This is the third book I have read by this author and I really loved it. My favorite by Backman is A Man Called Ove, but this is right up there too. This book is not only quirky with honest and original characters, but it is laugh-out-loud funny at times. While the book is entertaining, it also shows how suicide affects those that are left behind. Even people who are not directly related to the person who decides to end their life can be affected by this action, which is something I had not thought about before.
The setting of the story is an apartment showing. A group of people interested in buying the apartment (or not), the realtor and a bank robber are thrown together into an unplanned "hostage" situation. We get to know each character - and the two policemen handling the hostage situation - through the interviews after the hostages are released. It would probably be even funnier if I read it again knowing the ending. I couldn't figure out whether everyone involved was simply ornery or naïve or just enjoyed being difficult. The interviews were quite interesting. The characters bond with each other while they are being detained by the bank robber as well, so we find out a lot about their personal histories and their relationship challenges.
There are a couple of surprises along the way. The author is very good at revealing connections between this group throughout the book. We are also introduced to one of the main character's (Zara's) therapist (Nadia). Nadia learns things about herself as she tries to help Zara figure out how she wants to live her life.
I love books where the characters are all "flawed" humans who make mistakes and try to learn from them. We are all just trying to make our way in this world and we all have "baggage" that we carry around. Some people are more successful at love & forgiveness than others, but most of us just do the best we can.
Wendy's Rating: *****
