ReadYourMood
Cover of Anxious People

Literary

Anxious People

by Fredrik Backman

4.2 out of 5, from 1,151 ratings from Hardcover readers

A desperate would-be bank robber flees into an apartment viewing and ends up holding a group of strangers hostage. As the police ask questions, each person's private worries come out.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published
2019
Pace
Medium
Length
Medium
Pages
352
Format
Standalone
Borrow free with Libby Compare prices Save to my shelf

Read this if you want a comic ensemble story that is secretly about loneliness, parenthood and being kind to strangers.

Skip this if you dislike narrators who wander off on tangents or want a tight, strictly plotted mystery.

The feel

Content warnings

  • Suicide
  • Grief
  • Mental illness

Also reported by Hardcover readers:

  • Suicide attempt
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Death
  • Alcoholism
  • Addiction
  • Panic attacks/disorders
  • Gun violence

Quick answers about Anxious People

What is Anxious People about?
A desperate would-be bank robber flees into an apartment viewing and ends up holding a group of strangers hostage. As the police ask questions, each person's private worries come out.
Who should read Anxious People?
Read it if you want a comic ensemble story that is secretly about loneliness, parenthood and being kind to strangers. Skip it if you dislike narrators who wander off on tangents or want a tight, strictly plotted mystery.
How long and how fast is Anxious People?
It is a medium-paced, medium read of about 352 pages, first published in 2019.
Does Anxious People have content warnings?
Content we flag: Suicide, Grief, Mental illness.
Can I borrow Anxious People for free?
Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends Anxious People; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after Anxious People?
Readers who liked it often move on to A Man Called Ove, The Thursday Murder Club, Big Little Lies.

Where to get it

StorePriceLink
Borrow free
Libby / OverDriveFree with a library card Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive
Print, new
AmazonCheck price Buy new from Amazon
Ebook
KoboCheck price Buy ebook from Kobo
Google Play BooksCheck price Buy ebook from Google Play Books
Audiobook
AudibleCheck price Buy audiobook from Audible

Prices appear here as retailer feeds are connected. Where none is shown, check the store. Links open the store in a new tab.

Some store links, including Kobo, are affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Library links are never affiliate links. How this works

Because you might love it

If you loved Anxious People

All picks

Literary

More to read

All literary