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A review by serendipitysbooks
Happiness Falls by Angie Kim
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
Happiness Falls was one of my most anticipated books of the year and it did not disappoint.
Adam is the father of a Korean-American family. One day he doesn’t return home after an outing with his 14 year old son Eugene. Eugene is clearly very agitated and upset, but has autism and Angelman syndrome and is unable to communicate via speech or writing.
As a mystery I found it to be propulsive. The pacing was perfect with foreshadowing and unexpected surprises at the end of many chapters compelling me to read just one more.
But what I loved most was the depth of this novel particularly in terms of the characters. They were all distinct individuals, richly realised. Adam was not just a missing father but a stay-at-home Dad totally engrossed in the science of happiness and conducting experiments on his family members. Much of this was folded into the novel adding an extra layer to the story. Twenty year old Mia narrates the novel. She is also neurodivergent which adds a unique tone to the novel, one of almost detached logic. This won’t be to everyone’s taste but I found it effective.
I thought the character of Eugene and his disabilities were handled with nuance, care, and compassion. The ableism of his family was highlighted and the impact this had on him showcased in a very powerful way. His story was a salutary reminder that just because someone struggles to communicate it does not indicate that their intellect is impaired. I also respected Kim for acknowledging that raising a child with a disability can place extra pressure on a family and that sibling feelings may be complicated, none of which detracts from the love they feel for the person with the disability.
Lots of other threads to this novel as well including family and relationship issues, and the benefits and struggles of being bicultural. Kim’s writing kept me engaged throughout and I especially appreciated her use of footnotes as a vehicle for Mia to share just a little bit more. The use of charts added another textual element, something I tend to enjoy. There was lots of science and philosophy folded into the story. I was educated and entertained, made to think as well as feel which I loved.
Adam is the father of a Korean-American family. One day he doesn’t return home after an outing with his 14 year old son Eugene. Eugene is clearly very agitated and upset, but has autism and Angelman syndrome and is unable to communicate via speech or writing.
As a mystery I found it to be propulsive. The pacing was perfect with foreshadowing and unexpected surprises at the end of many chapters compelling me to read just one more.
But what I loved most was the depth of this novel particularly in terms of the characters. They were all distinct individuals, richly realised. Adam was not just a missing father but a stay-at-home Dad totally engrossed in the science of happiness and conducting experiments on his family members. Much of this was folded into the novel adding an extra layer to the story. Twenty year old Mia narrates the novel. She is also neurodivergent which adds a unique tone to the novel, one of almost detached logic. This won’t be to everyone’s taste but I found it effective.
I thought the character of Eugene and his disabilities were handled with nuance, care, and compassion. The ableism of his family was highlighted and the impact this had on him showcased in a very powerful way. His story was a salutary reminder that just because someone struggles to communicate it does not indicate that their intellect is impaired. I also respected Kim for acknowledging that raising a child with a disability can place extra pressure on a family and that sibling feelings may be complicated, none of which detracts from the love they feel for the person with the disability.
Lots of other threads to this novel as well including family and relationship issues, and the benefits and struggles of being bicultural. Kim’s writing kept me engaged throughout and I especially appreciated her use of footnotes as a vehicle for Mia to share just a little bit more. The use of charts added another textual element, something I tend to enjoy. There was lots of science and philosophy folded into the story. I was educated and entertained, made to think as well as feel which I loved.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Ableism, and Death of parent
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Bullying