A review by readerette
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I loved this book. It jumps around between characters and to some extent time (sometimes a decade back and forth, but mostly over the course of this one particular day). If you are bothered by either literary device I'd still suggest giving this book a try. So many poignant moments, from laugh-out-loud to heart-wrenching. Follow closely and don't make too many assumptions--I made my fair share and was pleasantly surprised to be redirected (so maybe do make assumptions, haha). The writing is deft, the story relatable, the characters delightfully (almost maddeningly) quirky, and the way things turn out is just sweet (if a bumpy ride to get there). It's possible some of the characters' comments about homosexuality/homosexual people will not go over well--to me they felt well-meaning for the characters making the comments, and not flagrantly disrespectful, but I can see how the comments could be offensive, so fair warning.
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