Anxious People
“They say that a person’s personality is the sum of their experiences. But that isn’t true, at least not entirely, because if our past was all that defined us, we’d never be able to put up with ourselves. We need to be allowed to convince ourselves that we’re more than the mistakes we made yesterday. That we are all of our next choices, too, all of our tomorrows.”
This 352 page novel by Fredrik Bachman was published in 2020 by Simon and Schuster.
Who should read this?
This book is a perfect read for anyone who loves realistic fiction, a bit of mystery, and stories that demonstrate real human growth.
Overall Rating?
5/5
Other novels by Bachman:
Who should read this?
This book is a perfect read for anyone who loves realistic fiction, a bit of mystery, and stories that demonstrate real human growth.
Overall Rating?
5/5
Other novels by Bachman:
- A Man Called Ove
- Beartown
- My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry
- Britt-Marie Was Here
- Us Against You
Summary
Fate is a funny thing and most of the time it is unpredictable. Most people would not consider the likelihood of getting caught up in a hostage situation let alone investigating one. Two officers are set to the task of finding and identifying the person responsible for a bank robbery turned apartment viewing hostage situation. As the hostages take turns interviewing and providing their version of the situation, somethings just don’t add up. Where is the hostage taker and how did they manage to escape? Why did they demand pizza and fireworks, but nothing else? How have these anxious strangers dealt with these tribulations and come out of the situation in a different way?
Review
I was surprised to feel this way, but I truly loved this novel. This is my fourth exposure to literature of Bachman’s and I found it quite unique and delightful. Each of his stories is different and fun in their own ways, but this is no let down. This realistic fiction feels like a combination of his usual style and the mysterious appeal of Liane Moriarty’s fiction. It is full of suspense and the point of view keeps the reader on their toes.
Each character has a unique personality and offers something for the reader to relate to, even if some other characteristics are not desirable. Essentially, each character demonstrates human flaw, which makes them feel real, but also each shows empathy and character development. They grow together throughout the story and grow on the reader as the story progresses. By the end of the novel, it’s hard to say goodbye and the reader wants to see the best come through for each of the characters.
The perspective variation allows the reader to get to know the characters, but it also keeps attention strong and full of suspense. It seems that each time a chapter ends and the perspective changes, I could not wait to see where that post of the story would pick up. I could not stop reading and needed to know what was happening.
Overall, the story progresses quickly and there is not a dull moment. I would put more time into the book than I had planned and never wanted to stop. When I got to the end, I was sad to be done but satisfied. It leaves the reader with a wholesome feeling, reminding us that people are people and should be treated with kindness, empathy, and love. It reminds us what the world can look like for everyone if people can come together, especially in the face of adversity. This is exactly what I needed to read, an anxious person myself, in a time like we’re living in today.
Each character has a unique personality and offers something for the reader to relate to, even if some other characteristics are not desirable. Essentially, each character demonstrates human flaw, which makes them feel real, but also each shows empathy and character development. They grow together throughout the story and grow on the reader as the story progresses. By the end of the novel, it’s hard to say goodbye and the reader wants to see the best come through for each of the characters.
The perspective variation allows the reader to get to know the characters, but it also keeps attention strong and full of suspense. It seems that each time a chapter ends and the perspective changes, I could not wait to see where that post of the story would pick up. I could not stop reading and needed to know what was happening.
Overall, the story progresses quickly and there is not a dull moment. I would put more time into the book than I had planned and never wanted to stop. When I got to the end, I was sad to be done but satisfied. It leaves the reader with a wholesome feeling, reminding us that people are people and should be treated with kindness, empathy, and love. It reminds us what the world can look like for everyone if people can come together, especially in the face of adversity. This is exactly what I needed to read, an anxious person myself, in a time like we’re living in today.