Anxious People: A Novel – Fredrik Backman

Anxious People: A Novel – Fredrik Backman

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman is a funny, moving and deeply human novel about a failed bank robbery, an unexpected hostage situation and a group of strangers who discover they have more in common than they imagined.

On New Year's Eve, an inexperienced bank robber runs into an apartment viewing and accidentally takes the people inside hostage.

The group includes couples facing relationship problems, anxious parents-to-be, a lonely bank manager and an elderly woman who seems surprisingly calm about the situation.

As police wait outside and tensions rise inside the apartment, secrets begin to emerge and the supposed hostage taker turns out to be far more complicated than anyone expected.

Warm, witty and emotionally insightful, Anxious People explores friendship, loneliness, family, forgiveness and the messy ways people try to help one another.

Why You'll Love It

• Written by bestselling author Fredrik Backman
• From the author of A Man Called Ove
• Standalone contemporary novel
• Funny and emotionally moving
• Unusual hostage-situation premise
• Strong ensemble of memorable characters
• Themes of friendship, family and loneliness
• Explores anxiety and human connection
• Mixes humour with emotional depth
• Ideal for book clubs
• Adapted into a Netflix series