This Is Happiness

Shortlisted for Best Novel in the Irish Book Awards

Longlisted for the 2020 Walter Scott Prize for Historical Fiction

From the acclaimed author of Man Booker-longlisted History of the Rain

‘Lyrical, tender and sumptuously perceptive’ Sunday Times

‘A love letter to the sleepy, unhurried and delightfully odd Ireland that is all but gone’ Irish Independent

Set in the quaint village of Faha, County Clare, This Is Happiness by Niall Williams is a heartwarming and nostalgic tale that captures the essence of Irish life in the 1950s. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of seventeen-year-old Noel Crowe, who, having just left the seminary, returns to his grandparents’ home in Faha, a place untouched by the modern world and perpetually drenched in rain.

However, change is afoot when the relentless rain mysteriously stops, marking the arrival of electricity to the area—a monumental event for this remote community. Simultaneously, the enigmatic Christy McMahon arrives to lodge with Noel's grandparents, bringing with him a sense of intrigue and a past shrouded in secrets. Christy's presence alters Noel's perspective, and an unexpected friendship blossoms between the two, transforming Noel's journey of self-discovery and his understanding of love, loss, and the passage of time.

As they navigate the transformative period together, Christy unveils parts of his own illustrious past, imbuing life in Faha with a newfound vibrancy and sparking a profound connection with the world and its history. The relationship between Noel and Christy deepens, unveiling layers of emotion, wisdom, and storytelling that paint a vivid picture of a bygone era.

This Is Happiness is not just a coming-of-age story but a sweeping, lyrical homage to Ireland's rural heritage. Niall Williams' prose is lush and poetic, tenderly depicting the slow, enchanting rhythm of life in Faha. The book celebrates the small joys and profound connections that define human existence, rendering every moment, every character, and every drop of rain rich with meaning.

With its evocative narrative and vivid portrayal of community and transformation, This Is Happiness is a deeply felt, masterfully crafted novel that invites readers to savour the timeless beauty of life's simplest, yet most profound moments. Niall Williams fashions a tale where the ordinary is rendered extraordinary, offering a serene yet profound exploration of happiness, memory, and change.