This Is Happiness [B0232]

2020 PB in nice clean condition. Shortlisted for Best Novel in the Irish Book Awards. The most enchanting novel you'll read this year, from the acclaimed author of Man Booker-longlisted History of the Rain. After dropping out of the seminary, seventeen-year-old Noel Crowe finds himself back in Faha, a small Irish parish where nothing ever changes, including the ever-falling rain. But one morning the rain stops and news reaches the parish - the electricity is finally arriving. With it comes a lodger to Noel's home, Christy McMahon. Though he can't explain it, Noel knows right then: something has changed. As Noel navigates his coming-of-age by Christy's side, falling in and out of love, Christy's buried past gradually comes to light, casting a glow on a small world and making it new.

From recent Amazon/GoodReads reviews: "I could not have loved this book more. Every aspect of it- the characters, the language, the insights and descriptions and the story- were perfect. I felt so much joy and didn't want it to end. I already can't wait to reread it."; "A wonderful diversion from current times. Beautiful writing. Exquisite narration. Immersive, slow, and engaging story. Loved it. A story that seeps in and fills you up, like water in a dry garden bed. This author is new to me. Will read more in the future."