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4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
Let’s get this out of the way: Anxious People is not really about a bank robbery. Yes, that’s the hook—a failed robbery leads to a chaotic hostage situation at a Swedish apartment open house—but it’s a Trojan horse. What’s inside is a wildly empathetic, sharply funny, and quietly devastating exploration of what it means to be human and fallible and afraid.
Backman assembles a cast that at first glance feels like a comedy sketch gone off the rails: an older couple who renovate homes instead of facing their crumbling marriage, a too-polished banker who’s too lonely to notice, a young couple arguing about everything, a wry 87-year-old who takes zero nonsense, a nervous real estate agent, a man locked in the bathroom, and a bank robber who… honestly just needs a break. It sounds like the setup to a bad joke: “A hostage, a therapist, and a rabbit walk into an apartment...” And yet, somehow, it works.
The story bounces between perspectives and timelines—interviews, memories, awkward conversations, miscommunications—and bit by bit, Backman pulls back the curtain. Every ridiculous, exasperating moment is rooted in something heartbreakingly real. What begins as a whodunit or even a howdunit becomes a why-would-anyone-do-that. That’s where the novel shines.
The whole thing reminded me of that old Stephen Covey anecdote—the “Man on the Subway” story—where someone judges a father for letting his kids run wild, only to learn he’s just left their mother’s funeral. That’s Anxious People in a nutshell: an invitation to slow down and ask, “What might I not know about this person?”
It’s rare for a novel to be both structurally clever and emotionally generous, but Backman balances both beautifully. His writing is self-aware, occasionally philosophical, and full of humor that sneaks up on you just before he hits you with something that makes your chest ache. More than once, I laughed aloud and then immediately felt like I’d swallowed a stone. One moment you’re giggling about IKEA furniture, the next you're rethinking how you talk to your dad.
Backman doesn’t shy away from hard topics—grief, depression, suicidal ideation—but he approaches them with a kind of gentle directness that feels neither preachy nor sentimental. Instead, the book quietly insists: people are trying. That’s the thread that runs through everything. Even when they’re getting it wrong—especially when they’re getting it wrong—they’re just trying.
I’m incredibly glad The Librarian’s Husband’s Book Club chose this book. It’s the kind of read that lingers, that makes you more curious, more forgiving. I enjoyed it so much I bought a physical copy for my wife, who is the librarian, which felt very on-brand.
One takeaway for me - We're all hostages to something—our fears, our pasts, our expectations—and sometimes the only way out is through one another. In the end, we often find ourselves in a world where everyone’s yelling past each other - Anxious People whispers something simple and radical: “We’re all just doing our best.” That might be the most hopeful thing I’ve read in a long time.
Backman assembles a cast that at first glance feels like a comedy sketch gone off the rails: an older couple who renovate homes instead of facing their crumbling marriage, a too-polished banker who’s too lonely to notice, a young couple arguing about everything, a wry 87-year-old who takes zero nonsense, a nervous real estate agent, a man locked in the bathroom, and a bank robber who… honestly just needs a break. It sounds like the setup to a bad joke: “A hostage, a therapist, and a rabbit walk into an apartment...” And yet, somehow, it works.
The story bounces between perspectives and timelines—interviews, memories, awkward conversations, miscommunications—and bit by bit, Backman pulls back the curtain. Every ridiculous, exasperating moment is rooted in something heartbreakingly real. What begins as a whodunit or even a howdunit becomes a why-would-anyone-do-that. That’s where the novel shines.
The whole thing reminded me of that old Stephen Covey anecdote—the “Man on the Subway” story—where someone judges a father for letting his kids run wild, only to learn he’s just left their mother’s funeral. That’s Anxious People in a nutshell: an invitation to slow down and ask, “What might I not know about this person?”
It’s rare for a novel to be both structurally clever and emotionally generous, but Backman balances both beautifully. His writing is self-aware, occasionally philosophical, and full of humor that sneaks up on you just before he hits you with something that makes your chest ache. More than once, I laughed aloud and then immediately felt like I’d swallowed a stone. One moment you’re giggling about IKEA furniture, the next you're rethinking how you talk to your dad.
Backman doesn’t shy away from hard topics—grief, depression, suicidal ideation—but he approaches them with a kind of gentle directness that feels neither preachy nor sentimental. Instead, the book quietly insists: people are trying. That’s the thread that runs through everything. Even when they’re getting it wrong—especially when they’re getting it wrong—they’re just trying.
I’m incredibly glad The Librarian’s Husband’s Book Club chose this book. It’s the kind of read that lingers, that makes you more curious, more forgiving. I enjoyed it so much I bought a physical copy for my wife, who is the librarian, which felt very on-brand.
One takeaway for me - We're all hostages to something—our fears, our pasts, our expectations—and sometimes the only way out is through one another. In the end, we often find ourselves in a world where everyone’s yelling past each other - Anxious People whispers something simple and radical: “We’re all just doing our best.” That might be the most hopeful thing I’ve read in a long time.
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
This was so good. I would give 10 stars if I could. Very heartwarming.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
I’ll definitely be rereading this one again with the perspective of everything I know once finishing it. So many beloved quotes from this book. Mystery mixed with comedy mixed with deep emotional truths we all live but don’t want to open up to or accept. I HIGHLY recommend this book. Really opened my eyes and perspective and made me feel not alone knowing others feel/go through the same everyday pains and struggles I deal with.
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
It took me a little while to get into this book, I think it was something about the writing style. I hate to admit that I almost marked it as did not finish and moved on but I stuck with it and I’m really glad I did. Once I got used to the style of writing and moving between characters and timelines, I absolutely loved it. It made me laugh out loud and shed a tear. A beautiful mix of being funny, poignant, and heartwarming. I know I’ll be recommending it to lots of people.
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
i would’ve read this in one sitting if it wasn’t for busy weekdays, absolutely loved this book and now wanna read all of his other works
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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