65 pages • 2 hours read
This Is Happiness
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Book Brief
400
Novel • Fiction
Faha, Ireland • 1950s
2019
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
This Is Happiness by Niall Williams is a coming-of-age novel narrated by an older Noe, reflecting on the transformative summer of his 17th year in the fictional village of Faha, Ireland, during the advent of electricity. The story highlights themes of personal growth, first love, tradition versus progress, and the power of storytelling, set against the backdrop of rural life and societal change. The book includes themes of parental death and abandonment.
Nostalgic
Contemplative
Melancholic
Heartwarming
Reviews & Readership
24,431 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
This Is Happiness by Niall Williams is lauded for its lyrical prose and rich portrayal of Irish rural life. Readers praise the vivid characters, nostalgic atmosphere, and humor. Some critics find the pacing slow and the plot meandering. Overall, it is celebrated for its deep emotional resonance and evocative writing.
Who Should Read This Is Happiness?
A potential reader who would enjoy This Is Happiness by Niall Williams is likely interested in lyrical, reflective literature set in rural Ireland. Similar to those who appreciate the works of Colm Tóibín's Brooklyn or Pat Conroy's The Prince of Tides, they value rich character development, atmospheric settings, and a nostalgic exploration of change and tradition.
24,431 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
400
Novel • Fiction
Faha, Ireland • 1950s
2019
Adult
18+ years
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