Book Review: Anxious People

I mean, where to start? Once again, Fredrik Backman immediately drew me in with his book “Anxious People.” Between calling his characters idiots and his description of the everyday chaos of being an adult, I was laughing out loud within the first couple of pages. 

Backman is incredibly talented at developing characters, just a little bit at a time. The result is people that are multi-dimensional, likeable but with flaws (you know, regular people.) As the characters are trapped in an apartment together in a hilariously bungled robbery/hostage situation, they begin to develop friendships, uncover truths and bond over shared grievances and fears. 

This book is many things; heartwarming, hysterical, mysterious and thought-provoking. I was enraptured as small details unfolded about each character, their lives and their inner workings. Each piece of information connected the characters through their literal crossing of paths or in how their experiences as humans were alike. This connection included the robber, who the characters all developed a likening and empathy. 

I loved the feel of a closed room mystery but with the hilarious twist that everyone inside the room knowing who the culprit was and the details being uncovered in such a way that left us not entirely sure what was happening until the end (along with the police officers.) 

I couldn’t review this book without giving credit to the fantastic translation by Neil Smith. There doesn’t seem to be any emotion, meaning or nuance lost in translating Swedish to English. I am incredibly impressed by such talent and work. 

In conclusion, I again adored this amazing piece of work by Fredrik Backman and will continue to rave about it. Backman’s writing style that provides an easy read while keeping me thoroughly engaged, and leaves me anxiously awaiting more from him.