Fredrik Backman

I took against this book in the first few pages. It was obvious that the story line was going to be 'curmudgeonly old man, widely disliked, is revealed to have a heart of gold, and after about 250 pages, everyone lives happily ever after'. This is exactly what happened.

I turned the pages readily enough, but was unconvinced by almost everyone but the cat. I didn't believe in Parvaneh, friendly new neighbour. I didn't quite believe in Ove's wife Sonja. Would she really have chosen him as her life-time partner? I wasn't sure about his on-off (mainly off) relationship with his neighbour Rune either. But most of all, I didn't believe that Ove would turn from irritable and irritating to everyone's favourite grandfather in the space of about three weeks.

A decent enough beach read, but this whimsical tale was far to fey to appeal to me. I read it a week ago, and have had trouble remembering it well enough to review it.… (mais)

Wow, what a gem of a book! After a rather rocky start to my reading year, I'm so delighted to have picked up ANXIOUS PEOPLE. It's my first book by Frederik Backman, but it certainly won't be the last! This novel combines humour with deep emotional insights, making it an absolute standout.

Backman excels in delivering sharp wit throughout the narrative. His humor is well-timed and effective (I genuinely burst out laughing a few times), providing a delightful contrast to the more serious themes within the story. The plot twists are clever, surprising, and satisfying. The revelations about the characters are so engaging that they manage to add layers upon layers to the tale as it unfolds.

One of the most compelling aspects of Anxious People is its emotional range. From laughter to sorrow, Backman expertly explores his characters' experiences, making the story both moving and memorable. Backman's insightful observations on the human condition are also woven throughout the book. I was highlighting gleefully as I read! I can't wait to pick up another book by Backman. I'm delighted to have found a new favorite author.… (mais)