Reviews

Happiness by Aminatta Forna

lisam's review against another edition

5.0

Beautiful, tender, but in a way that felt grounded rather than fleeting, despite the nomadic work of the two protagonists. I loved that what I thought would be the central tension of the whole plot was in fact just the catalyst for everything else. I loved how sure of her characters Forna was; I believed their words and motivations and movements and insecurities completely. I loved the structure. I think it was very good for me, as we approach the one-year mark of the month life turned upside down for us all, to read a hopeful novel about trauma and about the inevitability of human connection.

Distracting use of comma splices throughout. Forna is such a masterful writer that this must be intentional, but I struggled. A small issue in this otherwise gorgeous book.

duuj's review against another edition

4.0

Really liked this book. Reading the prologue I wasn’t too sure I would like it, but this book really surprised me. Loved how all these people who don’t seem to have much in common end up being friends. As a birdwatcher the birds in this book were a definite pro too.

bibliotess's review against another edition

4.0

I don’t remember where I heard about this book. I don’t remember checking it out on hoopla. I don’t remember deciding to read it. But I did, and I did, and I’m glad I did.

tofutofutofu's review against another edition

reflective slow-paced

3.0

happy_hiker's review against another edition

2.0

1.5 stars.

evaaa_04's review against another edition

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

odyssia's review against another edition

hopeful informative sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Early on in the book I was amazed by how evocative the description of London was and how Attila enjoys the intellectual pleasures the city has to offer. Later, I was impressed by the parallels made between foxes and immigrants, which were subtle and nuanced. This book explores how marginalised groups become scapegoats and labelled 'a problem', resulting in escalation of targeting. It was quite upsetting in places, demonstrating Forna's skill in drawing the reader in.

dinnis's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

eggrolyn's review against another edition

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

bethpreston's review against another edition

adventurous emotional funny hopeful reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0