Happy

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This novel is described as genius, strange, and exhilarating, offering a magnificent exploration of the complexities surrounding the choice to leave home. The story follows Happy Singh Soni, a starry-eyed cinephile from a rural village in Punjab, India, who dreams of becoming an actor. He watches clips of Godard’s films on his brother's phone while dreaming of a breakout role in Europe. However, his journey takes a nightmarish turn as he finds himself trapped in menial jobs and struggling to repay a debt to the smugglers who brought him to Italy. Despite the harsh realities of his situation, including worsening work conditions on a radish farm, Happy clings to his love for food and fantasy. As disillusionment grows among the farm workers, he discovers the love and tragedy that mirror the themes of his favorite films. This formally ambitious novel captures the psychic fissures caused by the splintering of nations and the creative coping mechanisms of diasporic people. Through this daringly cinematic debut, the author emphasizes the essentials of human survival—food, water, shelter, and the pursuit of pleasure, romance, and art. The book has received acclaim for its playful yet profound narrative and its ability to deliver serious messages with humor.