'Happiness' by Aminatta Forna is a novel that follows the chance meeting of two individuals, Attila and Jean, in London. Attila, a psychiatrist, has come to London for a presentation on trauma, while Jean, a biologist, is studying urban wildlife such as foxes. The story delves into themes of suffering, resilience, trauma, hope, and community as the characters navigate their emotional journeys amidst the backdrop of the city. Through their interactions and experiences, the novel explores the acceptance of impermanence and the interconnectedness of human and animal life.

The book weaves together a narrative that touches on the complexities of happiness, trauma, and wilderness, using a diverse and vivid cast of characters. It delves into the emotional depth of the protagonists, Attila and Jean, and their evolving relationship as they confront their pasts and navigate the challenges of their present lives. With lyrical prose and contemplative storytelling, 'Happiness' offers a nuanced exploration of human experiences and the interconnectedness of all living beings.

Characters:

The characters are richly portrayed, with Attila and Jean serving as deeply complex individuals facing personal struggles and moral questions.

Writing/Prose:

The writing style is sophisticated and poetic, offering deep insights into characters while occasionally merging scenes in a jarring manner.

Plot/Storyline:

The plot revolves around the accidental meeting of two main characters, Attila and Jean, as they navigate personal challenges and the themes of happiness and hope.

Setting:

The contemporary London setting serves as a backdrop for the interplay between human life and urban wildlife.

Pacing:

The pacing is slow and contemplative, leading to mixed feelings about the narrative's engagement.

At that time of day Waterloo Bridge is busy with shoppers and weekend workers who make their way on foot across the bridge to Waterloo Station. At that time of year too, dusk comes early, by four in t...

Notes:

The main characters are Attila, a Ghanaian psychiatrist, and Jean, an American biologist studying urban foxes in London.

Attila is in London to give a speech on PTSD and to look for a missing relative.

Jean fights against the killing of urban foxes, believing in understanding their natural behavior.

The novel explores deep themes of happiness, hope, love, grief, and trauma.

Forna's writing style is praised for its lyrical quality and philosophical depth.

The novel highlights the interconnectedness of human and animal lives in urban environments.

Both characters face their own emotional struggles and develop a friendship that hints at more.

Forna has a background that includes experiences in Sierra Leone, which informs her writing.

The book's title, 'Happiness,' reflects its exploration of what happiness versus hope truly means.

The story is described as bittersweet, touching on both love and loss throughout.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

There are themes of trauma, grief, mental illness, and loss that may serve as triggers for some readers.

Has Romance?

There is a medium level of romance, as the emotional connection between Attila and Jean develops throughout the story.

From The Publisher:

A breathtaking novel from Orange Prize-shortlisted and Commonwealth Writers' Prize-winning author Aminatta Forna

LONGLISTED FOR JHALAK PRIZE 2019

Waterloo Bridge, London. Two strangers collide. Attila, a Ghanaian psychiatrist, and Jean, an American studying the habits of urban foxes. From this chance encounter in the midst of the rush of a great city, numerous moments of connections span out and interweave, bringing disparate lives together.

Attila has arrived in London with two tasks: to deliver a keynote speech on trauma and to check up on the daughter of friends, his 'niece', Ama, who hasn't called home in a while. It soon emerges that she has been swept up in an immigration crackdown - and now her young son Tano is missing.

When, by chance, Attila bumps into Jean again, she joins him in his search for Tano, mobilizing into action the network she has built up, mainly from the many West African immigrants working London's myriad streets, of volunteer fox-spotters: security guards, hotel doormen, traffic wardens. All unite to help and as the search continues, a deepening friendship between Attila and Jean unfolds.

In this delicate yet powerful novel of loves lost and new, of past griefs and of the hidden side of a teeming metropolis, Aminatta Forna asks us to consider the values of the society we live in, our co-existence with one another and all living creatures - and the true nature of happiness.

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Happiness

Aminatta Forna