In 2025 I read Anxious People by Fredrik Backman.

Timeline

• Apr 12, 2025: started reading.
• Apr 17, 2025: finished reading.

Review

I say this with all sincerity, I wanted to like this. It was recommended by someone who is very important to me. I was primed to embrace it with open arms.

Ultimately, though, I find that Backman’s prose rings a bit hollow to my ear, his characterizations are thin, surface-level things based on whatever popular stereotypes are near to hand, the humor too often feels forced and clichéd, and the twists and turns of his plotting are a bit too cute by half. If by some magic an exurb were to be transmuted into a book, I imagine the result would be something like this novel.

I know that this book deals with heavy themes in an approachable way. I know that it has been meaningful and profound for many of its readers. Unfortunately, I am forced to admit that I walked away from the experience feeling like I had just sat through a made for TV Hallmark movie.

I’m sure Fred’s a great guy! I’m glad he’s found his audience and achieved success. I don’t begrudge him that. I’m sorry that his work doesn’t resonate with me.