Questions About Anxious People

by Fredrik Backman (Goodreads Author)

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Answered Questions (103)

There is something that I have been wondering ever since I started the book, which I have now finished. Do swedish people have preconcepts about Stockolmers in general? Is that a thing? I was not fond of the way Stockolmers were so criticized in the book, they were classified as idiots. And the term was even used to describe someone who is gay. I would apreciate it if someone could clarify this to me.

Anthony Rafael As a Swedish resident (now living in Stockholm) I can confirm that people from cities outside of Stockholm see Stockholmers as snobby and "better than…moreAs a Swedish resident (now living in Stockholm) I can confirm that people from cities outside of Stockholm see Stockholmers as snobby and "better than everyone else" the stereotype is that Stockholmers speak a certain way that sounds snobby. It is as though Stockholmers are the men in suits and the rest of the country are the working class if that makes sense. (Just an exaggeration to prove a point). Hope that makes things clearer(less)

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Help! Are there TOO MANY CHARACTERS in this book?

Jessica There are many characters, but Backman is a genius at characterization, so it's easy to keep them straight.…moreThere are many characters, but Backman is a genius at characterization, so it's easy to keep them straight.(less)

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Was this book running late for a deadline? I mean it seems the characters are far from "complete" many not even having a name until much later in the book. Many parts seem like "ideas to come back to as I write this book". I have been overall greatly disappointed after reading your other books.

Susan That is how we treat others - People without a name - just a vague description, until we get to know them. The guy in line ahead of us at the bank, th…moreThat is how we treat others - People without a name - just a vague description, until we get to know them. The guy in line ahead of us at the bank, the waitress at the restaurant. The old lady, the pregnant lady, the bank robber, the therapist. Then we get to know them as Estelle, Julia, etc. and we get to know their stories, their hopes, fears, dreams, and regrets. I thought this was intentional and brilliant. (less)

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This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

Amy No, when it says "she let go" it's kind of a trick. Backman goes on to describe the letter falling down to the river, not her. So Zara let go of the l…moreNo, when it says "she let go" it's kind of a trick. Backman goes on to describe the letter falling down to the river, not her. So Zara let go of the letter she had been carrying around with her for so many years. (less)

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This question contains spoilers... (view spoiler)

cc My understanding was that it was referring to when the bank robber's own mother died and she had to clean out the detritus of the mother's addictions.…moreMy understanding was that it was referring to when the bank robber's own mother died and she had to clean out the detritus of the mother's addictions. <spoiler> The bank robber ended up renting a room in the very apartment in which the hostage drama occurred.</spoiler>(less)

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