be bank robber who failed to realize that the bank they attempted to rob was a cashless bank. As the story unfolds the reader gets to know the back story for the bank robber as well as those of the hostages. The story is a great exploration of the effect we all have on each other often without even being aware of it. Read and enjoy!

“The truth is that this was a story about many different things, but most of all about idiots. Because we’re doing the best we can, we really are. We’re trying to be grown-up and love each other and understand how the hell you’re supposed to insert USB-leads. We’re looking for something to cling onto, something to fight for, something to look forward to.”

This is a book about being human; about surviving life to the best of our ability…because this shit is hard.

I admit, I was hesitant to read this because comedies are hit or miss with me. Now that I’ve read it, I hate that I put it off for weeks…because I loved it. I loved all of the crazy characters. I loved that it was literally all over the place, because that is how the anxious mind works. I loved that it made me laugh, made me want to cry, made me feel like maybe it will all be ok because we are all in it together to some extent.

I have read more than a few of the novels written by Fredrik Backman and never has one ever disappointed me. And that goes for Anxious People too!

Fredrik Backman is a master at what he does. By my way of thinking Backman writes stories like no other. Anxious People is another perfectly written gem! I cannot even imagine that anyone else could have such a keen understanding of people.

As I had really enjoyed reading 'A man called Ove ' and I was looking forward to this book. Unfortunately I could not connect with it. At the beginning none of the stories made sense. Everything was very disjointed. You are told 'not to worry about this'.

I was very surprised to see so many positive reviews for this book as I struggled to finish it.

Written with humour - but not mine!

Thank you to NetGalley and Atria for the advance copy of this book.

Fredrik Backman continues to "wow" with his amazing writing and intrigue. Prepare to laugh, cry, and feel ALL the feels! In true Backman fashion, I didn't want this one to end!

My anxious self was very excited to read a new story by Fredrik Backman and this book did not disappoint. Although this story was a bit weird, I found myself connecting with each of these unusual characters and truly looked forward to reading about how they got to where they are today. At times I felt a bit frustrated with the foolishness of the book and was even confused with some of the rambling (especially during the officer interviews), but it ultimately all fell into place and came together. A very unique read.

Even though I don't feel this was a realistic story, it was still entertaining and provided some really powerful quotes to ponder. I felt this book came to me at just the right time when so much uncertainty is still happening in the world.

Thank you to Atria Books via NetGalley for providing me with an early copy of this book!
*ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
*Publishing date 9/8/2020