Lead Review (Happy Is The One)

• Book: Happy Is The One
• Location: England
• Author: Katie Allen

Review Author: tripfiction

This novel has a really interesting premise. Robin was born on the day that Halley’s comet passed through the skies and he has come to understand that his life will continue until the day when Halley’s comet once again streaks above the world in 2061. Echoes of Mark Twain who said “I came in with Halley’s Comet in 1835. It is coming again next year, and I expect to go out with it..” (and for your information, he did die on the appointed day!).

Robin is, by his own estimation, halfway between birth and death, in his later 30s and he has created a life plan (he is an accountant, after all). It is, however, thwarted when his father’s health deteriorates and Robin feels obligated (pressured, even) to return to his childhood home of Eastgate to supervise his father’s care. That is a real curveball because they have had a tricky relationship over the years.

Back in Eastgate he reignites his friendship with his childhood chum, Danny. There is a lot of catching up to do And then there is Astrid who has caught his eye. These are tangled relationships, beautifully captured with witty dialogue, compassion and, at some level, fun. But life is not linear, there are poignant moments too.

This is a character driven novel that is sweet and generous, with a lot of emotion packed into the 320+ pages.

Back to book