My Friends

A Novel

By: Fredrik Backman

Narrated by: Marin Ireland

#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

Critic reviews

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

Do you feel like crying?

The saddest, most heartbreaking, and still full of hope love story I’ve ever listened in my life

I love Fredrik Backman

I love this book!!! Rich characters and the story… oh my God, the story…. Just read it and enjoy!!!

Excellent!! 10/10

This book made me laugh cry and think about life. Fantastic book and love the narrator’s voice.

Beautiful book. I wish they could all be this good!

I loved this book so much! The performance was really on point as well. This has easily moved into my top 5 all time favorites. Highly recommend.

Friendship at its best

Loved this with tears and laughter! One of the best books I’ve ever listened to!

Best Story

I’ve loved every book by this author, and this one does not disappoint. A heartwarming story about a group of friends. Makes you laugh, makes you cry, makes you want to go back to your childhood. The reader is fantastic as always.

One of the most beautiful, sweet, sad, great reads ever

Bachmans books are wonderful and this is no exception. You can hear, see and feel the characters like they are your friends and you experienced there escapades with them. Really wonderful book!!!!!

It is like meeting an old friend

I started this book and immediately felt like I was sitting down with an old friend. I love Backman’s style of writing and his character development. He always makes me cry but also smile with stories. This book is just like the rest. I loved it.

Absolutely beautiful story of friendship

So beautifully written. Kind of reminds me of Stand By Me. A fave of the year for sure.

Broke my heart and gave me hope

The depth of characters. The unexpected stories within stories. The love of friends. It was everything