Review: Anxious PeopleTitle: Anxious People
Author: Fredrik Backman
Genre(s): Contemporary
Pages: 346
Source: Library
For: Trim Your TBR Challenge
Rating:
Sexual Content: 0 Flames

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There's content in this book that may be triggering to some readers. I've tried to include the possible triggers in this book at end of my review.
Goodreads Synopsis

A poignant, charming novel 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. Humorous, compassionate, and wise, ANXIOUS PEOPLE is an ingeniously constructed story about the enduring power of friendship, forgiveness, and hope--the things that save us, even in the most anxious of times.

My Thoughts

I’ve never been interested in reading Fredrik Backman’s books. They sounded boring to me. Then my IRL book club read ANXIOUS PEOPLE back in September and the discussion sounded interesting. Fortunately, I didn’t pay attention too much so I wouldn’t be spoiled because I decided to add it to my Unofficial Trim Challenge list and its number was chosen for January.

I’m so glad I decided to act opposite of my initial inclination and read ANXIOUS PEOPLE. I absolutely adored this book. I was giggling from the outset and I was hooked from the first time I sat down on Monday and started to read the book. I loved how it was written, that we got the story in parts. It reminded me a lot of TRULY MADLY GUILTY by Liane Moriarty (but better executed). I wanted to keep reading so I could figure out how everything would play out.

After I finished reading ANXIOUS PEOPLE, I felt almost spiritually moved and like Backman had spoken to me through his characters on a deep personal level. Backman made me feel a gambit of emotions for every single character, including the grumpy know-it-all who thrived on causing conflict. It made me love every single one of them. He even made me have feelings for bridges.

I’ll definitely look into Frederik Backman’s other books now and see if I like any of them as much as ANXIOUS PEOPLE. It was such a treat to read.

Have you read ANXIOUS PEOPLE? If so, what did you think about it?

Trigger Warning

There is a trigger warning for suicide and suicidal ideation.

About Jenni Elyse


Hi, I'm Jenni. I’m an eclectic reader. I mostly read fiction and I favor fantasy, science fiction, historical fiction, mystery, thrillers, and romance. The more kissing in a book the better!
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8 replies
  1. Anne@HeadFullofBooks
    Anne@HeadFullofBooks says:

    Two of the Backman books I’ve read: Anxious People and A Man Called Ove were slow starters for me. What I mean is I was dubious I’d like them until I got about midway through the book and the characters and the plot started to unfold. I deinitely rated both of those books as great in the end but I just wasn’t sure about them at the start. I am so glad that you read this one. It certainly has a strong anti-suicide message, which is so important for all of us to hear at times.

    • Jenni Elyse
      Jenni Elyse says:

      I understand what you mean. I’ve definitely read books like that myself. For some reason, ANXIOUS PEOPLE took me in right from the beginning. And, its anti-suicide message was probably one of the main reasons it resonated with me so much.

    • Jenni Elyse
      Jenni Elyse says:

      I looked up the Netflix show and was disappointed to find out that it’s dubbed. I don’t mind that it’s not an American-made show. I just wish it had subtitles rather than being dubbed. I hope you can read it someday. 🙂

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