Happy Land by Dolen Perkens-Valdez

This novel, set in North Carolina, USA, is inspired by true events. In 1873, after the American Civil War and the abolition of slavery, a group of freed people headed across the border of South Carolina to the north and established a community. They called their community a Kingdom and appointed a king and queen. They purchased around 200 acres of land and set about developing it.

Back to the present day. At the age of 40, Nikki gets an urgent request from her grandmother Rita to visit her at her home in the hills of North Carolina. Nikki’s mother has not spoken to her own mother Rita for many years, and Nikki does not know why. She is determined to discover what has gone on between the two of them, but her grandmother wants to tell her all about the story of the kingdom on the mountain she lives on. Nikki learns that her great-great-great grandmother Luella was the queen.

The books moves back and forth between Nikki’s story and that of Luella. Luella is a reluctant queen but as the community develops, she begins to show strong leadership for the people, especially for the women. Her life is complicated when her husband William goes away and doesn’t return. She ends up in a relationship with William’s brother, who steps in to become king. Several years later when William returns there are many issues to be resolved.

At the same time, Nikki’s story shows her finding out more and more about the history of the kingdom, which many (including her mother) did not really believe existed. Her grandmother’s attachment to the land soon becomes a focus for Nikki, and she realises her identity and that of her mother are all connected to the surrounding hills. Rita is not well, and as she is facing being evicted from the land she grows up on, Nikki is more determined to discover her connection with the people that have gone before. In doing this she also discovers why her mother, and her grandmother have had a disconnected relationship in the past.

The importance of land ownership and the strong feelings of belonging to it are a familiar subject for a lot of displaced people all over the world. The impact of losing that land and the inequality that often follows it are mirrored in many places. This is a story that many can relate to. The value of storytelling between generations, and how that can easily be lost is also a theme here. It’s also a story of perseverance, loyalty and discovery. An enjoyable read.

Reviewer: Rachel White

Hachette