Happy Land
A woman learns the incredible story of a real-life American Kingdomâand her familyâs ties to itâin this enthralling novel from the New York Times bestselling, NAACP Image Award-winning author of Take My Hand.
As featured in The Washington Post â People â Harper's Bazaar â NPR â TODAY â ELLE â PopSugar â Reader's Digest â SheReads â Womanâs World â Real Simple â BookBrowse â and more!
Nikki hasnât seen her grandmother in years. So when the elder calls out of the blue with an urgent request for Nikki to visit her in the hills of western North Carolina, Nikki hesitates only for a moment. After years of silence in her family, due to a mysterious estrangement between her mother and grandmother, sheâs determined to learn the truth while she still can.
But instead of answers about the recent past, Mother Rita tells Nikki an incredible story of a kingdom on this very mountain, and of her great-great-great grandmother, Luella, who would become its queen.
It sounds like the makings of a fairy taleâroyalty among a community of freed people. But the more Nikki learns about the Kingdom of the Happy Land, and the lives of those who dwelled in the ruins she discovers in the woods, the more she realizes how much of her identity and her familyâs secrets are wrapped up in these hills. Because this land is their legacy, and it will be up to her to protect it before it, like so much else, is stolen away.
Inspired by true events, Happy Land is a transporting multi-generational novel about the stories that shape us and the dazzling courage it takes to dream.
As featured in The Washington Post â People â Harper's Bazaar â NPR â TODAY â ELLE â PopSugar â Reader's Digest â SheReads â Womanâs World â Real Simple â BookBrowse â and more!
Nikki hasnât seen her grandmother in years. So when the elder calls out of the blue with an urgent request for Nikki to visit her in the hills of western North Carolina, Nikki hesitates only for a moment. After years of silence in her family, due to a mysterious estrangement between her mother and grandmother, sheâs determined to learn the truth while she still can.
But instead of answers about the recent past, Mother Rita tells Nikki an incredible story of a kingdom on this very mountain, and of her great-great-great grandmother, Luella, who would become its queen.
It sounds like the makings of a fairy taleâroyalty among a community of freed people. But the more Nikki learns about the Kingdom of the Happy Land, and the lives of those who dwelled in the ruins she discovers in the woods, the more she realizes how much of her identity and her familyâs secrets are wrapped up in these hills. Because this land is their legacy, and it will be up to her to protect it before it, like so much else, is stolen away.
Inspired by true events, Happy Land is a transporting multi-generational novel about the stories that shape us and the dazzling courage it takes to dream.
BUY THE BOOK
These clubs recently read this book...
Community Reviews
This is both a wonderful work of historical fiction and a coming of age story. I loved learning about Happy Land and following this story of a family finding their way back to each other and the land that sustained their ancestors.
I really enjoyed reading book. The historical facts alone made it a must read. Also because I live in Virginia and you never heard much about "Black Mountain" people. I love how it went back and forth between present day and the 1800s. It really had me appreciating the land I inherited. Since I am an only child and have no children it has me thinking who will I pass it down to, how will I discover who has appreciation for it and treat it well so the land can treat them well.
This amazing book will have you on edge, and wanting to dive deeper in your history and maybe even your own legacy
Dolan Perkins-Valdez's "Happy Land" is a captivating exploration of resilience and community, told through the dual perspectives of a remarkable lineage. We follow the journey of the author's fourth removed grandmother, a queen of a post-slavery utopian community, and a modern day protagonist who strives to preserve the legacy of their ancestors.
The rich themes woven throughout the narrative of community, cultural pride, and the joy rooted in the soil, paints a vivid image of a place where freedom thrives. As both characters navigate the struggles and triumphs of land ownership, the strength of generational connections shines through, illustrating how toil can lead to breakthroughs and a profound sense of belonging.
Valdezâs story draws the reader into the heart of this vibrant world where joy, resilience, and pride are not just words but lived experiences. "Happy Land" is not only a story of a community that pools resources and nurtures its growth but also a powerful reminder of the intricacies of heritage and the enduring spirit of those who fought for real freedom.
This novel is a must-read for anyone who appreciates a heartfelt story that interweaves personal histories with broader themes of identity, ownership and empowerment. "Happy Land" is sure to leave a lasting impression, reminding us that joy truly lives in the soil from which we all emerge like a beautiful flower.
See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.