Anxious People by Fredrik Bachman

Details

This is a poignant comedy about a crime that never took place, a would-be bank robber who disappears into thin air, and eight extremely anxious strangers who find they have more in common than they ever imagined.

Viewing an apartment normally doesn’t turn into a life-or-death situation, but this particular open house becomes just that when a failed bank robber bursts in and takes everyone in the apartment hostage. As the pressure mounts, the eight strangers slowly begin opening up to one another and reveal long-hidden truths.

As police surround the premises and television channels broadcast the hostage situation live, the tension mounts and even deeper secrets are slowly revealed. Before long, the robber must decide which is the more terrifying prospect: going out to face the police, or staying in the apartment with this group of impossible people.

Trigger Warnings*:
Animal death
Attempted suicide
Blood
Classism
Cheating (mentioned)
Death of a parent
Death of a spouse
Dementia (mentioned)
Depression
Domestic abuse (physical, brief mention)
Grief
Gun violence
Homophobia
Hostage situation
Substance abuse
Suicide (on-page, major theme)
Suicidal ideation (major theme)
War (mentioned)