Well, if you have read the book and then watching this Netflix adaptation (like me) then there are hardly any spoilers or shock value to the story. However, readers might get surprised by the topsy-turvy treatment given to the original story while transforming it to be a screenplay.

Unlike the book where more or less the entire story takes place at the house in question (the house hosting the hostage drama), the series however gets over the house part almost by the first episode itself. That means the first episode covers the entirety of the failed bank robbery and the subsequent hostage drama.

This transition is somewhat difficult for viewers to connect with the story as the story gets divided between before and after the home viewing experience. On the plus side, we get to see more intricate details of personal lives of all these characters. Seeing these various characters in their natural settings- homes, offices and other places is quite a revelation.

On the positive side, such a spin on the storyline gives a different perspective on this whole drama. Having said that, it also limits the possibility to connect emotionally with any of these people, let alone the ‘kidnapper’.

Still, I would place this as a one time watch worthy series considering it presents a fresh take on the original book so marvellously written by Fredrik Backman. This is certainly worth your time whether you have previously read the book or otherwise. Go for it!!