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Anxious People by Fredrik Backman: Review

     milelongtbr      10 Comments

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman review

” The problem is that everything is relative. Happiness is based on expectations”

Fredrik Backman, Anxious People. 

Fredrik Backman’s latest book was one of my most anticipated releases of 2020. I adore everything of his I’ve ever read. When the early feedback started coming in I saw one rave review after the next as I anxiously awaited my own copy. Needless to say, my expectations for Anxious People were high.

Still, I tried to keep them realistic- surely not every book the man writes can be a masterpiece.


Keep reading this full review to see whether Anxious People lives up and deserves a spot on your own TBR, whether you’re new to the world of Fredrik Backman, or a devoted follower like myself.

Synopsis:

This is the part where I’m supposed to tell you what the book is about.

Anyone familiar with literary fiction in general and Backman in particular knows a simple summary couldn’t do justice to the work as a whole.

I could try to tell you the premise of the story, but thankfully the author has done that for me. I’ll just use his words.

“This is the story about a bank robbery, an apartment viewing, and a hostage drama, but even more it’s a story about idiots. But, perhaps not only that.”


Fredrik Backman, Anxious People


To say it’s not only about these things is an understatement.

Yes, there is an attempted robbery, and a hostage situation that evolves into a locked room mystery.

There is also a procedural element as two small-town-cops-turned-hostage-negotiators try to free the hostages and identify the perpetrator.

But idiots? I can confirm this description applies to the characters in the book. And why would you want to read a book about a group of idiots?

To answer that question I can only defer again to Mr. Backman.

“This story is about a lot of things, but mostly about idiots. So it needs saying from the outset that it’s very easy to declare that other people are idiots, but only if you forget how idiotically difficult being human is. Especially if you have other people you’re trying to be a reasonably good human being for.”

Fredrik Backman, Anxious People

Analysis:

To be an idiot is human.

I’m paraphrasing both Alexander Pope and Fredrik Backman here, but I feel that this really could be the adage of modern times.

Simply put, there is no other author today who writes about what it is to be human with the insight and emotion that Backman does.

Or, as he demonstrates here, who writes about idiots with such compassion and truth.

This book is everything Backman fans have come to love and expect of him. From the signature simple writing style to the nuanced story full of emotional surprises and alternating timelines, it’s a comfort for those who love the feel of his books.

Anxious People is a largely character-driven novel and it’s the ensemble cast of quirky idiotic misfits that make the book shine.

There are more than ten key characters, each with complex backstories and unique personalities. It’s easy to imagine this could be a case of too much information. Or that there wouldn’t be enough about some of them to give us insight into their lives.

Again, Backman strikes a perfect balance, giving us glimpses into these characters and the result is the characters are like no one we’ve ever met before, almost too rediculous to be real at times. And yet, they’re all of us- flawed, struggling, and deeply human.

As in most of his books, there’s exploration of difficult subjects, the predominant one in Anxious People being suicide. It is discussed multiple times from various viewpoints since it’s something that’s made an impact on many of the characters.

Overall, I think the topic was handled sensitively, though I can see how it being discussed so much in the book may be difficult for some.

There are so many parts of this book that made me start to tear up, but just as many that had me laughing out loud.

The dark humor was expertly executed and gave another level to an already fantastic book. When the hostage situation is underway, part of the irony is that the strangers held at gunpoint end up being more trying for the would-be bank robber than the other way around.

The characters from this small Swedish town are emphatically not Stockholmers. Yet they each come to empathize with their captor- and each other- before they leave the apartment.

The beauty in this book is how the lives of these unlikely strangers are woven together; their pasts, presents, and possibly even futures. They each have something to learn, something to teach one another and help one each other. And maybe, with enough kindness, the whirlwind events of the day will leave them all in a more hopeful place than they were when it began.

Takeaway:

Perhaps every book Fredrik Backman writes won’t be a masterpiece, but Anxious People won’t be the one to break the spell.

Not only did the book live up to the hype and my personal expectations- it’s easily a front-runner for my favorite book of the year.

All the stars for this beautiful, beautiful book.

It’s one I recommend to everyone, regardless of the genres they typically gravitate to because of the way it deals with the human condition- something that applies to us all.

Thank you to libro.fm and Simon & Schuster Audio for the ALC and the opportunity to review this book.

Content Warning:

suicide, infidelity, loss, of partner, grief, divorce, hostage situation, mental health topics

Review: Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

     milelongtbr      5 Comments

This is one that I feel that the majority of people here have read, but it’s one of my absolute favorites and I felt it was timely to post a review of it up here since May is Mental Health Awareness Month. The book talks about a number of mental health issues and does so in a manner that is sensitive, realistic, and destigmatizing.

I first read Eleanor Oliphant in 2017 when Reese Witherspoon picked it as her inaugural book club title, and after I finished it I started rereading immediately. At the time of writing this in 2020, I believe I’ve read the book five times. 

That itself should speak volumes about how much I love this book, but check out the full review for more information about why this is one to prioritize on your own TBR. And if you have read it, tell me your take on whether Eleanor is completely fine or not and what that means to you!! 

Synopsis: 

Meet Eleanor.

She’s a 29-year-old office worker in Glasgow who loves routine and loathes small talk.

She doesn’t have many friends, but that doesn’t bother her in the least. She’s perfectly fine with her predictable schedule; weekend pizza and wine night, weekly calls with Mummy, and daily lunches doing the crossword by herself.

“But, by careful observation from the sidelines, I’d worked out that social success is often built on pretending just a little. Popular people sometimes have to laugh at things they don’t find very funny, do things they don’t particularly want to, with people whose company they don’t particularly enjoy. Not me. I had decided, years ago, that if the choice was between that or flying solo, then I’d fly solo. It was safer that way.”

— Gail Honeyman (Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine)

Eleanor is not especially interested in expanding her social circle until she sees a musician and instantly knows: This is the man she’s meant to spend her life with.

Her attempts at turning herself into the type of woman the musician would date provide good comedy, but if you’re expecting a love story don’t hold your breath.

While Eleanor struggles to get the attention of the musician, her coworker Raymond decides to insert himself into her life.

He’s the embodiment of all the qualities she can’t stand. He smokes, his appearance is always somewhat disheveled, he uses “text speak” abbreviations in email.

But, he’s a good person. He’s an optimist and he has decided that Eleanor is worth getting to know.

Her life expands as she starts to spend time with him, and the reclusive and awkward Eleanor learns that coming out of her shell a little might bring bigger, better things than she’d realized into her life.

And, when the bad days come, like they always do, Raymond is a supportive and encouraging friend, helping see her through the dark times and come out better on the other side.

Analysis:

Eleanor Oliphant instantly became one of my all-time favorite books, and largely because of the characters; quirky yet relatable Eleanor, Raymond the impossibly kind IT guy from her office, and Eleanor’s sinister Mummy.

The characters are all very well developed, but witnessing the scarred and reclusive Eleanor step outside of her comfort zone to become the kind of person who goes to weddings, visits friends in the hospital, and helps care for people who need it is inspiring.

I love that she retains her quirks even as she leaves behind the unhealthy coping mechanisms she’s used to deal with things for so long.

Also, I think Raymond is one the most ‘good’ characters in all of literature. He’s such a kind and caring person and brings so much heart to the novel.

He also brings humor. There are many laugh-out-loud moments in the book, from Eleanor’s observations to  Raymond’s goofy demeanor and the rapport between the two of them. The humor may be sardonic at times, but it works well. You’ll likely relate to Elenor’s commentary even if you’d never say those thoughts aloud and in public.

The comedy is needed to balance the difficult themes and topics that are discussed in the book. It discusses things such as isolation, depression, abuse, and suicide, but is handled in a respectful manner and does not stay too dark for too long thanks to that balance.

Two things particularly stand out to me about this book; that Gail Honeyman avoids cliche by not following the formula of Eleanor’s physical transformation from awkward and unfashionable to beautiful, and that Eleanor’s relationship with Raymond stayed a friendship.

Yes, she does go through a number of physical changes but they are without a doubt secondary to the changes that are taking place within her. Eleanor’s attempts at changing her appearance are misguided, but the deeper changes are not suggested to be a result of introspection, brutal self-honesty, and hard work.

Another thing that I appreciate is that Eleanor and Raymond are friends. He is loyal and accepting while encouraging her to be honest with herself, which are invaluable qualities in a friend. But, even when Eleanor is shiny, he doesn’t make any advances on her or take advantage of her in any way. Having him become a love interest to her would have cheapened the story and I’m so glad Honeyman didn’t take it in that direction.

Considering this is Gail Honeyman’s debut novel, it’s especially impressive. She’s set the bar high for future works, but I can’t wait to see what she puts out next.

Takeaway: 

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is a book I will never stop recommending or rereading.

This book is one that makes you think, laugh, cry, question things… It’s hard to find a book that achieves this, especially with such grace. Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine is a truly touching work of contemporary fiction that I see being regarded as a modern classic in the years to come. It’s one of the two books I feel should be required reading for practically everyone which is why this five-star read also earned my “all the stars” rating.

If you’ve not already read it take my word for it and give this book a chance.

Content Warning:

childhood abuse and trauma, suicide, physical abuse, death, alcoholism, mental health issues, adult language

Review: Oona Out of Order by Margarita Mortimore

     milelongtbr      1 Comment

I picked up Oona Out of Order by Margarita Montimore on what turned out to be my last trip to the book store before the quarantine.  I’m so glad I did because I could not think of a more delightful read to get me out of-a self-isolation reading slump.

 Oona has the unique experience of aging unchronologically. 

She is a girl who could definitely relate to this time-warp we are all finding ourselves in. I may have no clue what day it is because I haven’t left the house of weeks, but Oona has to figure out what year it is because every year on her New Year’s birthday she wakes up in a completely different year and form of her body.

 I don’t typically think of myself as a time travel reader, but I am quickly proving myself wrong. If you love books that include time travel elements you will likely adore Oona… and, if you are not yet sold, this will hopefully convince you to be a fan.

 Synopsis:

The clock is nearing midnight, and when it strikes it will be 1983– and Oona’s nineteenth birthday.  At a time when she should be carefree and excited, she finds herself at a crossroads. Torn between the choice to pursue her passion with her band or leave everything behind to study abroad with her best friend, she can feel the pressure of the clock ticking against her.

Her fate, however, is something else entirely.  When the ball drops Oona is whisked away to another time and place– which happens to be New York City in 2015. The most alarming part is that she’s aged more than 3 decades overnight; She’s in the body of her 51-year-old self and her mind hasn’t had time to catch up. 

After the initial shock, Oona starts coming to terms with her new reality.  She struggles to adjust to the world around her and herself, but with the help of Future Oona’s assistant Kenzie she catches up to speed just in time to take another leap back at the start of the next year. 

This time it’s 1991. Oona’s body is a little closer to matching her mental age, but there are a whole new set of difficulties waiting for her in the next phase of her life.

This is how it is for Oona, every year going to a different place and time in her life; sometimes knowing too little and sometimes knowing too much. 

Living out of order makes everything harder, from maintaining relationships to having peace of mind, but Oona tries her best to live a full life in all the ways she can. 

Analysis: 

If this book sounds like a fun ride, you are absolutely right. The pop-culture references through the years were loads of fun and Montimore’s musical taste shone through in the characters’ conversations.

I enjoyed a number of the characters here as well. Kenzie, especially, was warm and bright and the years where he was in the story were especially a joy to read. Oona’s relationship with her mother went through a number of challenges over the years, but even without the complications of aging out of order, coming into your own as a young adult can often mean not seeing eye to eye with your parents.

It’s easy to forget that Oona is mentally only a teenager at the start of the book and still in her early twenties throughout. I’ve heard criticism of Oona’s maturity and handling of a couple of key situations in the book selfishly. Personally, I considered this a part of the coming-of-age element in the book. Oona is a deeply human character. She makes mistakes, messes up, makes outright bad choices. She struggles, both internally and with the circumstances that make up her life.

This didn’t detract from my enjoyment of the novel or Oona’s character at all but rather made her even more endearing to me. The time travel element certainly complicates things for Oona, but I find that it also opens the door to a number of heart-wrenching and character-defining moments. When Oona finally learns to lean into her annual leaps and be present in whatever moment she finds herself in she opens in it is a beautiful moment. I laughed, cringed, and cried along with her through the journey as she tried to make sense of her unique life.

Montimore’s writing was fresh, modern, and kept the story moving at a pace that gave us the sense of going through this whirlwind with Oona. She created quite a few emotional moments and did so while keeping a unique perspective and not giving into cliches. I was surprised by a number of elements in the plot and the way she was able to go above genres. Whatever you see this novel categorized as it’s not going to fit in the box. The book is so much more than the sum of its parts.

Takeaway: 

Oona Out of Order is everything. This book got my “all the stars” rating. This means it not only got a five-star rating but also stands out by presenting important themes for contemplation and taking me through the full spectrum of emotions.

The book was one of my top favorites from last month, and is currently shaping up to be on my favorite books from 2020 lists, and I’m sure you’ll see it on many book award lists as well.

March 2020 Reads
Oona Out Of Order was one of my favorite reads of March 2020. Check what else I was loving that month here.

The story and characters are ones that will stay in your heart, and if you’re anything like me you’ll want to listen to the music referenced in the book, staying in Oona’s wild world even after you’ve finished reading.

It’s definitely one of my top recommendations so far this year, and provides an escape right now that many will welcome, so take a leap with Oona and enjoy the ride!