Anxious People - Book Review

 

My first book of the year 2024, ‘Anxious people’, is a lighthearted yet thought provoking book. It is written by Swedish author Fredrik Backman who is well known for his bestselling novel, ‘A man called Ove’. This book is based on a bank robbery and a hostage situation. As the author himself puts, 

“This story is about a lot of things, but mostly about idiots”. 

This book does a wonderful exploration of anxiety, human relations and life in general. The witty narration combined by a wide cast of characters makes the novel a beautiful journey that will sometimes make you laugh and sometimes leave you teary-eyed. One of the novel’s greatest strengths lies in its portrayal of human vulnerability and connection. The themes of loneliness, empathy and forgiveness are introspected in the novel. 

Exploration of Anxiety 

What I truly admired in this novel is the way the author dealt with the topic of Anxiety. He described it in such a manner that it gives the readers a sense of camaraderie in the struggles. It makes them feel seen and a little less lonely. Through simple yet deep lines, Anxiety is described. Here are a few examples:  

“It just hurts so much at times, being human. Not understanding yourself, not liking the body you’re stuck in. Seeing your eyes in the mirror and wondering whose they are, always with the same question: “What’s wrong with me? Why do I feel like this?” 

The character of Nadia who is a psychologist was asked her thoughts on anxiety and she replied like this: 

“One of the most human things about anxiety is that we try to cure chaos with chaos. Someone who has got themselves into a catastrophic situation rarely retreats from it, we’re far more inclined to carry on even faster. We’ve created lives where we can watch other people crash into the wall but still hope that somehow we’re going to pass straight through it.” 

Exploration of Human Relations

Many different relations are also examined in this novel. Married couples, parents and children and strangers, all appear in this book and their dynamics can be observed by the readers. However, some of the most remarkable lines of the novel are about the parental relations. One of the most memorable lines is:

“Even astonishingly late in life, people seem incapable of considering that their parents might not be super-smart and really funny and immortal. Perhaps there’s a biological reason for that, that up to a certain age a child loves you unconditionally and hopelessly for one single reason: you’re theirs. Which is a pretty smart move on biology’s part, you have to give it that.”

Observations on Internet Usage

A few lines of the novel are also dedicated to the usage of Internet and social media by today’s generation. The constant need of people to share things is described like this -

“everyone films, photographs, and documents their whole life as if every individual were their own television channel.”

Additionally, social media also becomes a cause of our anxiety. Many times, knowingly or unknowingly we compare ourselves to the people we see on our mobile screens. The life portrayed in a photo, a reel or a video makes us insecure about our own. It cannot be denied that many times we desire validation from social media. I would like to share the author’s insight on this issue. 

“The truth of course is that if people really were as happy as they look on the Internet, they wouldn’t spend so much damn time on the Internet, because no one who’s having a really good day spends half of it taking pictures of themselves. Anyone can nurture a myth about their life if they have enough manure, so if the grass looks greener on the other side of the fence, that’s probably because it’s full of shit.”

Conclusion 

In conclusion, ‘Anxious People’ stands as a testament to Fredrik Backman’s storytelling prowess. While not without its flaws, the novel’s impact is undeniable, resonating with readers long after the final page is turned. Through its exploration of anxiety, human relationships, and the complexities of modern life, Backman invites readers into a world both familiar and enlightening. As we journey alongside a diverse cast of characters, we are reminded of our shared humanity, with all its hopes, dreams, and fears. I wholeheartedly recommend this masterpiece to anyone seeking an unforgettable literary journey.