Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin – Michael Joseph for providing me with a copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Goodreads Synopsis
This is a poignant comedy about a crime that never took place, a would-be bank robber who disappears into thin air, and eight extremely anxious strangers who find they have more in common than they ever imagined. Viewing an apartment normally doesn’t turn into a life-or-death situation, but this particular open house becomes just that when a failed bank robber bursts in and takes everyone in the apartment hostage. As the pressure mounts, the eight strangers slowly begin opening up to one another and reveal long-hidden truths. As police surround the premises and television channels broadcast the hostage situation live, the tension mounts and even deeper secrets are slowly revealed. Before long, the robber must decide which is the more terrifying prospect: going out to face the police, or staying in the apartment with this group of impossible people.
Review
I had heard a lot of good things about this book and about Fredrik Backman’s books and this story did not disappoint.
Whilst this book covers a lot of dark topics such as suicide and poverty, Anxious People is a story about forgiveness, love and new beginnings. Told in a mixture of story and interviews you learn so much about the characters who are being help hostage, including what lead them all to that apartment in the first place. You also get to learn more about the father and son cop duo who are running the investigation. The development of these characters throughout the book was perfect and I honestly came away loving them all and their individual stories.
All the characters face hardships that a lot of us can relate to and I think that’s what makes me love this book so much. You find yourself able to connect to these characters and sympathise with what is going on in their lives.
I could go on and on about how much I loved this book, from the failed bank robbery to this group of strangers in an apartment but I want you to experience it for yourself. This book was such a rollercoaster of emotions for me and Backman’s way of writing brings tears to your eyes but also makes you laugh out loud.
I 100% recommend picking up this book!
Rating: 5/5 stars
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