Anxious People: A Novel
Sep 2020 · Sold by Simon and Schuster
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103 reviews
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352
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About this ebook
Soon to be a major motion picture!
This instant #1 New York Times bestseller about a crime that never takes 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 is a “wry, wise, and often laugh-out-loud funny” (People).
Looking at real estate isn’t usually a life-or-death situation, but an apartment open house becomes just that when a failed bank robber bursts in and takes a group of strangers hostage. Each of them carries a lifetime of grievances, hurts, secrets, and passions that are ready to boil over. None of them is entirely who they appear to be. And all of them—the bank robber included—desperately crave some sort of rescue. In short, they are the worst group of hostages in the world.
As the authorities and the media surround the premises, these reluctant allies will reveal surprising truths about themselves and set in motion a chain of events so unexpected that even they can hardly explain what happens next.
Proving once again that Backman is “a master of writing delightful, insightful, soulful, character-driven narratives” (USA TODAY), Anxious People “captures the messy essence of being human….It’s clever and affecting, as likely to make you laugh out loud as it is to make you cry” (The Washington Post). This “endlessly entertaining mood-booster” (Real Simple) is proof that the enduring power of friendship, forgiveness, and hope can save us—even in the most anxious of times.
This instant #1 New York Times bestseller about a crime that never takes 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 is a “wry, wise, and often laugh-out-loud funny” (People).
Looking at real estate isn’t usually a life-or-death situation, but an apartment open house becomes just that when a failed bank robber bursts in and takes a group of strangers hostage. Each of them carries a lifetime of grievances, hurts, secrets, and passions that are ready to boil over. None of them is entirely who they appear to be. And all of them—the bank robber included—desperately crave some sort of rescue. In short, they are the worst group of hostages in the world.
As the authorities and the media surround the premises, these reluctant allies will reveal surprising truths about themselves and set in motion a chain of events so unexpected that even they can hardly explain what happens next.
Proving once again that Backman is “a master of writing delightful, insightful, soulful, character-driven narratives” (USA TODAY), Anxious People “captures the messy essence of being human….It’s clever and affecting, as likely to make you laugh out loud as it is to make you cry” (The Washington Post). This “endlessly entertaining mood-booster” (Real Simple) is proof that the enduring power of friendship, forgiveness, and hope can save us—even in the most anxious of times.
Soon to be a major motion picture!
This instant #1 New York Times bestseller about a crime that never takes 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 is a “wry, wise, and often laugh...
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Ratings and reviews
103 reviews
Lauren
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April 8, 2026
A solid 3 star book. Easy to read. Deals with suicide and it's ripple effects. Swings from melancholy to light hearted through entire book. Would classify this as more plot driven then character driven. It's better on Audible speed it up to like 1.25 or 1.50. I did enjoy the narrator.
emmanuel fernandez
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July 29, 2022
it's okay was expecting to bee raunchy and funny as a man called Ove i haven't it even finished it it too boring it needs more action less drama
Love Music
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September 20, 2026
Cloning is identity theft duplicating accounts, bank fraud, credit card fraud, copyright infringement, and duplicating debits. It is also illegal in the United States 🇺🇸 🇺🇲
About the author
Fredrik Backman is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove, My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, Britt-Marie Was Here, Beartown, Us Against You, Anxious People, The Winners, and My Friends, as well as two novellas and one work of nonfiction. His books are published in more than forty countries. He lives in Stockholm, Sweden, with his wife and two children. Connect with him on Facebook and X @BackmanLand and on Instagram @Backmansk.
Fredrik Backman is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove, My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, Britt-Marie Was Here, Beartown, Us Against You, Anxious People, The Winners, and My Friends, as well as two novellas and one work of nonfiction. His books are publishe...
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