Recently, I chose Anxious People: A Novel by Fredrik Backman for my book club. We all enjoyed it after a questionable start in the first chapter or two.
I’ve been writing about home staging ideas for more than two decades. And, this is the first time I’m posting a book review for a novel!
For anyone interested in real estate or home staging, this novel is a rare find.
Anxious People Didn’t Make Me Anxious
Almost all the action takes place during a hostage-taking at a real estate open house in an apartment in Sweden.
Having personally been held at gunpoint (a subject for another day), I can assure you there is nothing scary about this story.
If anything, it’s wildly funny (sometimes heartbreaking) and completely non-violent.
The characters are quirky and endearing. Even the “bank robber,” who finds himself with an unlikely group of hostages after fleeing across the street and into an open house to avoid arrest.
We get to know each character and their hysterical views on what it takes to sell real estate.
I love the retired couple on the hunt for a fixer-upper. The Realtor reminds me of more than a few I’ve dealt with over the years.
As a home stager, sorting the “lookie-loo” characters from the potential buyers was amusing.
Home Staging Ideas I Hadn’t Thought Of
I can’t give away the most surprising home staging tactic, without spoilers for the novel itself. In all my time as a home stager, I never would have thought of one of the strategies that becomes a key part of this story.
If you’re looking for a quick and endearing read, I highly recommend this novel. 🤓
