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4.2 AVERAGE
4.2 AVERAGE
This book was beautiful, truly just stunning writing & I must have highlighted a hundred quotes in it.
However, not much happens - I’m not opposed to that generally, sometimes it really hits to spot to just read about life and people and everyday chores, weather and small town rituals.. Though I do find - if not much happens - I need the book to be shorter.
Almost 400 pages of barely any “action” at some point just felt like a chore to get through. I have to say I struggled in the last third.
That being said, I will be coming back to my highlights at times because they were deeply moving and just touched me on such a profound level.
Even though the book overall wasn’t my cup of tea entirely - I’m glad I’ve read it and will still be thinking about the quiet life in Faha, and the quiet loves in life and the bittersweet passing of it.
However, not much happens - I’m not opposed to that generally, sometimes it really hits to spot to just read about life and people and everyday chores, weather and small town rituals.. Though I do find - if not much happens - I need the book to be shorter.
Almost 400 pages of barely any “action” at some point just felt like a chore to get through. I have to say I struggled in the last third.
That being said, I will be coming back to my highlights at times because they were deeply moving and just touched me on such a profound level.
Even though the book overall wasn’t my cup of tea entirely - I’m glad I’ve read it and will still be thinking about the quiet life in Faha, and the quiet loves in life and the bittersweet passing of it.
I doubt I’ll read a more outstanding book this year (although I’ll do my best). Magnificent.
It’s a simple story, really, even though it touches those most tender aspects of a human life. Williams’ prose is like the Irish hornpipes he so often refers to: slightly complicated, often enfolding itself, yet filled with beauty that cuts your heart.
Anyway, this book gave me a little bit of healing and much pleasure.
It’s a simple story, really, even though it touches those most tender aspects of a human life. Williams’ prose is like the Irish hornpipes he so often refers to: slightly complicated, often enfolding itself, yet filled with beauty that cuts your heart.
Anyway, this book gave me a little bit of healing and much pleasure.
This was really sweet. If you want something grippy with a flashy plot or resolution to puzzle, this won’t be it, but it will make you rethink your definition of happiness and recenter its simplicity.
reflective
slow-paced
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
DNF - Williams’ prose in This is Happiness is undeniably beautiful, every sentence crafted with care and as evocative as the Irish landscape. But after more than 100 pages of reading (and listening) I found myself waiting for something, anything, to actually happen. The writing is lush and poetic, no question, but the story itself feels stuck in place. I can appreciate the skill, but I won’t be sticking around for the ending.
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
It was a beautiful book to listen to, with an Irish narrator aptly showcasing the storytelling tradition of that region which was on glorious display throughout. Every sentence was prettily written, the cadence of which took a little settling into, with a side of wit that made me laugh out loud several times. I loved it. Reminded me of one of my favorite poems, The Gate by Marie Howe, and it smartly stung of that far away ache that you cannot know all that you wish to about a place or person that you love, and all that time steals away from that knowing.
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
I'm so torn with this book. I really enjoy the writing, lovely and descriptive and rich, BUT I also find it real put-down-able. 140 pages in an I can't say where this is going, and when I'm not reading it I totally forget this book exists. I think I should admit defeat and take it off my reading list. Maybe I'll pick it up again in the future. Who knows?