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chandasolara 's review for:
Anxious People
by Fredrik Backman
"The truth? The truth about all of this?"
This review will contain spoilers, but I have a LOT of feelings about it, so we're gonna dive right in. If you're looking for a book that examines humanity in all its messy, funny, compassionate, witty, tragic and heartfelt moments, this is the book for you.
When the author says that nothing is as it appears to be, they mean it. We begin with a bank robbery and subsequent hostage situation--a horrifying event under normal circumstances, yes, but it's so much more than that. The book alternates between the origins of its ensemble cast of diverse, interesting characters and the present, including the interrogation of the father-and-son detective duo as they try to get to the bottom of what really happened in the apartment hostage situation. As we go, we learn more about each character, how they got where they were, and the red strings of fate (if you'll forgive the allusion) connecting them all together.
"We're doing the best we can, we really are. We're trying to be grown-up and love each other and understand how the hell you're supposed to insert USB leads."
At first, it was difficult to keep track of all the different characters, but I think that's where the book excels in its premise. So much of the plot relies on all of these characters being forgettable in their own right: people you see (and maybe even don't see!) when getting on or off the bus, while waiting in line for your coffee. But as the book progresses, each one plays an important role in the unraveling of the plot and the eventual reveal of the bank robber. It's heartfelt and surprising, and many parts had me feeling like I was experiencing whiplash from how quickly I volleyed through emotions, but it never felt contrived.
"We're looking for something to cling on to, something to fight for, something to look forward to."
What I loved most about this book was the all the moments that really subvert the reader's expectations. It's true to life: we think we all have it figured out--or we try to put on a front that we do--but when push comes to shove, we're muddling through the mix just like everyone else. And that's what makes us anxious: if we collectively address that we have no idea what we're doing, then it doesn't seem so scary anymore. We're all holding up this collective facade that everything is okay; we all know what we're doing. Until we don't. This story was a wonderful examination of those moments where everything comes crashing down around us.
Because people? We're all idiots.
"We have all this in common, yet most of us remain stranger. We never really know what we do to each other, how your life is affected by mine."
We all have bridge moments. I hope that this book and the reminders of those you unwittingly touch can help you through yours. If you're on the fence about reading this book, do it. I promise you won't regret it.
This review will contain spoilers, but I have a LOT of feelings about it, so we're gonna dive right in. If you're looking for a book that examines humanity in all its messy, funny, compassionate, witty, tragic and heartfelt moments, this is the book for you.
When the author says that nothing is as it appears to be, they mean it. We begin with a bank robbery and subsequent hostage situation--a horrifying event under normal circumstances, yes, but it's so much more than that. The book alternates between the origins of its ensemble cast of diverse, interesting characters and the present, including the interrogation of the father-and-son detective duo as they try to get to the bottom of what really happened in the apartment hostage situation. As we go, we learn more about each character, how they got where they were, and the red strings of fate (if you'll forgive the allusion) connecting them all together.
"We're doing the best we can, we really are. We're trying to be grown-up and love each other and understand how the hell you're supposed to insert USB leads."
At first, it was difficult to keep track of all the different characters, but I think that's where the book excels in its premise. So much of the plot relies on all of these characters being forgettable in their own right: people you see (and maybe even don't see!) when getting on or off the bus, while waiting in line for your coffee. But as the book progresses, each one plays an important role in the unraveling of the plot and the eventual reveal of the bank robber. It's heartfelt and surprising, and many parts had me feeling like I was experiencing whiplash from how quickly I volleyed through emotions, but it never felt contrived.
"We're looking for something to cling on to, something to fight for, something to look forward to."
What I loved most about this book was the all the moments that really subvert the reader's expectations. It's true to life: we think we all have it figured out--or we try to put on a front that we do--but when push comes to shove, we're muddling through the mix just like everyone else. And that's what makes us anxious: if we collectively address that we have no idea what we're doing, then it doesn't seem so scary anymore. We're all holding up this collective facade that everything is okay; we all know what we're doing. Until we don't. This story was a wonderful examination of those moments where everything comes crashing down around us.
Because people? We're all idiots.
"We have all this in common, yet most of us remain stranger. We never really know what we do to each other, how your life is affected by mine."
We all have bridge moments. I hope that this book and the reminders of those you unwittingly touch can help you through yours. If you're on the fence about reading this book, do it. I promise you won't regret it.