Thank you so much @AmazonPublishing for giving me this ARC in exchange for my honest and unbiased review (Release Date | 01 December 2024)

SYNOPSIS | Lucas knows exactly what he wants: pad Tai, video games, wine and to be left alone. His solitude is interrupted when his neighbour comes to inform him that someone has left a frying pan on the floor next to the recycling room and chaos ensues.

WHAT I LIKED:
- the characters were caricatures in the best possible way
- thought-provoking quotes plopped throughout
- self-deprecating wit a plenty
- so very readable + relatable
- the final scene is quite satisfying

WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE:
- the middle took a bit of a detour, but overall its sort of just a silly little story

I've always enjoyed this authors writing and this short story didn't disappoint.. Fredriks characters are second to none and I loved the deeper meaning to this.

This is a typical Backman story centred around a guy who we would call an antisocial weirdo if he weren't that genuinely relatable. Ridiculously provocative, absurd and hilarious.

The Answer is No is a short story about how the ridiculousness of modern life ends up causing one man's solitary world to start spinning suddenly and out of control. This was such a cute story that was written well. I loved how this was funny as well. One of my favorite characters was the woman in the purple dress but they were all great. Overall, I highly enjoyed this short story and look forward to reading more books from this author. Thank you to NetGalley and Publisher for this short story in exchange of my honest review of The Answer is No by Fredrik Backman.

I have read several books by Fredrik Backman, some I have loved, and some, like this one, I haven't. I just didn't get this one. If it had not been a short story, I don't think I would have finished it.

I'm a massive fan of anything this author writes! This book took me on a roller coaster and was very provocating, which I appreciated, not to mention it was a quick read. 10/10 for me!!!!

Backman brings his witty humour, with relatable characters and scenarios in this short story.

Lucas just wants to be left alone, left to his own devices with his routines and favourite things - he is happy being by himself. But, he soon finds himself entangled in the search for the culprit who left a fry pan next to the shared housing recycling room - which leads to further chaotic and ridiculous event.

This had me laughing out loud and completely understanding and relating to how Lucas wanted his life to be. All of the side character easily reminded me of people I have know throughout my life and it was just a good time.

Thank-you @netgalley @amazonpublishing and Fredrick for this Digital Advanced Readers Copy, in exchange for an honest review.

Thanks to NetGalley, Amazon Original Stories, and the author for the chance to read this book.

This is a very short story that is absurd and hilarious! I didn't really know what to expect but had seen positive comments from others and really enjoyed it.
If you're in need of a laugh and have time for a quick read (under 100 pages), then give this a go - I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Fredrik Backman does a great job in writing this, it had that humor that I was looking for and enjoyed the overall feel of this story. It was translated well and was glad I got to read this. It worked well overall and was invested in the characters and their story.

I love everything Fredrik Backman writes, and this was no different. A gorgeous little story, with characters I could have followed for an entire full length novel.

Delightfully quirky story of a happy man whose solitary existence implodes with "angelic" consequences. If you've ever read any Backman, you know that nothing is what is seems...or maybe it is EXACTLY what is seems. Sure to leave you with an ironic smile on your face.

A quick short story about Lucas who lives a happily solitary life, not bothered by other people. But when a frying pan is left in the street outside the apartment building, the apartment board members intrude on his life in order to help solve the problem, leading to him getting drawn into all kinds of incidents with other neighbors and people and so on. This was about what you would expect, Lucas finding friendship and blah blah, but quite honestly his solitary life sounded like the way to go for me. This felt like more being forcibly charmed ("your heart will be warmed whether you like it or not!") than some of Backman's other writing that felt more naturally and effortlessly delightful, but it was short so I guess all the character development had to be jammed in pretty quickly. 3 stars.

“. . .but sometimes what people really need most of all is a prescription for a break.”

I'm not really sure what to think of this book, and I can see how others would enjoy this short story more than me. I didn't find the humour that funny, but the overall message did kind of bring a smile to my face.
From this short story I'm taking that, In order to live a happy life you have to learn to say NO. Although it didn't quite all work for Lucas, it also ended on a good note.

Thank you to both NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Fredrik Backman’s "The Answer Is No" is a funny short story about Lucas, a cranky introvert who just wants to play video games and eat pad thai. But when a frying pan shows up in a weird place, his quiet life gets turned upside down with the antics of his quirky neighbors.

I loved how lucas describes people by their clothing colors! He stays true to himself instead of trying to fit in, which is both super relatable and refreshing.

I did, however, wish we got to know more about characters like Linda, the overly cheerful board member, but the story was still hilarious. I think it’s a great reminder that it’s okay to be yourself, even if you prefer to avoid socializing!(so real btw) If you’re looking for a quick, fun read, this story is perfect!

This is a short story by one of my favorite authors.
I would definitely classify this as satire. It had a message, in a funny "make-fun of society" type of way.
If you go into this expecting this, it was really enjoyable.
If you go in expecting Backman's typical story telling- you will likely be dissappointed.
Once I figured out what I was in for, I really enjoyed reading about the characters in this apartment complex, and all of their committees and rules.
I laughed out loud, but also could see the points that Backman was trying to make.

Not my favorite, but for a short story it was good.
3.5 stars from me,

I’m not a big fan of short stories. I have had a lot of bad luck with them lately. I will read anything Fredrik Backman writes, even his grocery list.

This will be a short and sweet review. It’s less than 70 pages, so there’s not too much I can say without spoilers. In true Backman fashion, this is heartwarming, funny, and meaningful. I always wonder how it will come together, and every time it makes so much sense. If you are a fan of his writing, then you will enjoy this. If not, you will still enjoy it! I cannot wait to read his next story!!


Thanks to Amazon Original Stories and Netgalley for an e-arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own!

Thank you to NetGalley for the e book copy This was short book but it was packed full! I love this author- they have a quirky way of writing and I find that I am drawn to the books. The overall concept of the book is to learn to say no. It starts with a frying pan is how this story starts out. The main character Lucas lives a simple life video games- pad thai- wine. He just wants to be left alone but he gets roped into being in charge of an assignment.

Love Fredrick’s books. This was a quick short story that definitely had a few great quotes. Overall not my favorite from him but an easy read that made me smile.

I really loved this one. I think this would be a really great book club pick! It leaves a lot of room for conversation and deeper discussion. I will be buying!

Good short story, nice message. Not my favourite of his work. Many thanks for the ARCs in exchange for my review