There are certain things one comes to expect from a Backman novel, and Anxious People has all of them and more. The writing style, the characters, the plot that all comes together in the end – it’s everything you’re looking for in a quintessential Backman read.

The plot itself is not what I had expected to find in this novel, but as each layer is pulled back and we learn more and more about each of the characters – the bank robber, the policemen, the hostages – everything starts to fall into place. The big questions are answered, which isn’t something I always care for in novels, but is appreciated here, while smaller questions are left for the reader to ponder in the inevitable post-read hangover. I ran through this book almost at a sprint, not to get it over with, but because I found myself waking up at 2 am wanting to keep reading because I just couldn’t put it down. I can’t tell you the last time that’s happened for me – probably the last time I read something by the same author.

If you’re familiar with Backman’s work and the idea of a failed heist sounds intriguing, you’ll love this. If you’re not already a fan of Backman, I can’t say this book will be the one to convert you, but I’d recommend giving it a try anyway – it’s a fun, quick read, and who knows? Perhaps you, too, will be waking up at 2 am to finish it.