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The Happy Isles
Hardcover
General FictionLiterary Fiction
ISBN13: 9781025698328
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Published: Feb 14 2026
Pages: 508
Weight: 1.95
Height: 1.13 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
The Happy Isles is a poignant and absorbing novel that explores the complexities of identity, social standing, and the enduring strength of the human spirit. The narrative follows the life of Tom Whitelaw, who is kidnapped from his wealthy family as an infant and raised in obscurity under various names and circumstances. As Tom navigates the stark contrasts between poverty and privilege, he must reconcile his humble upbringing with the sudden revelation of his true heritage.
Written by the acclaimed author Basil King, this work delves deep into the psychological and moral development of its protagonist. King masterfully examines the tension between one's innate character and the environment in which they are raised. Through Tom's eyes, readers witness a rich tapestry of early 20th-century life, touching on themes of loss, resilience, and the search for belonging. The story is as much a social commentary as it is a personal odyssey, questioning whether true happiness is found in one's social rank or in the integrity of one's soul. The Happy Isles remains a classic example of character-driven fiction, offering a timeless reflection on the discovery of self.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
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