I really enjoy Backman's writing style, he is able to write both humour and heartfelt prose remarkably well and the two flow seamlessly together.

Anxious People is very much a typical Backman novel. A heart-wrenching exploration of mental health and relationships, with a well-written and diverse range of characters, but with a hefty dose of humour throughout.

There were several twists throughout the story, all of which were very well done and left me guessing. However, the story dragged and felt rather disjointed at times

My least favourite book by Backman but still entertaining and well worth a read.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Michael Joseph UK for the ARC.

I was delighted to be offered the chance to review this ARC because I've loved all of Backman's other novels, but I have to admit that this book and I had a rough start. The beginning was heavy on philosophy and sarcasm, the cast of characters seemed unwieldy. Even a few chapters in, I felt like Mr B was trying to cover too many quirks, too many social issues, and that the plot was unfathomable. But I should have remembered that this is an author I can trust. With his unique writing style and his usual insight into human character, he works his way through the characters until each cast member is a complex, layered, sympathetic person. The reader starts off thinking one thing about a character and then discovers that the individual is not who they thought, or that there are other aspects to them which change everything. That said, this book also relies heavily on a complicated, twisty plot - one which, in less skilled hands, would probably not have worked. But it does work: Backman manages somehow to hold onto all of the many strands of the plot and all the traits and histories that make up each character, and to pull all the puzzle pieces together by the end.

I absolutely love Fredrik Backman’s writing - and this title was no exception. It may even be my new favourite. Great writing, tears but in a good way. Wonderful

This book had me completely in its hands which I am slightly surprised by as, on beginning it, I didn't think is was going to be for me. However that is the beauty of this book as it does challenge your assumptions and take you in directions that you were not expecting. It is about cruelty and love, it is about what we hide and what we give away, it is about the best of people and the worst. It is both incredibly funny and slightly tragic.
The quirky collection of characters are beautifully crafted and they sneak into your heart just when you think you didn't care.
This novel is about humanity at its most raw and at its most wonderful and I LOVED it!

Fredrik Backman is one of my all time favourite writers. The way he draws me into a story with an amazing balance of intrigue, emotion and sarcasm just floors me every time. His imagination and wit run wild through his novels and I find them captivating, Anxious People was certainly no different.

On the face of it, this book is about a bank robbery that goes wrong....or is it? There are a number of really important themes explored through the story, mainly around mental health and relationships. Some people are about to embark on starting a family, others have been together for years, some are related, some are single and some are widowed. The diverse character set not only brings humour, it shows how important compassion is and how when you pull together, regardless of background, you can make a real difference to other people lives.

There is a fairly large cast of characters but given the setting of the story, it is very easy to keep up with the interactions and how things connect.

Backman's wit is weaved throughout and there are some laugh out loud moments, sometimes when you least expect them in the middle of an emotional scene.

I thoroughly enjoyed this and highly recommend it. Can't wait for all that is to come from Fredrik Backman. "The truth is this was a story about many different things, but most of all about idiots. Because we're all doing the best we can, we really are"

UK Publication Date set for 20th August 2020.

Thank you to @netgalley and @michaeljbooks for the opportunity to review.

#libraryatsevern #bookworm #book #reading
#bookstagramuk #londonreader #bookreviewfeature #bookreview #bibliophile
#bookstagrammers #readersofinstagram #reader #igreads #anxiouspeople #bookblogger #goodreads #bookshelf #bookreviewer #bookshelf #michaeljoseph #fredrikbackman #netgalley #swedishwriters #isolationreadinglist #lockdownreads #stayhomeandread #swedishfiction #newfictionreleases #favouriteauthors

Anxious People was a completely joyous read. Fredrik Backman's distinctive, unique writing style is always a pleasure, but this book was even more glorious than usual. It was overflowing with love and good humour. Mr Backman's love is so fantastically love in the real world, amongst real people. Every chapter was a precious gem. I laughed out loud on many occasions and could hardly wait to get into bed at night and start reading. The characters are divinely quirky and eccentric and their interactions are the basis for the warm glow the reader gets whilst following their story. A wonderfully unusual tale, told with flair and finesse that is so wonderful it is sure to cure everything that ails you. Don't miss out on this beautiful book.

The plot begins with suicide. then bank robbery and even hostage situation. Heavy stuff but Backman never dissapoints. He crushes all stereotypes and always shows us our own mirror. And he does it with great deal of humour.

Refine insight into human character. Great story about love, parenthood, forgiveness, empathy and new beginnings. It's never too late to start again, even if you made a great mistake or you didn't know how to do better. We all try to do our best. Even in this anxious world full of fear and high expectations.

Heartwarming and multilayered book.

A new Fredrik Backman novel is always cause for celebration with me, as I've yet to read anything he's written that I didn't love. Happy to report that 'Anxious People' is another winner for me. What I loved about it, particularly, is it shows how Backman continues to grow as a writer. He could have been a one-trick pony with his quirky cute tales of old curmudgeons (I'm looking at you Ove and Britt-Marie), but moved into more social commentary and tougher topics for his two visits to Beartown.
'Anxious People" combines his quirkiness for characters with some tough social commentary - the poverty trap and the desperate things that some people will do to try and keep seeing their kids, as well as a recurring theme of suicide. But don't worry if you think this will be a depressing slog - as always Backman manages to delight, weaving a dark thread through a hugely enjoyable tale of an accidental hostage situation during an open house apartment viewing.
As always, Backman creates characters who initially you may love or you may hate, but by the end, I loved them all - there is redemption aplenty to be had here, with a really satisfying ending that makes you feel better about the world (and let's face it, we could all do with that right now).
Another great read from an author who never disappoints. Hugely recommended. Thank you to the publisher for the advance copy!!