The Pursuit of Happiness by Douglas Kennedy is a tragic love story set in post-WWII Manhattan during the McCarthy era, focusing on Kate, a middle-aged single mother, and Sara, an older woman with a secret connection to her. The narrative explores themes of moral choices, civil obedience, and the far-reaching consequences of actions, shifting between Kate’s and Sara’s perspectives to uncover a past romance tied to Kate’s father. The book addresses issues related to political persecution and betrayal during the McCarthy era.

Contemplative

Melancholic

Emotional

Challenging

Bittersweet

Reviews & Readership

4.2

10,058 ratings

80%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

Review Roundup

Douglas Kennedy's The Pursuit of Happiness intricately weaves a poignant tale of love and loss set in post-World War II America. Reviewers praise its compelling characterization and evocative historical settings. However, some find the pacing uneven, with certain plot points feeling overly melodramatic. Overall, it's a deeply emotional read that captures the complexities of human relationships.

Who Should Read The Pursuit of Happiness?

Readers who enjoy character-driven narratives with intricate plots would relish Douglas Kennedy’s The Pursuit of Happiness. Fans of Nicholas Sparks’ The Notebook or Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth will appreciate the blend of romance, historical settings, and emotional depth in this compelling tale.

4.2

10,058 ratings

80%

Loved it

15%

Mixed feelings

Not a fan

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Book Details

Pages

592

Format

Novel • Fiction

Genre

Romance

•

Modern Classic Fiction

•

Dramatic Literature

Period