Anxious People
Fiction
Atria
September 8, 2020
Advanced reader copy
352
Free from publisher
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.
My review:
Oh Fredrik Backman, how I do love you!! I fell in love with this book from the first line second paragraph:
"This story is about a lot of things, but mostly about idiots"
From there we are taken on a ride with a failed bank robber who escapes into a building where an open house is taking place, with the potential buyers all assuming they are now hostages? Add to that a father and son cop duo who have to google what to do in hostage situations, and you just can't help giggling your way through everyone's trials and tribulations. Ultimately the hostages are freed, and the transcripts of their police interviews had me guffawing once again! Lest you think this book sounds a bit too silly, let me assure you that mixed in with the witty humor, is a commentary on people from wildly different backgrounds who all have issues to get off their chests. And what better time than when you think you may only have moments to live? No spoilers, but it even has a heartwarming ending to put a big ol' goofy smile on your face as you read the last page! As always with Backman, it is not necessary to comment on the stellar writing, flow of the story (although if I absolutely had to pick on something I would say it does drag just a bit after the midway point), and overall readability.
I can't gush enough about this one! It's THE perfect book to read during these tense times. Will definitely make one of my top reads of 2020!
