Happy Days - Laurent Graff

Antoine, the hero of the novella Happy Days by Laurent Graff enters the adulthood nearly experiencing everything that constitutes average full life. At age 18, he buys his own gravesite and a tombstone and by the time he reaches 30 he admits himself in an old age home, Happy Days. For him, he has witnessed an average life but could not find the meaning of life to extend it. Life in the old age home was also not different where the young old Antoine lives as one among them. Things turn different when an aged woman, Mireille got admitted to the Happy Days. Antoine begins a special relation with Mireille. After some time Antoine even think of abandoning her but in the process he finds a reason to live life.

The concept of the book is wonderful and the author filled the small book with thoughts about our life, its meaning and meaninglessness. He touches nearly every area of life in this short journey. Marriage, children, cinema, religion, sports, television, sex, books etc. etc. Then, the focus is on humanity. Even though we may feel that this guy must be crazy, his intention is clear and pure. He wants to observe life from every angle and form an opinion on how to live life full.

As a story, the book doesn't impress for it is not to impress for its storyline but for the message. No wonder it doesn't move much forward. We can narrate the story in a single page and nothing left at that front. Then, it is the search for the life philosophy, which makes the book special. The read is not that light as we may think looking at the name, cover and story idea. The author has woven many layers to the story and the more deep you go the best you enjoy. You have an outer cover to look beautiful from the window but enter the house, open the doors and find out the treasure, it is what the author calls the reader for.

The book is not recommended for a light reading, but it is highly recommended for all who enjoy a journey searching meaning of life. At many a juncture, we will be tempted to pose for a virtual meditation. Many a time we reflect ourselves in our words and views. When we will drop our self and union with the universe?

It is a journey you would love to undertake and retreat but will be short of words to explain the happiness.

A book to read, re read and to meditate....

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