Somewheres feel a deep connection to the (often rural) place in which they live, are socially conservative and less well educated. Throughout the novel there are italicised passages from the past that serve to deepen our appreciation of the novel’s present moment. Happiness might also very easily be viewed as part of the new nature writing movement. Aminatta Forna: ‘We must take back our stories and reverse the gaze' Read moreBut this is not nature merely to provide a picturesque backdrop. • Happiness by Aminatta Forna is published by Bloomsbury (£16.99).

Source: The Guardian April 03, 2018 06:56 UTC