Anxious People by Fredrik Backman - A Review

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman is a story that’s hard to describe in a sentence—but here’s my attempt: a failed bank robbery, an apartment viewing, a hostage situation, and a cast of wonderfully flawed, anxious, and chaotic people thrown together in the middle. At first, it feels a bit messy and quirky—jumping between characters, timelines, and perspectives—but if you stick with it, it’s surprisingly heartwarming, funny, and insightful.

The story begins when a first-time bank robber storms into a cashless bank, realizes his mistake, and flees into a nearby apartment where a showing is happening. The prospective buyers inside end up as hostages, and each has their own quirky, often heartbreaking story. Backman spends time peeling back each character’s layers, showing their regrets, fears, and the small ways they try (and fail) to connect with the world around them. The dialogue is hilarious, the observations about human nature are spot-on, and the writing—short chapters, mixed perspectives, even witness statements—keeps the pace lively and engaging.

This isn’t a typical thriller, though. The “crime” is just the setup for exploring universal themes: anxiety, loneliness, regret, and the messiness of human connection. Backman balances humor with heartbreak beautifully—there were moments that made me laugh out loud and others that made me pause and reflect. The ending ties everything together in a satisfying way that left me feeling warm and thoughtful.

That said, this isn’t a book I’d automatically pick up on my own. The story jumps around a lot—back and forth between timelines, perspectives, and even police reports—which can feel chaotic, especially early on. Some of the plot elements are far-fetched, and the characters can be combative or over-the-top at times. But that’s kind of the point: Backman wants you to embrace the chaos, lean into the absurdity, and focus on the human connections.

Overall, I really enjoyed reading this one. It’s funny, clever, and surprisingly touching, even if it’s not my usual genre. Backman’s skill with character development and dialogue is impressive, and this book is full of small insights about life, regret, and human nature that linger after you finish. I’d recommend it to anyone who likes quirky, character-driven stories with both laughs and heart.

Rating: ★★★★☆

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