The Answer is No by Fredrik Backman

The Answer is No is a short story by beloved author, Fredrik Backman. Do you love short stories? Are you a Backman fan? Do you have a Backman title on your bookshelf?

Genre/Categories: Contemporary Fiction, Short Stories, Humor, Quirky Characters

*This post contains Amazon affiliate links.

My Summary:

One more quirky, lovable character. for your collection!

Lucas lives alone and his perfect night consists of video games, wine, and pad thai (don’t forget the peanuts!). He’s perfectly happy alone. One day, the management rings his doorbell to inquire about a frying pan that was left by the recycling bin. Management rejects his reasonable and simple offer to pick it up, but their alternative completely backfires.

My Thoughts:

Classic Backman

If you are a fan of the author, you will love the quirkiness, laugh-out-loud humor, and brilliant characterizations! Although Backman can get quite serious (Beartown series), he also shines in witty, tender, and relatable characterizations. If you’ve never read Fredrik Backman, Start here (FREE for Amazon Prime members this November).

Introverts

If you are an introvert and love to spend a quiet evening at home with your video games, a Netflix binge, or a stack of good books, you will identify with Lucas. “No” is his answer to every social invitation. His simple lifestyle brings him joy and contentment. Entangling with the neighbors or “management” is not his idea of a good time.

The “Management”

Backman’s vivid descriptions of frustrating conversations and nonsensical confrontations with “management” are hilarious. If your residence includes a HOA (homeowners’ association) or other management, or you have dealt with bureaucracy you can relate.

Short Story Fans

If you are a fan of short stories or novellas, give this and other Backman titles a try (he has three). This one is particularly lighthearted. The other two (Deal of a Lifetime and Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer) are more poignant and heartfelt. If you are participating in Novellas in November, here’s what I’m reading.

Recommending The Answer is No

In full disclosure, I’m a Backman completist. He’s a brilliant writer whose work exemplifies self-reflection, humor, honesty, and compassion. The Answer is No is one of his lighter offerings. I’m recommending it today for readers who are looking for something light, humorous, and short, a read-in-one-sitting book.

My Star Rating: 5 Stars

Meet the Author of The Answer is No, Fredrik Backman

Fredrik Backman is the #1 New York Times bestselling author of A Man Called Ove, My Grandmother Asked Me to Tell You She’s Sorry, Britt-Marie Was Here, Beartown, Us Against You, Anxious People, and two novellas, And Every Morning the Way Home Gets Longer and Longer and The Deal of a Lifetime, as well as one work of nonfiction, Things My Son Needs to Know About the World. His books are published in more than forty countries. He lives in Stockholm, Sweden, with his wife and two children. Connect with him on Facebook and Twitter @BackmanLand or on Instagram @Backmansk.

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QOTD:

Is this new short story on your TBR?
Do you enjoy short stories?
Are you a Backman fan?
What is your favorite Backman title?

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 I’m linking up with Deb @ Deb’s World, Sue @ Women Living Well After 50, Donna @ Retirement Reflections, and Jo @ And Anyways… for the November installment of #WhatsOnYourBookShelfChallenge.

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Happy Reading Book Buddies!

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All books I review are bought or borrowed from the library unless explicitly stated that they are free (arcs).

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