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Happy Family
Set in the near future, Happy Family is a darkly humorous tale about the filters and frames we use to shield ourselves from reality, and what might happen should we discard them.
Germaine Kiecke was a foundling, an orphan, brought up by the infamous ‘Motherhood’ in a Belgian orphanage. Now she is a successful art academic who defines herself by her profession and prefers to experience the world through art and an augmented reality game called Happy Family.
But when the artist Tom Hannah, the creative force behind Happy Family, moves to Spain, surrounds himself with high walls, three large guard dogs called Harpo, Chico and Groucho, and a runaway who teaches him to think like a tree, his existential melt-down threatens all Germaine holds dear.
She is forced to re-engage with life and travels to Spain to try to make things right. Along the way she meets people who are also, for one reason or another, dependent on Tom’s fictional world to augment their own ‘real’ lives.
Germaine Kiecke was a foundling, an orphan, brought up by the infamous ‘Motherhood’ in a Belgian orphanage. Now she is a successful art academic who defines herself by her profession and prefers to experience the world through art and an augmented reality game called Happy Family.
But when the artist Tom Hannah, the creative force behind Happy Family, moves to Spain, surrounds himself with high walls, three large guard dogs called Harpo, Chico and Groucho, and a runaway who teaches him to think like a tree, his existential melt-down threatens all Germaine holds dear.
She is forced to re-engage with life and travels to Spain to try to make things right. Along the way she meets people who are also, for one reason or another, dependent on Tom’s fictional world to augment their own ‘real’ lives.
Paperback
Published February 6, 2020
13 people want to read
About the author
James Ellis
4 books15 followersJames has written two novels: The Wrong Story and Happy Family. He has published a number of prize-winning short stories, a travelogue of his journey through Central America and a monthly column for The Gudgeon. His short story, Connor and His Amazing Ejector Boots, was nominated for the 2020 Pushcart Prize. His short story, Kumi’s Cake, was shortlisted for the 2020 Bridport Short Story Prize.
He has a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from the University of Oxford. He is a member of the Society of Authors and the International Flann O’Brien Society. He is a presenter on Frome FM’s On-Air Book Group, a contributor to Carers UK‘s creative writing campaigns and was an ambassador for a Shooting Star - a charity for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions.
He has a Master’s degree in Creative Writing from the University of Oxford. He is a member of the Society of Authors and the International Flann O’Brien Society. He is a presenter on Frome FM’s On-Air Book Group, a contributor to Carers UK‘s creative writing campaigns and was an ambassador for a Shooting Star - a charity for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 4, 2020
Part essay on existentialism and defining art, part sci-fi exploration of the future of gaming and – occasionally – part farce, James Ellis’s Happy Family is as enjoyably thought-provoking a read as I’ve had for a while. The author skips easily between deft description of the real and augmented reality worlds. Most of the real-world action takes place in Galicia in the North of Spain and if the author hasn’t been there it’s a miracle of imagination, instead of just high-quality writing, the sense of place is so firmly nailed on.
Happy Family is complex, with meaty themes including grief and how to deal with it, the nature of being – “are we what we are, or what we do?” – and the big ones, what is art and who does it belong to? It is a mark of the author’s sure touch that we don’t feel lectured by any of the characters in the novel.
If this weren’t enough, the central character, Germaine, is an accurate depiction of a survivor of hideous abuse and the damage it can do.
The petty but savage rivalry of two niche actors provides a leavening of humour and I’m sure I won’t be alone in hearing The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band’s classic ‘My Brother Makes The Noises For The Talkies’, whenever Charles appears.
This is a quality book and I much prefer books like this – say – to the best-seller about two extremely shallow friends-with-benefits currently being dramatised on the BBC.
So, bravo James Ellis – and bravo Unbound, yet again.
Happy Family is complex, with meaty themes including grief and how to deal with it, the nature of being – “are we what we are, or what we do?” – and the big ones, what is art and who does it belong to? It is a mark of the author’s sure touch that we don’t feel lectured by any of the characters in the novel.
If this weren’t enough, the central character, Germaine, is an accurate depiction of a survivor of hideous abuse and the damage it can do.
The petty but savage rivalry of two niche actors provides a leavening of humour and I’m sure I won’t be alone in hearing The Bonzo Dog Doo Dah Band’s classic ‘My Brother Makes The Noises For The Talkies’, whenever Charles appears.
This is a quality book and I much prefer books like this – say – to the best-seller about two extremely shallow friends-with-benefits currently being dramatised on the BBC.
So, bravo James Ellis – and bravo Unbound, yet again.
February 9, 2020
I absolutely loved this book. It's quirky and original with some brilliant characters - all of whom are either eccentric, sad or totally bonkers. I admit that the gaming side was tiresome, at times silly - salamanders?? - and often unnecessary, but other than that it's one of my favourite books that I have read with the Pigeonhole. Tom, artist and inventor of the computer game Happy Family, has never quite got over his mother's death and goes to Spain to become a recluse. What's the point in living, he muses, if you are just destined to die. Germaine, an art critic, has had a terrible childhood (I wish I knew more about it). Alta appears from nowhere with her dog Badger and moves in with Tom to take care of him even though she is 17 and he is in his 40s. Germaine has known Tom for ages and wants to write a book about him. Tom's agent has been sacked by him but wants Germaine to go to Spain and 'save' him from himself. At times whimsical and introspective, towards the end it often drifts into farce as the batty new characters chase each other around the hotel and the mountains. You will either love it or hate it, but for me it was an unforgettable foray into the surreal and absurd.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and the other Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
Many thanks to The Pigeonhole and the other Pigeons for making this such an enjoyable read.
October 22, 2019
This is the first book I have read by James Ellis and I was not disappointed. I was lucky enough to read Happy Family on the Pigeonhole in 10 staves with other Pigeons. I found the storytelling brilliant and the detailed descriptions of the characters, not only how they look but also their characteristics, help the reader to imagine the situations they get themselves in! I actually laughed out loud on several occasions whilst reading. A very modern storyline. Thank you Pigeonhole and James Ellis I will certainly read more books by this author.
October 24, 2019
Refreshingly different; utterly bonkers and my brain is still trying to work out what was going on. Wonderfully poetic descriptive passages throughout which brought me immense pleasure. Some genuinely laugh out loud moments and an array of eccentric characters. Glad I persevered.
March 14, 2020
This book was an absolute joy to read. The writing is exceptional and the scene setting ensured I felt right there in the action. A little bit like the virtual reality game that gives the name to the book "Happy Family".
For the author to create a virtual future world as he has, I think, shows a remarkable imagination. It's not an alternative world such as Terry Pratchett might write, but a parallel virtual world to our own accessed through the user wearing new technology called iLets.
Alongside all this virtual reality there is still plenty of action in the real world. In fact most of the book takes place there with several sub plots adding to the main story line. Germaine who uses the Happy Family game wants to interview Tom, the creator of the game for her book on art. Lots of things and people (and 3 dogs) stand in her way though It may sound a little pedestrian, but I can assure you this book is probably not like anything else you've read before.
There is a little bit of farce thrown into the mix also which had me laughing out loud. In my head I could see this being played out on a stage. I am still marvelling at the ingenuity of this book and the skill of the author to be able to tell it in such a marvellous way. His character descriptions and dialogue really brought every character life in a way you don't often find in a novel.
I'm not a gamer but I do love tech, and I love the idea of virtual reality and avatars. So, if that is not your thing or you don't like that world, this is probably not going to be the book for you.
For the author to create a virtual future world as he has, I think, shows a remarkable imagination. It's not an alternative world such as Terry Pratchett might write, but a parallel virtual world to our own accessed through the user wearing new technology called iLets.
Alongside all this virtual reality there is still plenty of action in the real world. In fact most of the book takes place there with several sub plots adding to the main story line. Germaine who uses the Happy Family game wants to interview Tom, the creator of the game for her book on art. Lots of things and people (and 3 dogs) stand in her way though It may sound a little pedestrian, but I can assure you this book is probably not like anything else you've read before.
There is a little bit of farce thrown into the mix also which had me laughing out loud. In my head I could see this being played out on a stage. I am still marvelling at the ingenuity of this book and the skill of the author to be able to tell it in such a marvellous way. His character descriptions and dialogue really brought every character life in a way you don't often find in a novel.
I'm not a gamer but I do love tech, and I love the idea of virtual reality and avatars. So, if that is not your thing or you don't like that world, this is probably not going to be the book for you.
March 15, 2020
Well where do I start?
Tom is in crisis, he wonders what is the point of life if you then just die.? Why bother?
He drinks to near oblivion most nights and tries to kill himself. He is saved by Alta and her dog, Badger. She decides to move in with Tom to keep an eye on him.
Tom is the creator of Happy Family, an augmented reality game, think The Sims on steroids!!! Nearly everyone is playing, to augment their own lives…..
This is a tale of loneliness and vulnerability but also hope-ish. It’s also a crazy rush of technology, alternate realities and dark humour. Unique, thoughtful and with a large dose of bonkers.
Thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free copy of the book. This is my honest, unbiased review.
Tom is in crisis, he wonders what is the point of life if you then just die.? Why bother?
He drinks to near oblivion most nights and tries to kill himself. He is saved by Alta and her dog, Badger. She decides to move in with Tom to keep an eye on him.
Tom is the creator of Happy Family, an augmented reality game, think The Sims on steroids!!! Nearly everyone is playing, to augment their own lives…..
This is a tale of loneliness and vulnerability but also hope-ish. It’s also a crazy rush of technology, alternate realities and dark humour. Unique, thoughtful and with a large dose of bonkers.
Thank you to Anne Cater and Random Things Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free copy of the book. This is my honest, unbiased review.
May 7, 2020
This is James second novel and there is crossover between this story and his first. However despite that, the story can be enjoyed as a stand alone.
This book is quirky, inventive, hilarious and sad. I found this to be a story about loneliness, jealousy, grief and love. It has you questioning reality and as we move further into the technological era and we become intertwined with CGI, virtual reality and immersive gaming experiences. You will wonder what is real and what is not!
This book is quirky, inventive, hilarious and sad. I found this to be a story about loneliness, jealousy, grief and love. It has you questioning reality and as we move further into the technological era and we become intertwined with CGI, virtual reality and immersive gaming experiences. You will wonder what is real and what is not!
March 6, 2020
Definitely weird, a gloomy start, but a really enjoyable mix of tech and alternate realities.
March 24, 2020
Content Warning: Death and suicide.
Going into this book, I had a lot of expectations. A book filled with games, virtual adventures, and the game at risk of shutting down forever, basically another book like Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, but I was completely wrong. And I’m glad I was! Happy Family takes a completely different path focusing on the impact the game has on someone’s life instead of the actual game-play.
Happy Family is a virtual reality game that combines The Sims with dark twists, full of unfortunate events and drama where everything is NOT fine. Unexpected pregnancies? Check! Arguments and fights? Check! Explosions and car crashes? Check! I found it interesting that the game wasn’t designed to “substitute” real-life experiences and create an alternate perfect life for the player. Maybe because of that, the story spends barely any time inside the actual game. The focus is Germaine and how she uses the game as a coping mechanism to deal with her past and her everyday life.
Another theme I wasn’t expecting to find in this book was art. Tom is more than just the creator of the game, he is an artist, and before creating Happy Family, he did cartoon strips (which are a hint to James Ellis’ first book The Wrong Story). Germaine’s passion and vision upon art was something that I felt deeply connected to. How she distinguishes the artist from the art, the importance art has on life, and how we should treasure it. I was so surprised and fascinated with all that talk, I didn’t even mind the slow story development.
Between all the art and games, the book also delves into death. That is one of the central points, the relation the characters have with death and grief. The book starts with Tom’s mother dying, and it’s something that is brought up throughout the whole book. Even though it deals with heavy topics, the story is humorous and light which lifts off the harshness of the topic.
Going into this book, I had a lot of expectations. A book filled with games, virtual adventures, and the game at risk of shutting down forever, basically another book like Ready Player One by Ernest Cline, but I was completely wrong. And I’m glad I was! Happy Family takes a completely different path focusing on the impact the game has on someone’s life instead of the actual game-play.
Happy Family is a virtual reality game that combines The Sims with dark twists, full of unfortunate events and drama where everything is NOT fine. Unexpected pregnancies? Check! Arguments and fights? Check! Explosions and car crashes? Check! I found it interesting that the game wasn’t designed to “substitute” real-life experiences and create an alternate perfect life for the player. Maybe because of that, the story spends barely any time inside the actual game. The focus is Germaine and how she uses the game as a coping mechanism to deal with her past and her everyday life.
Another theme I wasn’t expecting to find in this book was art. Tom is more than just the creator of the game, he is an artist, and before creating Happy Family, he did cartoon strips (which are a hint to James Ellis’ first book The Wrong Story). Germaine’s passion and vision upon art was something that I felt deeply connected to. How she distinguishes the artist from the art, the importance art has on life, and how we should treasure it. I was so surprised and fascinated with all that talk, I didn’t even mind the slow story development.
Between all the art and games, the book also delves into death. That is one of the central points, the relation the characters have with death and grief. The book starts with Tom’s mother dying, and it’s something that is brought up throughout the whole book. Even though it deals with heavy topics, the story is humorous and light which lifts off the harshness of the topic.
October 29, 2019
Happy Family is set in the near future, where people game via glasses and one augmented reality game in particular is very popular: Happy Family. This game was invented by Tom Hannah, also an artist, who has hidden himself away with his suicidal thoughts in Spain in the middle of nowhere, after the death of his mother. Germaine Kiecke, an art academic, is a huge fan of Tom’s and wants to interview him for her new book. But Tom is guarded by a strange girl and three huge dogs who are named after the Marx brothers. Germaine has had a traumatic upbringing as an orphan in Belgium in a notorious orphanage called ‘Motherhood’. Thus she finds it impossible to express her feelings except through Tom’s game Happy Family. So when she finds out that something threatens this game for her and millions of others, she’s forced to take a look at how she lives her life.
Germaine was a difficult character to get an understanding of, but I think in view of her childhood that was reasonable. The other characters who also relied on Tom Hannah in some way were actually very amusing - whether they were supposed to be or not, I don’t know, but towards the end of the novel, their antics descended (or ascended!) into slapstick. For various reasons that I won’t go into (I don’t want to spoil it!), this was both sad and funny - there was a healthy dose of black humour throughout really.
I read this on The Pigeonhole, and the other readers had a real mix of opinions: it seems to have been a real ‘marmite’ book. Personally, I loved it. It ticked a lot of boxes for me, first and foremost being it’s quirkiness. There was some gaming talk, but it was relevant to the story and the characters, and I don’t actually think there was that much considering that it was set against the backdrop of the game (and lets face it, I have two teenage sons who are obsessed with the Xbox 🙄).
I really enjoyed this book, and thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising it.
Germaine was a difficult character to get an understanding of, but I think in view of her childhood that was reasonable. The other characters who also relied on Tom Hannah in some way were actually very amusing - whether they were supposed to be or not, I don’t know, but towards the end of the novel, their antics descended (or ascended!) into slapstick. For various reasons that I won’t go into (I don’t want to spoil it!), this was both sad and funny - there was a healthy dose of black humour throughout really.
I read this on The Pigeonhole, and the other readers had a real mix of opinions: it seems to have been a real ‘marmite’ book. Personally, I loved it. It ticked a lot of boxes for me, first and foremost being it’s quirkiness. There was some gaming talk, but it was relevant to the story and the characters, and I don’t actually think there was that much considering that it was set against the backdrop of the game (and lets face it, I have two teenage sons who are obsessed with the Xbox 🙄).
I really enjoyed this book, and thanks to The Pigeonhole for serialising it.
March 28, 2020
Real life, virtual life, plots and sub-plots.
Germaine is a gamer and we see her living a parallel virtual world alongside her real life. She uses the Happy Family game to escape from real life.
The main storyline is set in a Spanish village and we follow Germaine in her efforts to secure an interview with the creator of Happy Family for her book on the arts.
In a world of gaming, in which I know absolutely nothing about, I'm finding this book both quirky and humorous. It brims with quirky characters both real life and virtual ones.
Unusual, and not my usual read, but nonetheless it's a good one and I'm enjoying it!
Germaine is a gamer and we see her living a parallel virtual world alongside her real life. She uses the Happy Family game to escape from real life.
The main storyline is set in a Spanish village and we follow Germaine in her efforts to secure an interview with the creator of Happy Family for her book on the arts.
In a world of gaming, in which I know absolutely nothing about, I'm finding this book both quirky and humorous. It brims with quirky characters both real life and virtual ones.
Unusual, and not my usual read, but nonetheless it's a good one and I'm enjoying it!
March 21, 2020
On the face of it, this is a book about virtual reality, but actually that only makes up a really small part of this story. What it's really about, is what defines us as people. Tom Hannah has dedicated his life to his art, the very art that lies behind the 'Happy Family' game. But he's decided that he no longer wants to be defined by this. And so we begin on an odyssey of a story when Germaine, determined to get a final interview with Hannah, travels to see him, whether he wants to meet with her or not.
The best bit about this book is the characters. There is a whole horde of absolute odd balls that make up the cast, each with their own unique sub plot. They are all eccentric in their own ways and half the fun of this book is in keeping up with their antics.
This was much less sci-fi than I expected it to be and much more character driven. It was interesting to learn about the worlds that people will indulge in to escape their own realities. A lot of the time it's quite tongue in cheek but there are definitely some deeper issues running through this book and as well as making you smile with its warmth and silliness, it will make you think. Plus, the cover is excellent!
Happy Family was released on 6th February 2020 by Unbound
Big thanks to @annecater at Random things tours, for organising and inviting me to take part in the blog tour. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
The best bit about this book is the characters. There is a whole horde of absolute odd balls that make up the cast, each with their own unique sub plot. They are all eccentric in their own ways and half the fun of this book is in keeping up with their antics.
This was much less sci-fi than I expected it to be and much more character driven. It was interesting to learn about the worlds that people will indulge in to escape their own realities. A lot of the time it's quite tongue in cheek but there are definitely some deeper issues running through this book and as well as making you smile with its warmth and silliness, it will make you think. Plus, the cover is excellent!
Happy Family was released on 6th February 2020 by Unbound
Big thanks to @annecater at Random things tours, for organising and inviting me to take part in the blog tour. This is my honest and unbiased opinion.
October 22, 2019
I’m not sure I’ve ever read a book quite like this one. At times it seemed utterly bonkers and I’m still not entirely sure if it was fantasy, reality or a clever merging of the two. That said, I really enjoyed it; the poignancy of the descriptive writing was simply beautiful and the author managed to introduce us to a variety of complex, needy and often unlikeable characters whilst at the same time making us laugh out loud with the absurdity of their actions and speech as well as allowing us to glimpse their more vulnerable sides. I could see this book working really well as a film. Definitely worth a read - thank you so much Pigeonhole and James Ellis for the opportunity to read this pre publication copy.
October 21, 2019
Irritating book with too much technical gaming stuff in it
Interesting story line but too much of the book dedicated to a game
Interesting story line but too much of the book dedicated to a game
October 26, 2019
This was a different read for me. Quite funny and hitech. This book is going to be published in February 2020, I read it in Pigeonhole.
March 15, 2020
One of the most inventive books I have read. Beautiful descriptive writing, intriguing plot, slap stick comedy, pathos and thoughourly bonkers!
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews