Sitting here in our rented Irish farmhouse, surrounded by walls that have witnessed over a century of stories, I’ve just finished listening to Niall Williams’ “This is Happiness“. The experience has left me in a state of wonderful contemplation.
This literary journey began with a thoughtful recommendation from Dr. Chris Clark, who reached out after watching my appearance on Tony Mobley’s show discussing “Our Eco Journey”. His message struck a chord:
“I just finished reading a novel by Niall Williams called ‘This is Happiness’. Set in the west of Ireland at the time of rural electrification. I think you and your wife would enjoy it and if you’ve already read it, worth revisiting.”
How right he was.
There are moments when a book resonates so deeply with your present circumstances that it feels almost magical.
This is one of those times.
The Sacred Heart of Jesus,
illuminated by a traditional
electric sanctuary lamp
As I look around our temporary home, I see echoes of Williams’ narrative everywhere. The sacred heart picture of Jesus mounted peculiarly high on our sitting room wall, illuminated by that distinctive red sanctuary lamp, speaks to generations of Irish Catholic tradition.
The seemingly random positioning of electrical sockets in the old stone walls tells its own story of progress and change. It’s fascinating to imagine the excitement when electricity first arrived here, much like the transformation Williams so masterfully captures in his tale of rural electrification.
A Story Within These Walls
The farmhouse we’re currently calling home feels like a living museum to that pivotal period Williams describes. Each oddly placed switch and ancient fitting hints at the moment when modernity first crept into these rural spaces.
The book’s narrative weaves through my daily experiences here, making me notice details I might otherwise have missed. Every morning, as I navigate these historic rooms, I find myself wondering about the families who first witnessed these walls being wired for electricity.
Looking Forward to a Second Listen
There’s something profoundly moving about experiencing this story while living in a space that could have easily featured within its pages. The synchronicity feels almost too perfect to be coincidental.
I’m already anticipating my second journey through this audiobook, knowing it will reveal new layers of meaning now that I’m living amidst its context. For anyone who has ever wondered about the small moments that shape rural Irish life, or the way progress ripples through traditional communities, this book is an absolute treasure.
Technical Details
Author: Niall Williams
Narrator: Dermot Crowley
Duration: 14 hours 27 minutes
Publisher: Whole Story Audiobooks
The narration by Dermot Crowley deserves special mention, as his authentic Irish delivery adds another layer of immersion to this already captivating story.
Experience this masterpiece of Irish storytelling for yourself. Purchase the audiobook on Amazon and step into a world where past and present dance together in rural Ireland.
Have you experienced this beautiful intersection of literature and life, where a book perfectly captures your current circumstances?
I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below. 📚