Scan barcode
A review by bookaroundandfindout
Happiness Falls by Angie Kim
5.0
Let me start by saying this book is not for everyone. If you’re expecting a classic whodunit mystery, you might want to look elsewhere. "Happiness Falls" is a brilliant exploration of a biracial family grappling with the complexities of life after the father and husband goes missing.
The story is narrated through the eyes of Mia, one of the twin daughters in the family. Her twin, John, is markedly different both in personality and physically. The family dynamics are further colored by their Korean mother, a linguist, their white father, and a younger brother, Eugene, who has autism and mosaic Angelman syndrome.
Eugene's conditions—autism spectrum disorder and mosaic Angelman syndrome—affect his social interactions, communication abilities, and motor skills, contributing to the family's unique challenges. The mosaic aspect of Eugene’s condition means that only some of his cells carry the genetic mutation, possibly leading to a milder presentation of symptoms.
One poignant theme in the novel is the impact of having a child with disabilities on family dynamics. As someone with a sister who has Down syndrome, I deeply related to the family’s experiences—ranging from the joy of successes to the frustration and obstacles that come with caring for a sibling with special needs. This narrative evokes a profound sense of empathy and connection, especially for readers who share similar experiences.
Another prevalent theme is the duality of being biracial and navigating two different cultures. The novel often discusses communication through the lens of linguistic ability, particularly how society perceives Eugene’s inability to speak as an indicator of intelligence, which the book challenges effectively.
The theme of happiness, explored through the characters’ differing baselines for happiness, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. As the mystery of their dad’s disappearance unfolds, Mia discovers that her father had hidden much more than they could have imagined.
Angie Kim captures the essence of what it means to be human, an immigrant, and a blend of known and unknown worlds with a great sense of intimacy and realism. I found myself falling in love with the family and relating deeply to their struggles.
I give "Happiness Falls" 5/5 stars and highly recommend it to POC, immigrants, individuals with disabilities, and anyone who seeks a narrative that resonates with feelings of being heard and understood.
The story is narrated through the eyes of Mia, one of the twin daughters in the family. Her twin, John, is markedly different both in personality and physically. The family dynamics are further colored by their Korean mother, a linguist, their white father, and a younger brother, Eugene, who has autism and mosaic Angelman syndrome.
Eugene's conditions—autism spectrum disorder and mosaic Angelman syndrome—affect his social interactions, communication abilities, and motor skills, contributing to the family's unique challenges. The mosaic aspect of Eugene’s condition means that only some of his cells carry the genetic mutation, possibly leading to a milder presentation of symptoms.
One poignant theme in the novel is the impact of having a child with disabilities on family dynamics. As someone with a sister who has Down syndrome, I deeply related to the family’s experiences—ranging from the joy of successes to the frustration and obstacles that come with caring for a sibling with special needs. This narrative evokes a profound sense of empathy and connection, especially for readers who share similar experiences.
Another prevalent theme is the duality of being biracial and navigating two different cultures. The novel often discusses communication through the lens of linguistic ability, particularly how society perceives Eugene’s inability to speak as an indicator of intelligence, which the book challenges effectively.
The theme of happiness, explored through the characters’ differing baselines for happiness, adds an intriguing layer to the narrative. As the mystery of their dad’s disappearance unfolds, Mia discovers that her father had hidden much more than they could have imagined.
Angie Kim captures the essence of what it means to be human, an immigrant, and a blend of known and unknown worlds with a great sense of intimacy and realism. I found myself falling in love with the family and relating deeply to their struggles.
I give "Happiness Falls" 5/5 stars and highly recommend it to POC, immigrants, individuals with disabilities, and anyone who seeks a narrative that resonates with feelings of being heard and understood.