Books-n-Bars Book Club: March 2026

Anxious People by Fredrik Backman is a poignant, darkly comedic novel about a failed bank robber who accidentally locks a group of eight, deeply anxious strangers in an apartment viewing on New Year’s Eve. As the hostages—ranging from a chaotic young couple to a wealthy, depressed banker and a retired couple—reveal their secrets and vulnerabilities, the initially tense situation shifts into a compassionate exploration of shared humanity and mental health. The narrative frequently jumps in time, revealing that the characters are interconnected by a past tragedy, ultimately driving them to protect their captor from the police. Backman’s story highlights how everyone is simply doing their best to survive, ultimately delivering a heartwarming tale about the power of empathy, human connection, and finding hope in unexpected places.