Anxious People

Author- Fredrik Backman
Humor, layered plot, redeeming characters
​Bestseller

I've read a few Backman books-- A Man Called Ove, Beartown, My Grandmother asked Me to Tell You She's Sorry-- but Anxious People is my favorite and I think it may be his best.  Yes, it has a humorous style and quirky characters, but Backman weaves this story so well that you're cheering for everyone-- the bank robber, the cops, the hostages.

The storyline-- after a failed bank robbery attempt, the would-be-robber takes a group of random (emphasis on random!) people hostage at an apartment showing. Each has their own set of issues and anxieties, including the officers sent in for the rescue.  

As with all Backman novels, there is a deeper sentiment in play... characters come to an understanding, grievances are put aside, life is renewed, faith is restored. But these messages are subtle, leaving the reader with a satisfied smile when the last chapter is finished. 

UPDATE: Anxious People was a selection for our book club. ​Only three of us finished the book! People found it too quirky, not a traditional storyline, too many characters seemed daffy. I loved it for the author's depth and understanding, the themes, and how everything comes together in the end, making sense of the daffy, quirky, unusual storyline.  So read to the end for the reward of a layer themes and great writing.  

---