My Friends

A Novel

By: Fredrik Backman

Narrated by: Marin Ireland

A Most Anticipated Book of 2025: Goodreads • USA TODAY • Marie Claire • BookPage • Literary Lifestyle • Book Riot • Sunset Magazine • Totally Booked with Zibby Owens

#1 New York Times bestselling author Fredrik Backman returns with an unforgettably funny, deeply moving tale of four teenagers whose friendship creates a bond so powerful that it changes a complete stranger’s life twenty-five years later.

Most people don’t even notice them—three tiny figures sitting at the end of a long pier in the corner of one of the most famous paintings in the world. Most people think it’s just a depiction of the sea. But Louisa, an aspiring artist herself, knows otherwise, and she is determined to find out the story of these three enigmatic figures.

Twenty-five years earlier, in a distant seaside town, a group of teenagers find refuge from their bruising home lives by spending long summer days on an abandoned pier, telling silly jokes, sharing secrets, and committing small acts of rebellion. These lost souls find in each other a reason to get up each morning, a reason to dream, a reason to love.

Out of that summer emerges a transcendent work of art, a painting that will unexpectedly be placed into eighteen-year-old Louisa’s care. She embarks on a surprise-filled cross-country journey to learn how the painting came to be and to decide what to do with it. The closer she gets to the painting’s birthplace, the more nervous she becomes about what she’ll find. Louisa is proof that happy endings don’t always take the form we expect in this stunning testament to the transformative, timeless power of friendship and art.

©2025 Fredrik Backman (P)2025 Simon & Schuster Audio

Masterpiece... Absolutely Loving It

I knew Fredrik Backman was going to be one of my top 3 authors ever since I read A Man Called Ove (still one of my all-time favorite books). I've always been hesitant to listen to an audiobook, though, as the narrator doesn't always properly capture the scene. And, for a first time through a book, I'm even more leery. But, I can say unequivocally that I love this narrator's presentation. Marin provides added color to the story. And the story? I'm only halfway through, but this story is wonderful. It is fun, interesting, engaging, emotional... so far, I love this story as much as Ove, which is saying something. And, Marin's narration adds to it... which is a feat. All I can say is Marin does the story justice. And the story is turning into one of my favorites. I can see myself reading the book and listening to the audiobook over and over and over. It will be one of the few books that I will recommend to everyone I know. Because, like Ove before, it's a book that everyone can and will enjoy.

Love, love this book

My Friends is nothing short of literary magic. Fredrik Backman has always had a way with words, but in this novel, he outdoes himself. Every sentence feels hand-carved, every paragraph brims with feeling, and every chapter reminds you why storytelling matters. This isn’t just a book—it’s an experience. Backman writes about friendship, loss, love, and the quiet, often unspoken truths that tie people together. He captures the aching beauty of human connection with a grace that feels effortless and profound. The characters linger with you long after the final page, and their struggles and triumphs feel deeply personal, almost as if they were your own. What sets My Friends apart is Backman's incredible ability to find poetry in the ordinary. His language sparkles with emotion-sometimes heartbreaking, sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, always honest. It’s the kind of book you finish and immediately want to start again, not just to revisit the story, but to experience the writing itself all over. This is more than a novel-it’s pure art. I’ll read it again and again.

A beautiful account of friendship

I loved how the story of friends began with a painting. The book made me long for the days when life was easy and carefree. Of course, later, we realize all of this leads to much more. Everyone’s life begins with a seemingly benign story.

This is now . . .

. . . my favorite book. It is funny, heartbreaking, and kind. You can trust the author to do right by his characters and just enjoy the ride. When it was finished, I was sad, because I wanted to spend more time with the friends. And yet, it was just enough too.

They just keep getting better!

I don't know how Backman does it but I'm glad he does! I have loved all of his books and My Friends might be his best yet. Buy it and enjoy. You will laugh, you will cry, you will love all of the characters. I can not recommend this book enough!

Hope lives

Best damn novel ever! Though life can be filled with immense pain, there are also moments of extreme joy…you just have to allow your heart take that chance

The character development is brilliant.

Backman gets better with every single new idea and the incredible way he expresses himself!

Friends

How blessed we are when we grow up with great friends who are really like an awesome family. Wish we all could grow up around loving friends who become YOUR PEOPLE 🩷

Great book!

Loved the entire book! Great narration! The characters and how they interacted with each other was great! I had some out loud laughs!

So sweet

Another wonderful story from Bachman. A true understanding of human nature and the power of connection. Loved every minute !