Fabulous short story, about a man in a flat who has found the ideal balance of life – happy, quiet solitude. It involves work, and takeaway deliveries, but no other people to upset his pleasure and leisure. But, of course, things are not going to be allowed to carry on like that. I'd say the DNA of it all is 20% Italo Calvino ("The Black Sheep" style, in particular), 20% Mitch Albom, 20% Antoine Laurain, and 40% Monty Python. It's a pleasant, amenable whimsy and quite a joyous thing. Right up my street – and I'm not alone in that.

My Selling Pitch:
Do you want to read a short story that feels like an outtake from Anxious People about the kooky neighbors?

Pre-reading:
Fredrik Backman is one of my favorite authors ever. I will pick up anything the man publishes.

(obviously potential spoilers from here on)
Thick of it:
Literally his writing is funny, gripping, and charming every single time you open it.

He makes me laugh every single time.

I also love apartments, but hate neighbors.

Oopsies, dill is my favorite because I’m a whore for pickles.

I think about that raccoon and the cotton candy way too much.

Post-reading:
This read like an outtake from Anxious People. It's funny. It’s charming. It’s too short to really have a satisfying narrative arc. I don't think you need to rush out and read it, but if you've liked the author’s other work, this feels like a deleted scene.

Who should read this:
Fans of quirky characters
Anxious People fans
People who like the movie Up

Ideal reading time:
Anytime

Do I want to reread this:
Nah, I’ll just remember it.

Would I buy this:
Probably wouldn't buy something this short, but I’m glad I read it.

Similar books:
* Anxious People by Fredrik Backman-full length novel with the same bouncy narrative voice and kooky escapades
* Cut and Thirst by Margaret Atwood-short story, ensemble cast

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Fun short story in the true Backman way. This contains satirical characters and it is still relatable, Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publisher for the chance to read this book.

I liked this, but it didn’t blow my mind and make me rethink my whole existence like Backman’s other novels. It was funny and thought provoking. Look forward to more from Backman.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of this ebook!

This was honestly the perfect little novella, and I finished it in one sitting! Fredrick Backman is so talented, and I love his writing style. Even this novella just felt like such a cute great little story! The only thing I didn’t like about it was that I wanted to read more! He just makes you fall so in love with each of his characters and it’s so creative and unique:

I adore Backman’s writing style. His characters are sarcastic, witty and completely relatable. For me, he is one of the few authors who can make a short story feel complete where most leave me wanting more (not in the good way).

This was a fantastic story that I highly recommend!

Rapid paced story, very on theme. Every bit of the story seems in line with the first presentation of the main character.

A fun novella by one of my favourite authors. Not much more I can say except for Fredriki Backman can do no wrong in my eyes and this book was a lot of fun..

Thank you Amazon original stories for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are my own.

I enjoyed this book quite a bit. I loved how the characters all grew and we learned a lot. I personal learned a lot about myself through reading this book. This book really packs a punch for how short it really is. I for some reason felt like this book could have been set during the COVID pandemic as well. Which I kind of loved that it was not, however in a way gave off those vibes.

This story follows Lucas a major introvert who prides himself on not talking to anyone in person. He goes to extreme lengths to make sure his communications are as efficient and as minimal as possible. However, one day changes his life completely when he has to talk to his neighbors and "board members" of his apartment complex. This story shows so much growth in not a lot of pages. I loved the way it ended as well. It felt so satisfying and heartfelt.

Read if you enjoy:
Short reads
Character Growth
Funny Characters
Real Stories

Finished ‘The Answer is No,’ a short story by Fredrick Backman. I’ll be honest…I’d read a user manual if Backman wrote it. I’ve never encountered anything he’s written that I didn’t love! At 68 pages, this is an easy read and totally enjoyable! It’s the story of a man who just wants to be left alone (oh…I feel this deeply, sometimes) and it reads almost like a parable! Full of satirical humor, you’ll see yourself and your community in Lucas’s story. You’ll have to let me know if you despise ‘Board animals’ as much as I do! 😉

On the Backman scale of excellence, this was an ok book. I didn't quite capture me as some of his other stuff has.

This was short and sweet. I found myself laughing quite a bit, but also annoyed at times. Not completely sure how I feel about this one but at least it was a quick read.

Backman is a Season’s Pass for me. I will ride all the rides.

This tiny gem of a story was quick, ridiculous, and charming.

I loved the chorus of characters (particularly the HOA).

The only bit with which I take umberage occured when it was concluded that mom’s only need a little appreciation.

Eff that, Backman.

Mom’s only GET a little appreciation.

If you think that’s all they NEED, you’re part of the problem.

Cough.

Other than that, two thumbs up.

This is a sweet, quick read with a lovely message. Nothing too taxing and a little bit silly but fun as a little heartfelt breather from heavier books.

This short story is very good! The text is well-written and amusing. It is possible that the reader will finish with warmth in their heart, a smile on their face, and a tear in the corner of their eye.

This was an unexpected short story from Fredrik Backman! I was so excited to get early access to this and it did not disappoint. For a short story, it packs a punch; following someone who thinks he is happy, living a solitary life, but when a frying pan shows up in his neighborhood, he is brought, unwillingly into the drama that begins with a simple frying pan. What unfolds is a heart warming tale of growth, emotion, and a short discourse on what it is to be happy in life.
I really enjoyed reading this, as usual, Backman writes for effect.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

*Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this free ARC in exchange for an honest review. Pub date: December 1, 2024

A hilarious short story about the absurdities of modern life and finding happiness in it. Tailor-made for observant folks who may be introvert-leaning.

odern satire to expose the ridiculous of humanity in today’s culture.
Fredrik Backman is one of my favorite authors. I love his quirky characters and humor always. But I hate short stories. Absolutely hate them. I am always left wanting more at the end. Though this concluded well, it was so rushed throughout. Instead of wanting more at the end, I wanted more all the way through. That’s a short story for you, so my fault for reading it. But I still love the underlying ideas of this one and cannot wait to read his full novel being released in 2025! Thanks to Net Galley and Amazon for my ARC.

What I love about Short Stories is the parameters it gives to authors. Some authors rise to the occasion and take short stories as a challenge. Backman is no exception. I loved how he was able to create a concise plot with memorable characters. It was short and sweet with a memorable lesson about happiness and loneliness.

Thank you Netgalley and Amazon Original Stories for sending me this ebook for review consideration

3.5 ✨
I've never read anything by this author, so when I saw it on Netgalley I thought what a wonderful way to test the waters.

I was expecting a hilarious read but what I got were little nuggets of wisdom about happiness and I really appreciate it at this time.

"𝐈'𝐦... 𝐧𝐨 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐈 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐛𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐩𝐲 𝐭𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐝𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐥𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬. 𝐁𝐮𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐦𝐚𝐲𝐛𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐬𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐲."

Yes, I marinated in that for a while.

Many thanks to Netgalley, author and publisher for the opportunity to read an share my thoughts.