#1 New York Times bestseller From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove and “writer of astonishing depth” (The Washington Times) comes a poignant comedy 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.Viewing an apartment normally doesn’t turn into a life-or-death situation, but this particular open house becomes just that when a failed bank robber bursts in and takes everyone in the apartment hostage. As the pressure mounts, the eight strangers begin slowly opening up to one another and reveal long-hidden truths. First is Zara, a wealthy bank director who has been too busy to care about anyone else until tragedy changed her life. Now, she’s obsessed with visiting open houses to see how ordinary people live—and, perhaps, to set an old wrong to right. Then there’s Roger and Anna-Lena, an Ikea-addicted retired couple who are on a never-ending hunt for fixer-uppers to hide the fact that they don’t know how to fix their own failing marriage. Julia and Ro are a young lesbian couple and soon-to-be parents who are nervous about their chances for a successful life together since they can’t agree on anything. And there’s Estelle
, an eighty-year-old woman who has lived long enough to be unimpressed by a masked bank robber waving a gun in her face. And despite the story she tells them all, Estelle hasn’t really come to the apartment to view it for her daughter, and her husband really isn’t outside parking the car. As police surround the premises and television channels broadcast the hostage situation live, the tension mounts and even deeper secrets are slowly revealed. Before long, the robber must decide which is the more terrifying prospect: going out to face the police, or staying in the apartment with this group of impossible people. Rich with Fredrik Backman’s “pitch-perfect dialogue and an unparalleled understanding of human nature” (
Shelf Awareness),
Anxious People’s whimsical plot serves up unforgettable insights into the human condition and a gentle reminder to be compassionate to all the anxious people we encounter every day.
In Fredrik Backman's poignant and heartwarming novel, "Anxious People," we are introduced to a quirky cast of characters who find themselves in an unusual hostage situation. Anxious and introverted bank robber, Jack, stumbles upon an apartment viewing and takes the prospective buyers hostage in a last-ditch effort to escape the police. As the tense standoff unfolds, unexpected connections and hidden truths are revealed, challenging preconceived notions and exploring the complexities of human relationships.
The colorful characters in "Anxious People" each harbor their own secrets and anxieties. There's Julia, a pregnant real estate agent struggling to navigate a difficult relationship and the pressure of her job. Roger and Anna-Lena are an elderly couple facing financial difficulties and contemplating a life-changing decision. Zara is a young woman grappling with her identity and a troubled past. And then there's Lennart, an eccentric retiree who finds himself caught in the middle of the hostage situation.
As the hours tick by, Jack's motives become less clear, and it becomes evident that he is not the hardened criminal the hostages initially believed him to be. Backman skillfully weaves together the backstories of the characters, creating a tapestry of human experiences that sheds light on their fears, hopes, and vulnerabilities. Through the shared experience of the hostage situation, they begin to understand and empathize with one another, forming unlikely bonds that transcend their initial prejudices.
Fredrik Backman's "Anxious People" is a thought-provoking and tender exploration of human nature, reminding us of the importance of empathy, forgiveness, and connection in our lives. With his signature warmth and humor, Backman delves into the complexities of the human condition, creating a story that is both heartwarming and thought-provoking.
