The Librarian's Husband's Book Club discussion

Fredrik Backman’s Anxious People is equal parts heartwarming and heartbreaking, with a cast of flawed, unforgettable characters.

This space is yours to explore the themes, moments, and emotions that stand out as you read. Please tag any spoilers, and enjoy the journey.

I have enjoyed several of Backman’s books over the years. Something about this one is not setting as well with me.
I am beginning to think it is the narration of the female voice that grates on my nerves. Or it could be the manner in which everyone speaks to each other in this book. Something or perhaps multiple things annoy the shit out of me with this book.
As I said before, I slowed the speed because I felt growing tension listening to it at my usual speed. I am 49% done. I kind of just want it to be over. I wish I could speed it up so I could get through it faster but that would make it worse.
I’m at about the same place when I gave it up last time. I’ve committed myself to finishing it, if only so I can better identify why I’m so uncomfortable with it.

My fellow audiobookers, is the female voice getting to you?

Oh noooooooo Julie, i just checked who the narrator is. I often times think a narrator makes or breaks the tone of a book. I dnf’d another book by this narrator before because of her style…. I hope this doesnt impact the story for me

I just started reading the book and I hope it is enjoyable. If the audible is bad I will stick with reading. Thanks for the heads up about the narrator’s tone, Julie and Devon .

Devon, I checked the audio books by this narrator and I have listened to several (most recently The Push). I think she is trying hard to make the character sound like “idiots“, as the book portrays them. I’m finding it super annoying. She does have a versatile voice for many different characters, but…..

@Julie i am close to 20% of the way in and totally relate to your 1st opinion on something not sitting right. Sometimes i think the characters commentary is annoying or sometimes i think the theatrics of the narrator is off. However, i still am enjoying it but sometimes find myself zoning out with how chaotic it can be at times

Thanks for the confirmation that it wasn’t just me @Devon!

I received the audible and the narrator is pretty bad. When I read the book versus listening the tone is completely different and the book is far more interesting than the distraction I get from the narrator’s annoying voice and overdramatic portrayal of the characters. I am 31% through the book and will try to finish it this weekend.

Haven't had any issues with the narrator. She also narrated for Backman's Beartown trilogy and thought she did an excellent job. This one is a quirkier book than some of the others I've read but I'm having a great time with it. I'm nearing 80% after finishing a big chunk while hiking this morning.

Just started reading this yesterday and was surprised/pleased with the narrative so far. Quirky and irreverent. Not sure what I was expecting, but liking it so far. Was thinking this would be a perfect book for audio (kinda reminds me of the same style as Hitchhiker's Guide or Good Omens), but based on these comments--looks like I'm better off with the printed version.

The narration definitely got better but was a lil much in the beginning for me at least. Like you said started off immediately lol the humor injected into this book is definitely similar to hitchhikers haha

I am enjoying the book so far. It is funny and quirky . I am about 65 percent through it.

Dawn wrote: "I am enjoying the book so far. It is funny and quirky . I am about 65 percent through it."

Me too. More than I thought I would. :)