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A review by madelinedalton
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
I am in the minority of readers who did not like A Man Called Ove, so this book is a winner to me for the mere fact that I had a decent time reading it and am not swearing Fredrik Backman's writing off entirely.
Maybe this was a me problem, but I found it difficult to get emotionally invested in the poignant, human side of this story when the premise was so wacky and unrealistic. The storytelling structure was a clusterfuck--every time I picked up the book, I had a niggling feeling that I had missed a key detail, and I think that was due to the execution of the non-linear timeline. It felt as though the author was purposely withholding information from the reader so that they'd keep reading. I'm fine with this narrative structure if it is the best possible storytelling vehicle, but in this case, it was not.
All of that said, the cast of ensemble characters grew on me over time. It was really sweet. And while the "everyone has a story" and "you are not alone" (Alexa, play "You Will Be Found" from Dear Evan Hansen) themes weren't anything groundbreaking, I still thought they were touching.
Also, it’d be great if Fredrik Backman could knock it off with the casual fatphobia. (Still gonna read Beartown though.)
Maybe this was a me problem, but I found it difficult to get emotionally invested in the poignant, human side of this story when the premise was so wacky and unrealistic. The storytelling structure was a clusterfuck--every time I picked up the book, I had a niggling feeling that I had missed a key detail, and I think that was due to the execution of the non-linear timeline. It felt as though the author was purposely withholding information from the reader so that they'd keep reading. I'm fine with this narrative structure if it is the best possible storytelling vehicle, but in this case, it was not.
All of that said, the cast of ensemble characters grew on me over time. It was really sweet. And while the "everyone has a story" and "you are not alone" (Alexa, play "You Will Be Found" from Dear Evan Hansen) themes weren't anything groundbreaking, I still thought they were touching.
Also, it’d be great if Fredrik Backman could knock it off with the casual fatphobia. (Still gonna read Beartown though.)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Alcoholism, Fatphobia, and Gun violence