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Happy Land
A woman learns the incredible story of a real-life American Kingdom—and her family’s ties to it—in this enthralling novel from the New York Times bestselling, NAACP Image Award-winning author of Take My Hand.
As featured in The Washington Post ∙ People ∙ Harper's Bazaar ∙ NPR ∙ TODAY ∙ ELLE ∙ PopSugar ∙ Reader's Digest ∙ SheReads ∙ Woman’s World ∙ Real Simple ∙ BookBrowse ∙ and more!
Nikki hasn’t 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, she’s 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 tale—royalty 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 family’s 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 ∙ People ∙ Harper's Bazaar ∙ NPR ∙ TODAY ∙ ELLE ∙ PopSugar ∙ Reader's Digest ∙ SheReads ∙ Woman’s World ∙ Real Simple ∙ BookBrowse ∙ and more!
Nikki hasn’t 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, she’s 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 tale—royalty 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 family’s 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.
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Community Reviews
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.
Valdez’s 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.
Book Review: Happy Land by Dolan Perkins-Valdez
Happy Land is a powerful reminder that if we, black people, don’t tell our stories to the masses, someone else will—or worse, they’ll be forgotten altogether. Dolan Perkins-Valdez weaves a bilateral narrative that beautifully describes the tension between the old generation and the new generation. It also tells the story between what we inherit and what we choose to pass down.
I’ll admit, I had to start over once I realized there were two timelines being told simultaneously —but once that clicked, it added a layer of richness to the reading. The contrast between past and present is a great stylistic choice. It forces the reader to ask: How far have we come? And how much are we still carrying?
One of the most meaningful lessons in Happy Land is the importance of preserving Black family history. Too often, disagreements, trauma, pride, or distance gets in the way of legacies being built and stories being passed down to the next generation. But this novel portrays that knowing where we come from is the key to not repeating cycles of harm, poverty, or silence. Our black history—is not a burden, but a bridge for a better future.
The book also touches on something we don’t always say out loud: forgiveness, when offered quickly and intentionally, can keep a family from being fractured beyond repair. It’s not about forgetting wrongs but about choosing the family’s future over one person’s pride. A quick apology can do wonders!
And then there’s the dream—Black aspiration for generational wealth. You can feel it echoing through every decision, every risk, and every memory in Happy Land. But the novel makes it clear that without the partnership and unity of Black families, without trust and a vision held in common, even the most beautiful legacies can disappear.
This book challenged me to think out my family’s legacy and how far we have drifted apart. Our family land became a place of grief and strife once my granddaddy died without a will. His desires were known by everyone, but legally, they didn’t have to be carried out. That was the breaking of the closeness we once shared. I wish we could heal from it, but everyone hides their true feelings while we silently drift further and further apart. Healing doesn’t come from hiding the past—it comes from honoring it, learning from it, and building with it. One generation’s memory is another’s map.
Overall, this is a great read. I highly recommend for readers who appreciate intergenerational stories and complex family situationships. The real question is if your uncle is your also stepdad, is he your Daddy Uncle or Uncle Daddy? #blackgirlreading #findmeinabook #TellOurStories #AintNothingNewUnderTheSun
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.
This book was interesting from the historical aspect . But, it did not have a strong storyline nor strongly crafted characters .
Book Review:
Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez
As I was listening to the epilogue, this song came to mind...
This land is your land, and this land is my land ....
This land was made for you and me.
We have heard about the history of the Kingdom aka the Happy Land in NC/SC. This book gave me confirmation that I should finish what I had started. Seeking more information about my ancestors. Visit the family cemetery thats currently on land where our family do not own. And understand now why our family land is in heirs so that it is protected! I know now that I will always be an owner of land!
Land may seem invaluable to some, but this book reminds us of how hard our ancestors worked and saved to own land. No matter the size. They can proudly say It is Mine!
After reading this book, it should give you hope and inspiration in finding out more about your family history. It reminds us that we are indeed royalty! Family Secrets could be the key to one day owning what is rightfully yours!
Go find your Happy Land!
SN: Two years ago, for my birthday I had a paint party. The painting I wanted to reproduce was black and white. I wanted to add bold colors. Colorful flowers! Make it my own creation. Last week I walked past my painting thats been on my wall for some time. But that day I saw how much it resembles the cover of Happy Land Book! Again. Confirmation to go find my family's Happy Land! Dolen Perkins-Valdez
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