"it's always very easy to declare that other people are idiots, but only if you forget how idiotically difficult being human is."

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman is a poignant comedy about a failed bank robbery, an apartment viewing turned into a hostage situation, and two policemen who seem to have a curious relationship. As the tension escalates, secrets are revealed, relationships are forged and lives interconnect in unbelievably strange ways.

The story starts with a seemingly disjointed and quite convoluted lament about idiots, and bank robbers...and they are apparently not mutually exclusive. While you laugh at the trademark Backman humour, it is not long before you find yourself in tears. Reading this book reminded me of peeling onions, layers after never-ending layers, with eyes streaming all the while.

This novel is essentially character driven and it delves into the turbulent lives of each person involved...all of whom are affected by the situation that they are in, and unrelated strangers seem to have more in common than is apparent.

The book deals with some seriously heavy topics, like death, depression, PTSD, suicide...in a quirky, light-hearted way, that never seem demeaning or offensive in any way. You’ll be laughing one minute and have your heart broken in the next. It is to Backman’s credit that simple words convey so much more meaning than is apparent at the first reading.

This story is ultimately of hope...and how kindness and empathy can go a long way to make things right in this chaotic troublesome world.
4.75 brilliant ⭐

Are you a Fredrik Backman fan?
If yes, go read this book.
If not, go read this book.