ARC Review: Hector and the Search for Happiness by Francois Lelord

Title: Hector and the Search for Happiness
Author: Francois Lelord
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: Adult
Publication: August 31, 2010
Source: Crazy Book Tours

My Summary: Hector, a French psychiatrist, has spent years treating patients, some unhappy for legitimate reasons, and some unhappy for no reason at all it seems. He's decided to travel the world to figure out what makes people happy, and to compile a list while on his journey. He has many adventures (and misadventures) over the world while searching for the true meaning of happiness. Note: This book was translated from the French.

My Thoughts: This novella was unlike anything I have ever read. The most notable feature is its simplistic and childlike writing. It was written as though intended for a young child, though don't let that fool you, because Hector finds himself in many adult-like situations, such as spending the night with a prostitute, doing things that "people who are in love do" (see what I mean?). It's rather charming, actually, this writing style, though I don't know if I could have tolerated it if the book was much longer than it was (less than 200 pages).

Hector was a very likable character, often finding himself in loads of trouble, unintentionally of course, but always reflecting calmly and rationally, even when he was kidnapped and almost killed. He was naive and childlike himself, it seemed, though maybe it was just the writing surrounding his story.

Anyways, I thought this book was cute, silly and quite charming, but not what I was anticipating. It did have a bit of a storyline and plot, but a lot of the times I felt like I was reading a self-help book, or felt as though I was being taught a lesson. There wasn't enough length or substance to ever be truly engaging, and I never felt eager to find out what would happen next in Hector's whimsical, slow little world.

This book is considered a novel, but I don't feel quite right calling it that. If you're looking for a quick little read with a dash of self-help, then pick this book up, but don't expect an engaging story. It's just a cutesy little read. With all of Hector's travels though... it would make one hell of a movie!

My Rating: 2.75/5