Lucas just wants to be left alone. His happy introverted world is upset when his apartment board appears at his door demanding to see his frying pan. Someone has discarded a frying pan in the recycling room and they are out to find out who did it. One thing leads to another, the frying pan sparks a debris pile and Lucas continues to be accosted by the board and other people.

Backman is one of my favorite authors; he is beloved by many. In true Backman fashion, there is humor, keen observations of human nature, pathos in this delightfully quirky short story. Take a break this holiday season and sit down with this quick read. Anyone who has ever lived in a condo will really appreciate it!

Fredrik Backman strikes again with a short story that's equal parts hilarious and heartfelt. "The Answer Is No" is an absurd yet deeply relatable exploration of modern life's balancing act: craving solitude while being pulled into the chaos of human connection. True to Backman's signature style, this story will test your patience, make you laugh out loud, and ultimately wrap you in warm, fuzzy feelings.

At the heart of the story is Lucas, a guy who just wants to zone out with his video game. But life has other plans, and Lucas can't seem to escape the interruptions. It all begins with a random frying pan on the sidewalk—yep, you read that right—and quickly spirals into a series of increasingly ridiculous encounters. As Lucas' frustrations mount, so does his struggle to find peace in a world that refuses to give him space.

What makes "The Answer Is No" so brilliant is how Backman takes this wildly absurd premise and spins it into a poignant commentary on today's relentless pace of life. The story captures that universal tug-of-war: the need to recharge in solitude versus the undeniable importance of human connection. It's a theme we all struggle with, and Backman tackles it with his trademark humor and heart.

I found myself laughing at Lucas's plight because, let's face it, we've all been there—when the universe just won't leave us alone. But I also felt for him. Backman has a way of making you feel every emotion his characters experience, and Lucas' journey hits close to home. By the end, I was rooting for him and reflecting on my own balance between "me time" and the people who make my life richer.

This story felt personal as if Backman had written it just for me. It's the kind of tale that resonates deeply, especially in today's world, where the pressures of life seem never-ending. If you're a fan of Backman's work, you'll adore this short story. And if you're new to his writing, this is a perfect introduction to his unique blend of wit and warmth.

I'm already pushing "The Answer Is No" on everyone I know because it's exactly what we all need right now—a laugh, a moment to reflect, and maybe even a little hope.

Thank you to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for the advanced reader's copy; all opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This quippy short story was the perfect palate cleanser between meatier reads. The satire was. Perfectly done and had me laughing out loud throughout. Despite being so brief, Backman managed to forge a connection to the main character. Really enjoyed this one!

Hilariously witty and tear-jerkingly poignant. Backman has once again proven that his contemporary fiction is timeless and universal. Full of beautiful sentences, laugh out loud lines, and quickly lovable characters, The Answer is No is a brilliant short story and heartwarming read.

This short story is a delightful mix of humor, heart, and relatability. The male protagonist's love for isolation and simplicity is refreshingly honest, but it's his gradual embrace of community (on his own terms) that truly shines. The story is laugh-out-loud funny—I lost count of how many times I actually cracked up—and balances its comedic moments with heartfelt lessons about connection. If you’re looking for a book that will make you laugh or warm your heart, this is it.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of "The Answer is No" by Fredrik Backman. All opinions are my own.

I received a copy of this from Amazon First Reads. This was a fun quick novella. This author has a great style.

I have never read a work of this author previous to "The Answer is No" and if the rest of his bibliography is anything like this short story, that's a fact that needs to be remedied immediately. This short story is hilariously right in so many of its jabs against human nature that I could have highlighted half the pages during my read. It was so on point for most of it, I laughed, chuckled, felt myself be amused by, envious of and inspired by the protagonist, Lucas.
There's not much I can say without spoiling the entirety of it, but if you do enjoy finding the absurd in human behavior, if you don't mind this being exaggerated to the extremes - this might be a quick read for you.
I enjoyed it tremendously and I for sure have already people in mind, I'd like to recommend this as their next read. Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

Fredrik Backman has inevitably moved from an auto-buy author, to an auto-5 star author, and one of my absolute favourites. He writes the best characters and has my favourite narration, and The Answer is No is no exception.

Lucas had a carefully curated life that limits his interaction with other humans as much as possible. That is until the board of his apartment building pays him a visit on their mission to solve the mystery of a stray frying pan. Lucas, who is quite put out by this interruption to the natural order of things, puts his foot in it and suddenly never knows peace again. These new challenges bring him closer than he’s even been to the people who live right down the hall.

I love every single character in this book! Lucas is a classic antisocial nihilist (I see you), and the trio from the board were hilarious. Backman has such a natural way of writing back and forth banter and he always puts a smile on my face. The characters are humanised by small details that makes them relatable and I love the unpredictability of his stories.

The secret ingredient of this book is equal parts humour and heart; Lucas’ growth and development in such a short story is perfectly done and will leave you content when you turn the final page.

Sadly disappointed in this short story by one of my favorite authors.
Thank you to the publisher for the opportunity to read this advanced copy. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Fredrik Backman’s The Answer is No is a delightful departure from the heartfelt, reflective tone he’s known for, delivering instead a laugh-out-loud comedic gem. This short story is packed with humour, wit, and Backman’s signature knack for capturing human quirks.

The plot is simple yet hilariously relatable, centred on the escalating absurdities of one person’s determination to stand their ground. Backman’s ability to exaggerate everyday situations while keeping them grounded in recognizable emotions is on full display.

Despite its brevity, the story brims with charm and cleverly constructed characters. Backman’s sharp humour and impeccable timing make this a memorable reading experience. While it’s an exception to his usual poignant style, it’s proof that his range as a storyteller is as versatile as it is engaging.

For anyone seeking a quick, uplifting read—or simply something to make them laugh out loud—The Answer is No is a must-read. It’s a small slice of joy that will leave you smiling long after the last line.