Anxious People: A Novel Paperback – July 6, 2021

"Anxious People" is a very clever, witty, heart warming work of fiction authored by Swedish author, Fredrik Backman. The story is set in Sweden. It is of medium length and clearly written, although there are numerous characters and various storylines. In that context the story often demanded my complete attention.I have previously only read one novel by Mister Backman; "A Man Called Ove". I also completely enjoyed that novel. Although the stories are completely different, there are some stylistic similarities. If one has enjoyed "Ove" as I did, then one might enjoy this novel to a similar extent.Mister Backman tells a story that has certain ironic twists. A reader can begin to draw one conclusion and then discover in short order that he/she had come to a premature, mistaken, conclusion. I find these slight misdirections enjoyable and they make me think. However I do not feel that they come at my expense and I can enjoy the momentary confusion.The author also causes me to really like certain characters. I identify with them, and care about what happens to them. I find some of the storylines quite touching. Although the author does not write a great deal about scenery, when he does so I also feel he is very gifted in depicting scenery. Some readers tell me that they don't care so much about scenery. I enjoy such narrative very much.At the same time, the author has a clever sense of humor. I purchased an audiobook and read and listened simultaneously, as I often do. I found the narrator, Marin Ireland, to be quite professional. She gave different voices to different characters and had an excellent sense of comedic timing that enhanced my reading experience. I am not one to suggest lightly that one spend extra money. I emphasize that I did pay the full standard retail price for both products. I did so in this case and was glad that I both read and listened.In summary, I was very glad that I read and listened to this book on Kindle and Audiobook. I have now read and thoroughly enjoyed two novels by Fredrik Backman. I find his style in the two books similar enough that I intend to take a break before reading a third novel of his. But it is more than fair to say Mister Backman is one of my favorite authors of contemporary light fiction. Thank You for taking the time to read this review.

The theme for January in my 2021 “diversify your reading” challenge was Literary Fiction. I found this book in the bestseller list for that category and the title spoke to me - after all, anxiety has basically been the theme of the last 10 months! The blurb intrigued me so I ordered it and decided to give it a go. On the surface, this was a story about a failed bank robbery that ended up turning an apartment open house into the most bizarre hostage situation ever. What it turned out to be, however, was a charming, quirky, and insightful novel about human nature, forgiveness, hope, and what happens when you take the time to truly listen to others.The way this story was woven together was very clever. It jumps all over the timeline and goes off on a lot of tangents but it all makes sense in the end and every little tidbit we learn becomes important at some point during the story. At times funny, at times heartbreaking, this story took difficult topics and handled them in a way that was impactful yet lighthearted. It was a fascinating narrative that kept me flipping the pages.The bank robbery and hostage drama are just mechanisms to bring this eclectic cast of characters together. It was a matter of being in the wrong place at the wrong time for most of them but what happens during their time together turns out to be life-changing for each and every one of them. From an older married couple on the brink of divorce to a young couple about to become parents for the first time, an elderly woman and a wealthy banker who are just at the apartment viewing for kicks, a flustered real estate agent and a man in a rabbit mask - this is a strange bunch. Then we’ve got a father/son cop duo trying to diffuse the situation and a handful of other secondary characters who ultimately play important roles as well. Everyone has their own issues and secrets and at first look, these people were pretty insufferable. But as we take the time to get to know them better and understand their motivations and desires, they become almost endearing and you start to root for them. It was an interesting shift and fascinating to see all these new friendships and bonds form in a group of once strangers who may have never given each other the time of day had they not been forced together.Overall I was really entertained by this book. It took many turns that I wasn’t expecting because of certain assumptions you will automatically make (you’ll understand what I mean if you read it!). And there are so many little tidbits and insights throughout that will make you think and reflect on your own life and relationships. I had never read anything from this author but I enjoyed his writing style and will have to look into some of his other stories!