The Trouble with Happiness: and Other Stories

A collection of short stories by the author of The Copenhagen Trilogy, exploring love, marriage, and family in mid-century Copenhagen. The stories are brief, devastating, and acid-sharp, revealing the darkness beneath ordinary events.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 192 pages
Publication date: 03 March 2022
Publisher: Penguin Books Ltd

A captivating collection of stories penned by the acclaimed author of The Copenhagen Trilogy, now available in English for the first time. Hailing from one of Denmark's most celebrated writers, this remarkable assemblage of short tales showcases the author's exceptional talent for crafting poignant and evocative portrayals of love, marriage, and family in mid-century Copenhagen. Within these pages, the ordinary events of everyday life take on a dark and disconcerting hue, as we delve into the depths of human emotions and motivations. From a wife's anxious concern not to wake her husband to a little boy's heartbreaking loss of his father's cherished knife, to a married woman's insatiable longing for a yellow silk umbrella, and a girl's enchanting dream of attending a masquerade ball, these stories explore a myriad of emotions, including yearning, fear, despair, and the elusive pursuit of happiness.

The translation into English by Michael Favala Goldman brings these captivating stories to a wider audience, allowing readers from around the world to experience the depth and richness of the author's writing. With its concise yet powerful prose, this collection offers a glimpse into the lives of ordinary individuals caught in the midst of extraordinary circumstances, reminding us of the complexities and intricacies of human relationships.

Whether you are a fan of The Copenhagen Trilogy or are discovering the author's work for the first time, this collection is a must-read for anyone seeking a profound and thought-provoking exploration of the human condition. Prepare to be transported to a bygone era, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and the shadows of the past loom large.

Weight: 210g
Dimension: 137 x 213 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780241545317