by Eamonn Cullen

This is Happiness tells the story of the coming of electricity to a poor rural area of County Clare in the West of Ireland. It is set in the fictitious village of Faha, ‘a place you could find only if you were on your way to somewhere else’.

Noel, known as Noe, is the story teller. He has taken time out from the seminary in Dublin and come to stay with his grandparents to think about his future. Into his life comes the mysterious Christy, looking for lodging. He has a job with the electricity scheme (‘I’m bringing the light’), but has another reason for coming to Faha. His secret gradually emerges as the pair cycle round the countryside.

This is Happiness is a warm and well observed tale of change in a small community which conjures up the language and music of a place and time, with great humanity and wit.