Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
Meet Author Fredrik Backman:
"Fredrik Backman is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove, My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry, Britt-Marie Was Here, Beartown, Us Against You, and two novellas, And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer and The Deal of a Lifetime, as well as one work of nonfiction, Things My Son Needs to Know About the World. His books are published in more than forty countries. His next novel, Anxious People, will be published in September 2020. He lives in Stockholm, Sweden, with his wife and two children."
Connect with him on Facebook and Twitter @BackmanLand or on Instagram @Backmansk.
Anxious People:
"A People Book of the Week, Book of the Month Club selection, and Best of Fall in Good Housekeeping, PopSugar, The Washington Post, New York Post, Shondaland, CNN, and more!"
“[A] quirky, big-hearted novel…Wry, wise, and often laugh-out-loud funny, it’s a wholly original story that delivers pure pleasure.” —People
"From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove comes a charming, poignant novel about a crime that never took place, a would-be bank robber who disappears into thin air, and eight extremely anxious strangers who find they have more in common than they ever imagined."
"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, from where they want to live to how they met in the first place. 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.
Rich with Fredrik Backman’s “pitch-perfect dialogue and an unparalleled understanding of human nature” (Shelf Awareness), Anxious People is an ingeniously constructed story about the enduring power of friendship, forgiveness, and hope—the things that save us, even in the most anxious times." ~Amazon
Numeric Breakdown:
1: didn't like it/skip it2: it was okay/it wasn't for me
3. liked it/worth a read
4. really liked it/loved it
5. it was amazing/must read!
A book of emotions and wonderment.
When you first finish a book, it takes a moment to assess what you feel and why you feel that way. You might, throughout the story, take sides, laugh, cry, and wonder what in the heck is going on. There is an expanse of time at the end when you try to make sense of those emotions and wonderment. Such a feeling enveloped me when I read Author Fredrik Backman's newest book Anxious People.
Backman's ninth book might follow his passion for getting to the crux of what makes people tick, and ultimately, what makes us the same, but it isn't like any other book I've ever read. A Man Called Ove was my first introduction to this author, and it was when I fell in love with his work and the humanity that prevails in each novel. Since then, I've tackled My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry and Britt Marie. His others are awaiting on my shelf, and I'll get to them as soon as I'm ready to continue crying.
Anxious People has a lot of conversational narrative, extended exposition per primary and secondary storylines, and many characters who all have a connection to this unintentional hostage drama. Backman offers a style that's both choppy and illuminating. As the words on the page twist and turn inside of you, they begin to paint memories, emotions, and understanding. When all is said and done, the best part of this fictional work is how much you connect to the plot, the characters in one way or another, and how much you wish real life could have an easy escape route.
That's the beauty of Author Fredrik Backman's writing. He makes you think, and he readjusts your perception of any given situation. His tales aren't just about the main character but about how that main character interacts with others, is driven to a certain point in their life where answers become mute, and how it can take one other suffering person to turn the tide. It's an attractive and irresistible lure into the minds of those present and how they develop and change and become the person they always were or might have been.
His presentation is purposeful. The illustration of how everyone's life isn't as simple as it seems intertwines with the devastation of how we justify our actions, but it also shares a vulnerability and anxiety to how those decisions are formulated. Backman's style is meant to shock you by giving you a view of what you think is happening, but in essence, it's only one part of the whole.
With our bank-robber-turned-hostage-taker, nothing is as it seems. We meet a bungling thief who rushes from the cashless bank they've just attempted to rob and into an apartment building across the street. Already the mask and gun being carried have attracted attention, and police are quick to the scene. When the bank robber enters the open door to the apartment being shown, everyone thinks they are about to be robbed or murdered, but that isn't the intent of the bank robber at all.
Within the course of the story and about four-hours of "hostage time," the reader is introduced to several characters. Jim and Jack are police officers at the local station and happen to be father and son as well. We are treated to learning about their relationship, their losses, and the reason Jack became a policeman in the first place. Their interactions with the victims and possible suspects shows how working with family, even when you love them, isn't always the easiest decision to maintain.
We're given the story of Zara, who is a hostage, and someone who has a connection to one of the officers in charge. She can't sleep at nights, she has an immense sense of guilt, and her story started years before when a man jumped from a bridge but sent her a letter first. Beyond that revelation, we find out she saw a separate attempted suicide from the same bridge, but we learn the teen girl in question was saved by another.
Anna-Lena and Roger have been married a long time. He seems grouchy, set in his ways, and short with his wife, but Anna-Lena insists he's intelligent and caring and romantic. As the story unfolds, you begin to see little snippets of why she thinks this, why she cares so much, and why she hired a man to sabotage the apartment viewing.
Lennart is an actor. In his spare time, he's a saboteur for hire. So, he's already setting the stage in the apartment when the other guests arrive. However, his plans backfire, and he ends up joining the rank of hostage. Oh, and Roger wants to punch him.
Roger wants to feel enough. He used to feel that way, but now that he's retired, it isn't a lasting feeling. His kids are grown and doing their own thing. He didn't get to experience the work-life he'd dreamed of having, but apartment hunting and flipping are part of his strategy to feel good about himself. If only his wife hadn't hired that Lennart on several of their last house projects without him knowing. Now, he wants the bank-robber to shoot Lennart. Or Roger could just punch him.
Julia and Ro are married. Julia is pregnant with their first child. They're young, in love, and having some marital problems. This couple doesn't see eye-to-eye on many subjects, and when the bank-robber arrives, it just sheds light on their very different ways of handling the situation. It sheds light on what they're willing to do to make the other one happy too.
Estelle is an older woman who insists her husband, Knut, is parking the car and will be in at any moment. She's kind and calm and forgiving. She's easy to talk to but can slide into the background at times. That is until she's given time to share what's evolved in her life and how she can help the others in her own small way.
Nadia is Zara's psychologist but not a hostage. She's never had a client that tests her level of professionalism. Nor one that stresses her out but makes her want to help just as much. These two aren't a compatible match, but Zara keeps coming to her appointments. It might be because she wants the psychologist to tell her doctor to prescribe her more sleeping pills. Or there could be a chance it's because they both have secrets, and Zara knows what that type of secret can do to your mind.
Really, the story might start with a man on a bridge who sent a letter. Or it might be about a woman who doesn't know what the meaning of her life is anymore and harbors a crippling amount of guilt. Perhaps the story is defined by the couples who are still learning about each other, and who - young or old - make mistakes along the way. It could be about a teenage girl who was saved from ending her life and grew up to make a difference in others. The story could be about a father and son who have suffered loss and don't always know how to communicate with each other, but still, love one another enough to try. Maybe it's about a bank robber, who wants to keep the apartment they have in order for their two little girls to come over and not be taken away in the divorce.
There's a chance it's about idiots. How we misinterpret, misunderstand, and misconstrue the facts or the fiction. Maybe we're all a little wrong, a little anxious, a little unhappy, a little sad, a little angry, a little guilty, and a little unprepared for not being enough. Yet, even the weirdest incidents can shed light on our existence. Even when we don't understand, we can still be okay. Even when we're in the wrong, we can still mean to do the right thing. In the end, our ability to care and love, forgive, and show those feelings in whatever way we're capable might be more than enough.
I think the moral of the story is: keep going. Try, try again. Never allow the negatives to outweigh the positives. When you need help, get it.
In a sense, it reminds me of a song by one of my favorite bands, Tenth Avenue North, and their song "You Are More." I think that's a good lesson to end on, don't you?
So, basically as I wrap up this long review, I have to say that throughout the irritating and perplexing and lyrical exposition, I've found a comforting understanding. A common ground with the author, shall we say. Now, it's your turn. Give Anxious People a read, and see what you think. It might help you understand why I rated it a 5/5 "must read."
Backman's ninth book might follow his passion for getting to the crux of what makes people tick, and ultimately, what makes us the same, but it isn't like any other book I've ever read. A Man Called Ove was my first introduction to this author, and it was when I fell in love with his work and the humanity that prevails in each novel. Since then, I've tackled My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry and Britt Marie. His others are awaiting on my shelf, and I'll get to them as soon as I'm ready to continue crying.
Anxious People has a lot of conversational narrative, extended exposition per primary and secondary storylines, and many characters who all have a connection to this unintentional hostage drama. Backman offers a style that's both choppy and illuminating. As the words on the page twist and turn inside of you, they begin to paint memories, emotions, and understanding. When all is said and done, the best part of this fictional work is how much you connect to the plot, the characters in one way or another, and how much you wish real life could have an easy escape route.
That's the beauty of Author Fredrik Backman's writing. He makes you think, and he readjusts your perception of any given situation. His tales aren't just about the main character but about how that main character interacts with others, is driven to a certain point in their life where answers become mute, and how it can take one other suffering person to turn the tide. It's an attractive and irresistible lure into the minds of those present and how they develop and change and become the person they always were or might have been.
His presentation is purposeful. The illustration of how everyone's life isn't as simple as it seems intertwines with the devastation of how we justify our actions, but it also shares a vulnerability and anxiety to how those decisions are formulated. Backman's style is meant to shock you by giving you a view of what you think is happening, but in essence, it's only one part of the whole.
With our bank-robber-turned-hostage-taker, nothing is as it seems. We meet a bungling thief who rushes from the cashless bank they've just attempted to rob and into an apartment building across the street. Already the mask and gun being carried have attracted attention, and police are quick to the scene. When the bank robber enters the open door to the apartment being shown, everyone thinks they are about to be robbed or murdered, but that isn't the intent of the bank robber at all.
Within the course of the story and about four-hours of "hostage time," the reader is introduced to several characters. Jim and Jack are police officers at the local station and happen to be father and son as well. We are treated to learning about their relationship, their losses, and the reason Jack became a policeman in the first place. Their interactions with the victims and possible suspects shows how working with family, even when you love them, isn't always the easiest decision to maintain.
We're given the story of Zara, who is a hostage, and someone who has a connection to one of the officers in charge. She can't sleep at nights, she has an immense sense of guilt, and her story started years before when a man jumped from a bridge but sent her a letter first. Beyond that revelation, we find out she saw a separate attempted suicide from the same bridge, but we learn the teen girl in question was saved by another.
Anna-Lena and Roger have been married a long time. He seems grouchy, set in his ways, and short with his wife, but Anna-Lena insists he's intelligent and caring and romantic. As the story unfolds, you begin to see little snippets of why she thinks this, why she cares so much, and why she hired a man to sabotage the apartment viewing.
Lennart is an actor. In his spare time, he's a saboteur for hire. So, he's already setting the stage in the apartment when the other guests arrive. However, his plans backfire, and he ends up joining the rank of hostage. Oh, and Roger wants to punch him.
Roger wants to feel enough. He used to feel that way, but now that he's retired, it isn't a lasting feeling. His kids are grown and doing their own thing. He didn't get to experience the work-life he'd dreamed of having, but apartment hunting and flipping are part of his strategy to feel good about himself. If only his wife hadn't hired that Lennart on several of their last house projects without him knowing. Now, he wants the bank-robber to shoot Lennart. Or Roger could just punch him.
Julia and Ro are married. Julia is pregnant with their first child. They're young, in love, and having some marital problems. This couple doesn't see eye-to-eye on many subjects, and when the bank-robber arrives, it just sheds light on their very different ways of handling the situation. It sheds light on what they're willing to do to make the other one happy too.
Estelle is an older woman who insists her husband, Knut, is parking the car and will be in at any moment. She's kind and calm and forgiving. She's easy to talk to but can slide into the background at times. That is until she's given time to share what's evolved in her life and how she can help the others in her own small way.
Nadia is Zara's psychologist but not a hostage. She's never had a client that tests her level of professionalism. Nor one that stresses her out but makes her want to help just as much. These two aren't a compatible match, but Zara keeps coming to her appointments. It might be because she wants the psychologist to tell her doctor to prescribe her more sleeping pills. Or there could be a chance it's because they both have secrets, and Zara knows what that type of secret can do to your mind.
Really, the story might start with a man on a bridge who sent a letter. Or it might be about a woman who doesn't know what the meaning of her life is anymore and harbors a crippling amount of guilt. Perhaps the story is defined by the couples who are still learning about each other, and who - young or old - make mistakes along the way. It could be about a teenage girl who was saved from ending her life and grew up to make a difference in others. The story could be about a father and son who have suffered loss and don't always know how to communicate with each other, but still, love one another enough to try. Maybe it's about a bank robber, who wants to keep the apartment they have in order for their two little girls to come over and not be taken away in the divorce.
There's a chance it's about idiots. How we misinterpret, misunderstand, and misconstrue the facts or the fiction. Maybe we're all a little wrong, a little anxious, a little unhappy, a little sad, a little angry, a little guilty, and a little unprepared for not being enough. Yet, even the weirdest incidents can shed light on our existence. Even when we don't understand, we can still be okay. Even when we're in the wrong, we can still mean to do the right thing. In the end, our ability to care and love, forgive, and show those feelings in whatever way we're capable might be more than enough.
I think the moral of the story is: keep going. Try, try again. Never allow the negatives to outweigh the positives. When you need help, get it.
In a sense, it reminds me of a song by one of my favorite bands, Tenth Avenue North, and their song "You Are More." I think that's a good lesson to end on, don't you?
So, basically as I wrap up this long review, I have to say that throughout the irritating and perplexing and lyrical exposition, I've found a comforting understanding. A common ground with the author, shall we say. Now, it's your turn. Give Anxious People a read, and see what you think. It might help you understand why I rated it a 5/5 "must read."
Thanks for joining me, and as always, Happy Reading!! :)
~Rebecca Reddell, Author
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