In Happiness, Atilla, a Ghanian psychiatrist and Jean, an American wildlife researcher, meet by chance on the ever- evolving streets of London and the chain of events that is set in motion changes both of their lives. It’s a novel of ideas that doesn’t talk at you; instead the characters confront and metabolize entangled issues like changing environments, urbanization, trauma and attachment, in very personal, idiosyncatic ways. Forna’s creation of the wonder and performance of modern street life is a textural triumph: citizens of all countries and experiences sweat, breath and connect just underneath the skyrocketing urban skyline. Happiness is a novel that knows itself well: it accomplishes exactly what it sets out to do, and leaves you both intellectually and emotionally full.