Anxious People

By: Fredrik Backman

Narrated by: Marin Ireland

Brought to you by Penguin.

An instant #1 New York Times bestseller

The funny, touching and unpredictable novel from the 15 million copy internationally bestselling author of A Man Called Ove.

In a small town in Sweden it appears to be an ordinary day. But look more closely, and you'll see a mysterious masked figure approaching a bank...

Two hours later, chaos has descended. A bungled attempted robbery has developed into a hostage situation - and the offender is refusing to communicate their demands to the police.

Within the building, fear quickly turns to irritation for the seven strangers trapped inside. If this is to be their last day on earth, shouldn't it be a bit more dramatic?

But as the minutes tick by, they begin to suspect that the criminal mastermind holding them hostage might be more in need of rescuing than they are...

©2020 Fredrik Backman (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

A brilliant and comforting read (Matt Haig)

Funny, compassionate and wise . . . an absolute joy (AJ Pearce, bestselling author of Dear Mrs Bird)

I loved this book. Funny, sad, clever, insightful, surprising and hopeful. Brilliant in every way (Sarah Morgan, bestselling author of One Summer in Paris)

Where is Britt Marie when we need her?

I have her voice in my mind, and "Ha!" in her voice. Why oh why am I not hearing Joan Walker's performance, and why would Fredrick Backman be read in American? A rich, thought provoking, funny and surprising story .

Lovely and beautiful

I really liked “A man named ove” so thought I’ll give this book a try. The characters and humour caught me from the start. The back stories of all the characters come together beautifully. It talks about so many topics, from parenthood, anxiety, to economy, in a light yet insightful way. A wonderful and heartwarming book, that’s much needed in these times

I didn’t want it to end

An incredible story with even better narration! So light and deep at the same time,highlights human vulnerability and the chords that bind us together.must read!

Wonderful

What a book ... what a story ... laugh out loud and sentimental enough to just shed a few tears!

The performance was just superb

So sad that it’s over ... I just might have to listen to it again!!

I loved it!

I couldn't stop listening. I loved every detail and insight into the characters and every little twist and turn. I was sad when it ended!

Feel good, hopeful book about humanity

This is a feel good book about a bank robber's botched robbery, and a group of hostages. Everyone has a background story, and all of them are anxious people. The performance is the narrator is simply amazing, her tone and inflections lend life to the story, much better than if I’d read it in book format.

I really enjoyed this book’s honest look at the foibles of humans, its understanding about human psychology and acceptance of the varying personalities that lend colour to our world. It's highly humorous, with a wee bit of mystery, unfolds unexpectedly and ends beautifully. A worthwhile read to pick up if you're down because it gives hope.

I loved Zara the most

overall very light read enjoyable story that ties the stories well. the narrator was superb at her performance, I adore her

Exactly the prescription I needed right now

This is a novel with heart. It deals with heavy subjects with gentleness and a huge dollop of humour. I am recommending it to all my bookish friends.

Lovely tale

Great performance. Loved this quirky, but somehow really relatable, story. The characters are richly written and lovable in their own way

The simple things

I appreciate the frugal way of living of these people in the story. There’s nothing magical but the magic is within the simplest things.