Synopsis

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
Thank you to @atriabooks and @bradeighgodfrey for my copy!
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Anxious People by Fredrik Backman is an amazing read.
BUT
One I nearly DNF early on! 😱
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I confess that the beginning seemed messy and I didn’t see where the author was going even if his writing already amazed me.
This book being part of a giveaway turned buddy read thanks to @thebookishladiesclub , I read others having the same issue but confessing that everything would make sense.
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I resumed my reading and I can say that once more, Fredrik Backman blew me away!
I discovered his writing through Beartown that turned out to be my best read of 2018 and he proved once more that he is the wizard of the human soul!
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The plot is built around a bank robbery turned bad and the bank robber taking in hostage severalpeople visiting an apartment.
We will follow all these people as well as the two police officers in charge of the situation.
From the first pages, you know that the bank robber escaped the appartment injured and we have no idea how he escaped!
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Fredrik Backman has an incredible understanding of human nature. He built suspense, gave us a mystery to solve (how could the bank robber disappear) and several life stories to follow.
Seemingly disjointed in the beginning, in a non linear style and with lots of backstories, everything will come nicely together just to blow you away!
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If Fredrik Backman sure knows how to build his story, what I admire most is his incredible penmanship.
I took notes all the time of so many quotes!
In just a few words, he makes you SEE evertything.
There is a depth, a wisdom in his analysis of life and human nature that is unmatched.
I think if he wrote a grocery list, I would still read it and find it insightful.
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Just read it!
I just want to share two of my favorite quotes here from early on in the book to make you show you what I mean with being an amazing writer:
“It’s hardly surprising that people get confused and society is going to the dogs when it’s full of caffeine-free coffee, gluten-free bread, alcohol-free beer.”
“Jim was born in a generation that regarded computers as magic, Jack in one that has always taken them for granted. When Jim was young, children used to be punished by being sent to their rooms, but these days you have to force children to come out of them.”
Have you read his books? Did you love them?
Thanks for reading.
Haven’t read any of his books but it does sound interesting. Great review!
Great review Sophie! I had the exact same experience when I read this book. I almost DNFed because it felt like it was going in circles, but then all of the sudden, it hooked me and I couldn’t put it down. Loved all of the quirky characters.
I just started this one – your review is making me even more excited for it!
One day I’ll read one of his books, they sound so good!
I plan on reading this one this month and I’m really glad to hear such positive thoughts despite an almost-DNF at the beginning! So excited! 😀 Great review!
I am so glad to hear that you ended up enjoying this one, Sophie! I might give it a try as well. 🙂
It does sound thrilling. And what a great choice for the title.
I’m glad it turned out to be incredible! I’ve loved all of the Backman books I’ve read so far. I’m eager to get to this one. Great review!
I wasn’t sure about Backman’s writing as I read my first book by him (Britt-Marie Was Here). It was very quiet, but then surprised me and made me so emotional. I liked it, and I am looking forward to this book. Glad you didn’t give up on it
Yes. I adored it. He is a wizard. You are right.
This is a new-to-me author but since you seem to like his books so much I’ll have to try him!
I haven’t heard of this one, will have to check it out, as I love his writing as well. Ove and Beartown were twoof my favs.
I haven’t read any of his books, but this sounds interesting- thanks!
You are most welcome Jacquie!