Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Fredrik Backman’s Anxious People is a heartfelt, quirky, and surprisingly profound exploration of human connection, mental health, and the strange ways our lives intersect. The story begins with a failed bank robbery that turns into an accidental hostage situation during an apartment viewing but quickly becomes something much deeper.
Backman masterfully blends humour and emotion, creating characters that are flawed, anxious, and entirely human. Each chapter peels back another layer, revealing the struggles and stories behind each person involved. What initially feels chaotic slowly becomes a moving portrait of loneliness, forgiveness, and the ways people can show up for each other even when they don’t mean to.
The structure jumps between perspectives and timelines, keeping the story engaging and allowing the reader to see events from multiple angles. The dialogue is sharp, often funny, and full of heart, while the narration offers thoughtful commentary on life and the quiet burdens people carry.
Backman reminds us that even in our most anxious, confused, and imperfect moments, we are still capable of connection, kindness, and change.
These characters are so incredibly obnoxious. I didn’t care about any of them and the plot was repetitive and unrealistic. I was thankful to be done.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes