Hector And The Search For Happiness (2002) - Plot & Excerpts
'Hector and the Search For Happiness' by François Lelord is an oddly charming piece of pop-psychology. At times, it's format is jarring. The story is written as a parable - which often runs counter to the mature situations Hector finds himself in and his rather misogynistic attitudes and actions. If you can get past that, the lessons Hector 'discovers' are sweet and this is a pleasant little trifle of a short story. What a lovely little book. Hector was recently made into a movie, which is how I came to know of the novel. Hector is a psychiatrist living a good, if dull life. Like many of his patients he is not feeling particularly happy, so he sets out on a trip around the world to try and discover what makes people happy.The chapters are short and told in a tone used in childrens' books. I kept thinking that the book would lend itself to being read out loud. The target audience is definitely adults even though there is absolutely nothing in it that would offend younger readers.I found myself smiling throughout and kept looking forward to reading it every time I had to put it down.Highly recommended.
What do You think about Hector And The Search For Happiness (2002)?
I found it to be static, with easy answers for complicated questions.
—jas
Cute book but Hector's promiscuity turns me off.
—Fokkerlife
