This book was beyond charming, wholly funny, overall an interesting short story. I was really excited to get this book as an ARC, as I have been interested in Backman’s writing but haven’t had the opportunity to read anything by him yet. This story was so hilarious. I loved the lighthearted and wholesome way the book moved throughout the story and Lucas’ perspective on life was truly refreshing.

I am definitely going to try to pick up some of his other translated works. Thank you so much to Netgalley & Amazon Original Stories for this ARC!

I like how real Frederick makes his characters! Even though Lucas is a solitary person, I feel that anyone could relate to him in some way because his opinions were so valid and real. This is the first story I’ve read by Frederick and I now want to read more!

This heartwarming and hilariously funny book was just what I needed. Lucas, a grumpy loner content with video games and pad Thai, finds his quiet life upended after a frying pan incident sparks chaos. The quirky characters, identified by their clothing colors, and the slapstick humor reminded me of classic comedy sketches like Who's on First. A perfect palate cleanser and a highly recommended read for anyone in need of a good laugh. It was a great read!

A big thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

This 68-page novella involves a main character named Lucas who dislikes people and simply wants to be left alone as he keeps getting pulled into silly drama with multiple crazy and unique characters in his apartment building. In typical Fredrik Backman style, it is hilarious, creative, witty, relatable, satirical, and evokes an excellent heartwarming message. I had so much fun reading it and wish it had been longer! Backman will always be a must-read author for me. I highly recommend this quick, cute, and lovely short story for everyone! Thank you to NetGalley, Fredrik Backman, and Amazon Original Stories for the gifted ARC in an exchange for an honest review.

"The Answer Is No" is about:

1) The ability to annoy each other
2) A pile of garbage that keeps growing
3) A frying pan
4) Red wine, video games, and Pad Thai with peanuts
5) Lucas, our MC...who only wants to be left alone with the three items in bullet point #4

This is a 68-page novelette and/or 1H 59M audiobook written by Fredrik Backman in his indisputably witty satiric style and odd mix of characters who talk in his head until he puts them on paper.

These characters were a crazy mix of insanity I didn't know I needed and I'm delighted they arrived.

For animal lovers like me, there's a kitty in the story, too. I thought you'd like to know.

Now...I will patiently wait for Backman's next group of characters to arrive!

4.25⭐

Thank you to Amazon Original Stories and Fredrik Backman for the DRC via NetGalley. This is my honest and voluntary review.

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.