Review By Harsimran Kaur

Rating: 3.5/5

The book ‘Anxious People’ by Fredrik Backman is a hostage drama that unexpectedly goes wrong. Who knew that viewing an apartment would turn out to be a near to death experience? But a deleterious attempt by a bank robber to take everyone hostage living in apartment turns the tide.

Thus, begins a sombre camaraderie among the 8 strangers living in the apartment; their anxieties revealed through an irrevocable pastupholding truths they feel isolated to. It’s a muddle they all seem ensconced in, but life finally gives them a chance to liberate themselves of the captivity they have surreptitiously lingered on to. What follows is a peripatetic journey of emotions, hopes, dreams, loses and achievements. Each one of them dares to confront their past denuding it of its capriciousness.  

The world we live is strived by our vision and endurance. We make our own heaven and hell; any tumultuous break in our vision sows’ seeds of anxiety and insecurity. Loneliness thrives, but an unexpected adventure may act as a catalyst to expel our fears. The book “Anxious people” manages to give each character’s fear a distinct definition and a sense of direction to help them carry on. 

“Anxious people” is yet another jewel in Fredrick Backman’s casket jewellery box. He never fails to etch characters that leave an indelible mark on our minds. Whether it was “Ove” in the book, “A man called Ove” or the ‘Bank Robber’ from his recent ‘Anxious People’, his characters invoke plethora of emotions. His intrinsic style of writing will make readers weep like a child, laugh their heart out and connect with the characters. Conversations and events in the book are humorous. It’s a perfect read for a relaxing weekend.