BOOK BRIEF

Happiness, as Such

Natalia Ginzburg
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Happiness, as Such

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019

Book Brief

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Natalia Ginzburg

Happiness, as Such

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 2019
Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Italy • 1970s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

In "Happiness, as Such," Natalia Ginzburg explores the complexity of family dynamics through letters exchanged among individuals facing life's transitions and uncertainties. The narrative reveals intimate insights into their struggles, desires, and the pursuit of happiness, highlighting personal growth and emotional connections within the family unit.

Contemplative

Melancholic

Bittersweet

Nostalgic

Reviews & Readership

4.0

4,356 ratings

74%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

Happiness, as Such by Natalia Ginzburg intricately explores familial bonds with her distinct blend of tenderness and irony. Critics praise her emotional depth and unique narrative style that captures everyday life. However, some find the plot meandering and the character development lacking in dynamism. Ginzburg's work remains a poignant reflection on human connection.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Happiness, as Such?

A reader who enjoys introspective and character-driven narratives like those in Elena Ferrante's My Brilliant Friend would appreciate Natalia Ginzburg's Happiness, as Such. Fans of 20th-century European literature and personal, familial explorations reminiscent of Karl Ove Knausgaard's works will also find it appealing.

4.0

4,356 ratings

74%

Loved it

21%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Fun Facts

The novel Happiness, as Such by Natalia Ginzburg, originally titled Caro Michele in Italian, was first published in 1973 and reflects the societal and political shifts of Italy in the 1970s.

Natalia Ginzburg is celebrated for her skillful exploration of family dynamics, and Happiness, as Such is often praised for its epistolary format, which weaves a tapestry of letters that reveal the intricate relationships among the characters.

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Ginzburg’s work often blurs the lines between fiction and autobiography, as she draws upon her own experiences and observations, and Happiness, as Such is no exception, offering insights into the author's views on family, identity, and societal expectations.

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Book Details
Pages

176

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Italy • 1970s

Publication Year

2019

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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