Thank you so much to NetGalley and Amazon Original Stories for my copy of The Answer is No by Fredrik Backman (Author), Elizabeth DeNoma (Translator) in exchange for an honest review. It published December 1, 2024.
This was true Backman form, in a small package. Naturally, with it being a short story, you don’t get a lot of character development. However, I enjoyed how zany these characters were, and it definitely kept my interest.
I do prefer his long form stories.

The premise of this novella was extremely absurd, but was surprisingly funny and entertaining. It is a story of loneliness, friendship, and “something” happening (the what doesn’t really matter, but the impact does).
Not one of Backman’s best, but a fun read nonetheless.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC.

I really did like this book! I was worried it would go over my head but after a page or two I was locked in. People looking for a quick read that has meaning, this will be the book for them.

Who can resist a story by Fredrik Backman? His soothing tone and positive message about the nature of humanity is balm for the soul. So although I seldom read stand alone short stories, I leapt on this one right away. My thanks go to NetGalley and Amazon for the review copy. This book is for sale now.

This is one of those stories where you can see what’s about to happen, in broad strokes, right out of the gate. The blurb gives us the contours, telling us that our protagonist, Lucas, is about to have his life ruined by a frying pan; his life is perfect, single with no entanglements. He has no friends that he owes favors; no girlfriend; his life is simple and uncomplicated. He has a nice little apartment that’s his alone; after work, he can eat his Thai food and play his video games without harassment. He doesn’t bother anybody, and nobody bothers him.

Then there’s a knock at the door, an insistent one; it’s a small klatch of people that introduce themselves as “the board.” Someone has disposed of a frying pan in an unauthorized spot, and they are determined to root out the culprit and penalize them. Everyone is considered guilty until proven innocent! Lucas protests his innocence and makes a few hapless suggestions in hopes of mollifying them, but instead, they draft him to head a committee, and they won’t let him out of it.

This is a pleasant enough story, consistent with Backman’s usual style, but at the same time, because it is a short story, it lacks some of the most agreeable aspects of a Backman novel. In his full length books, Backman creates and develops a massive collection of characters, and he always juggles them brilliantly, developing several and keeping each of them so distinct that the reader can’t forget who is who. Here he is forced, due to the limited length of the thing, to keep it down to a small handful of characters, and while some will likely appreciate this, I miss the complex stories with infinite character backstories and interrelationships. So, as short stories go, this perfectly fine, but for those of us that are fond of Backman’s epic tales, it feels just a trifle anticlimactic.

Recommended to those that read everything Backman writes, and to those that prefer a more streamlined story.

A short story of only sixty pages but the author does not need any more to convey the night that Lucas is having when he just wants to be left alone to do what he was planning on. But why do people always have to make a big deal over something so small, here it is a frying pan. An excellent book that I enjoyed and will look for other books by this author.

Laughed out loud! Loved this look! Left me wishing it was so much longer! I highly recommend it!!! It was A Man Called Ove meets Anxious people, in all the right ways!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Short synopsis: Lucas is planning a night alone with his pad Thai and some video games when the neighbors demand to look at his frying pan, because someone put their frying pan next to the recycling room instead of the garbage where it belonged.

My thoughts: Full of Backman’s usual humor, this story while just 60 pages was fun and held deeper meaning.

The story kept me engaged throughout, and I really enjoyed watching the resolution (or lack of resolution) as the story went on. I love Backmans writing style, his way of incorporating important topics in a fun story is so unique.

Read if you love:
- Pad Thai with Peanuts
- Recycling
- Nosy neighbors
- Deeper meaning
- Wit and charm

I will read anything this man writes. I’ve read some of his previous books and loved them and this one was no different. I loved the characters and just got lost in this book. It was way too short but I enjoyed it anyway. I highly recommend it.

Thank you Amazon Original Stories for a copy of The Answer is No!

Fredrick Backman does what he does best -- heartwarming and silly.

Also, I too would wanna be a hermit if my neighbours are this fucking annoying.

Regarding Fredrick Backman’s writing style, building characters and creating captivating storyline, I can’t say anything bad, but yet I hated this novella. This story is written in the vain of Anxious People, where situational comedy takes the main role as a narrative device, and A Man Called Ove, where the main character plays the role of an old grumpy loner.

Frederick Backman just isn’t for me. In this case I particularly didn’t like the narrator’s voice, which it seems to many people cynically funny, but for me it has the opposite effect. If you like other Backam’s work then you’ll probably like this one as well.

Great story about a reclusive resident in an apartment building who is forced to get out of his shell and interact with others.

“All he did was to remove the one thing that makes almost all people unhappy: other people. Whatever they want, the answer is no.”

This was a fun and ridiculous little novella! Somehow Fredrick Backman was able to pack so much humor while still delving into emotional topics in such a short span of time. I am consistently blown away with Fredrick Backman’s simple yet beautiful writing style and have yet to be disappointed by anything I have read from him. I really enjoyed that he was a bit more experimental and silly with this one- it was unique while still staying true to his typical exploration of human relationships.

I found this short story pretty entertaining! I love the way Fredrik Backman can describe people in a way where I think "I know exactly who this person is, I have met someone like that." He just gets at the humanity and intricacies of relationships and describes the human experience in such a singular way. This is no exception. I loved getting to know Lucas and his neighbors (particularly Linda), and who knew a simple frying pan could be the catalyst for upending one's conscripted life?

This was a short story, and while I love the message that this story was conveying, I don't think the humor hit the mark for me on this one It had its moments but then fell flat in others. I think this falls more towards the individuals who are introverts but at times I did feel relating to the story, especially the lady in the green dress and being a mom, Sometimes you just want to have a moment to yourself without anyone bothering you and you want to feel appreciated. It definitely isn't hilarious as it intended to be. But besides that, I probably wouldn't read it again.

3.5 Stars! Perfect character study. It's probably wrong for me to feel this way but I love any and all permission to indulge the desire to be alone.

A very quick read. Did not really get the point I guess..didn’t bring out any feeling s for me for the characters … I respected the guy for wanting to be alone ..

The Answer is No is a beautiful story by Fredrik Blackman about community. Lucas loves his solitude and hates interacting with others. But when someone leaves a frying pan next to the recycling room instead of throwing it away, his apartment complex turns into a battleground, and no matter how much Lucas fights it, he’s drawn into the middle of the clash. How will he cope? Who left the frying pan out?

I thought this was a beautiful story and a quick read. I loved Lucas and his interactions with his neighbors. Would definitely recommend!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for access to an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

A new short story from Fredrik Backman is always a fun read. This books was fairly lighthearted and very short, so a nice quick book to pick up when you don't have much time.
If you enjoyed "A Man Called Ove" this book was very much in the same vein. Cranky guy wants to be left alone, but gets bothered by his neighbors who eventually bring him out of his shell.
This book was pleasant to read and written in the typical Backman quirky style. (You love him or you don't)
For Backman fans, this is definitely a book to add to your collection.

The book did feel a tad predictable and I admit the story did not have any big surprises.
3 stars for being a solid, though bit bland story.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

As always Fredrik Backman does it again. Such a unique style of writing but one that is so easy to relate to and feel like you are in the book with the character. If you are a fan of his, don’t miss pit on this one!

I am grateful to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of The Answer Is No by Fredrik Backman. This short story is a masterful blend of humor and introspection, showcasing Backman's exceptional storytelling abilities.

The narrative centers on Lucas, a man who cherishes his solitude, finding joy in simple pleasures like video games, wine, and pad thai. His tranquil life takes an unexpected turn when the apartment board confronts him about a misplaced frying pan, leading to a series of comical and thought-provoking events.

Backman's witty prose and sharply drawn characters make this story both entertaining and deeply relatable. He skillfully captures the absurdities of modern life and the challenges of maintaining personal boundaries in a world that often demands conformity.

The Answer Is No is a delightful read that balances humor with poignant observations about human nature. It's a testament to Backman's talent for creating stories that resonate on multiple levels. Highly recommended for those seeking a short yet impactful literary experience.