Anxious People: A Novel

"This is a story about a bank robbery, an apartment viewing and a hostage drama. But even more it's a story about idiots. But perhaps not only that." (Chapter 27) Fredrik Backman is one of the most gifted contemporary Swedish storytellers and he is widely known for his novel, A Man Called Ove, which has been adapted into a film by Hannes Holm, starring the veteran actor, Rolf Lassgård as the grumpy, borderline misanthropist, Ove. Both the book and the movie gained critical acclaim and there is also an American remake coming soon, with Tom Hanks as the protagonist. What fascinated the audiences was Ove's peculiar idiosyncrasy as well as the great outline of the secondary characters, a kind of trademark for Backman. He is an author that is oriented towards the lives of the ordinary people, their struggles, anguishes and questions that remain unanswered no matter how often they are being raised during a lifetime. In Anxious People, Backman uses the crime element as a facade to tackle several universal and amaranthine themes such as depression, suicide, what it really means to grow up, how hard it is for the average man to meet the standards that the postmodern societies set in order to distinguish the successful from the failure and many others. All the above are presented through a gripping prose that is full of hilarious dialogue and remarks made by the main characters in this odd story of a botched bank robbery that leads to an odd hostage situation where the role of perpetrator and victim often interchanges. If one reads the synopsis of the book, he will think that this is a typical crime story, full of action and suspense but this is not the case here. Backman, once again, delves into his fictional characters' deeper thoughts that are instantly discernible by the reader who himself had often had the same thoughts and concerns. Nevertheless, you should keep in mind that Anxious People is primarily a comical novel, sometimes downright hilarious, and you will laugh many times reading the exceptional description and dialogue. The story sets off when a first-time bank robber chooses to storm into a cashless bank to get the limited amount of six thousand and five hundred Swedish Kroner. Soon he realizes his mistake and when is evident that the bank has no banknotes, he attempts to escape in a nearby building. In his fury, he gets in an apartment where a viewing is held for prospective buyers. Holding a pistol in his hand and wearing a balaclava to hide his face, he looks terrifying enough in the beginning, though very quickly he proves to be a rather unstable individual with no experience as a criminal. The hostages, who are the people that happened to be inside the apartment for the viewing at that time, are a rather distinctive group of people and each one of them has some unique character traits that will be revealed as the story progresses. The police officers that are charged with the investigation of this parody of hostage-taking are Jim and Jack, father and son, who both work in the small town's precinct and are thirsty for an opportunity to show to their bosses and their colleagues in Stockholm that they can handle cases of larger magnitude like this one. Jack and Jim have a rather dysfunctional relationship and their communication is often terminated due to a wrong choice of words, or an inappropriate remark made by one of them. Their blood relation doesn't help them much in their professional lives and besides, they are completely different as characters. Backman uses a mixed narrative style that begins chronologically from the end of the hostage situation and in the following chapters talks about the events and interactions that took place inside the apartment after the failed robbery attempt. Furthermore, he interposes witness statements taken from the hostages by Jack and Jim. The small chapters add to an already fast tempo, that makes reading smoother and highly engaging. What is most remarkable about this book is the vast number of insights on the human condition that are scattered throughout the text and I couldn't stop making notes on my Kindle from the beginning till the very end. This was my first reading experience with this author, I've already seen A Man Called Ove in the cinema, and I'm literally thrilled by his craftmanship as far as both characterization and dialogue are concerned. Backman's writing style is refreshing and stimulating and I cannot think of another writer that comes even close to his ingenious prose. Another novel of his, Beartown, has been adapted into the television and I will immediately check it out. If you aren't familiar with his body of work, Anxious People would be an ideal start.

This book is not what I would normally choose to read. It was a book club pick, and I admit to not being thrilled with the prospect of reading it. However, beyond the discussion and getting to know other readers through the shared experience of reading a book, the whole point of book club is to stretch into genres and authors you wouldn't otherwise try. On the whole, I'm very glad that I had the chance to read this book. Anxious People has delightful characters and a creative plot that is pieced together like a puzzle. Much like finding all of a puzzle's edge pieces first to determine it's layout, you have to be willing to stick with the story long enough to get a feel for the shape of it. The story, though funny, is rather far-fetched and the characters seem combative with each other at the start. However, Backman, who frequently breaks the fourth wall to address the reader and relate the story to them, makes it clear that the story is meant to be unbelievable and successfully manages to convince the reader to "go with it." With that, it's easier to suspend disbelief and, instead, focus on how the characters connect (or don't connect) as Backman weaves backward and forward in the story timeline. The end result is an immensely satisfying conclusion in which all of the pieces finally form a whole. There is nothing wrong whatsoever with this book, though I doubt that I would read it again mostly because it's not my usual go-to genre. It might put off a less committed reader (if they were not honor bound by book club to finish it). The structure of the plot jumping back and forth is integral to this story, but I can see how it might not be enjoyable for readers who enjoy a linear timeline. However, my interest is now peaked regarding Backman's other books, and I have already arranged for a watch party with my book club of the 2015 Academy Award nominated film made from his first book, A Man Called Ove. Favorite Excerpt: “The truth of course is that if people really were as happy as they look on the Internet, they wouldn't spend so much damn time on the Internet, because no one who's having a really good day spends half of it taking pictures of themselves. Anyone can nurture a myth about their life if they have enough manure, so if the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, that's probably because it's full of shit. Not that that really makes much difference, because now we've learned that every day needs to be special. Every day.” Since it's not a book I'd likely keep on my shelf, I cannot give it my highest rating. Nonetheless, I would definitely recommend Anxious People to readers who love a sentimental story with clever characters and plot organization, and I would likely also suggest it as a "palate cleanser" for readers who need an uplifting shift out of their genre ruts. The message of this story is sweet and valuable for any reader willing to give it a go. Backman perfectly balances the ridiculousness of the story with just the right amount and timing of humor.

My first Fredrick Backman book. After reading this, I bought two more books of the same writer.

It’s such an amazing book takes you through different emotions one second you’re feeling deep for the character the next unexpectedly laugh out loud. Love it from start to finish. must read

It’s not often you accidentally find a treasure of a book. What story telling, what character building, what plot. Tears in my eyes from laughter … and suddenly not. One of the toughest but warmest stories I’ve encountered.

Good read! Well written and touching Easy to read and makes you think a while It’s a story about life itself

Comfortable ans relatable read. Just pick it up.