Anxious People

Anxious People – A Novel
by Fredrik Backman

Anxious People is a brilliantly funny, deeply compassionate, and profoundly insightful novel by internationally bestselling author Fredrik Backman, the author of A Man Called Ove. This novel explores the quiet chaos of everyday life, human vulnerability, and the invisible struggles people carry with them.

The story begins with a failed bank robbery that unexpectedly turns into a hostage situation during an open house apartment viewing. A group of strangers—each dealing with their own anxieties, regrets, fears, and hopes—find themselves locked together, forced to confront not only the situation but also themselves. As the police investigate, the truth unfolds through a series of interconnected stories, revealing how lives overlap in surprising and meaningful ways.

With warmth, humor, and emotional depth, Backman examines themes of mental health, loneliness, forgiveness, parenthood, friendship, and the universal need to be seen and understood. The novel balances laugh-out-loud moments with deeply moving reflections, reminding readers that even the most anxious people are doing the best they can.

Anxious People is a life-affirming novel about the power of empathy, the complexity of human relationships, and the beauty of second chances. It is ideal for readers who enjoy character-driven storytelling, contemporary fiction, and books that leave a lasting emotional impact.