The Sad Truth About Happiness by Anne Giardini

The Sad Truth About Happiness

Anne Giardini

Maggie is not completely happy, probably because she thinks about it too much and tries to hard, but one impetuous act turns her into a criminal and forces her to accept life as it comes. A beautiful, gentle story which is embellished by the wonderful descriptions of surroundings and weather.

Extract
I stood for a minute watching the man watch the girl, who, in turn, sat gazing at the baby in her arms. She held Philip tightly, as if she was afraid that he might tumble to the floor. I felt a twist of sorrow somewhere under my breasts, a moral ache of some kind. It seemed to me in that instant that it might be a greater crime - for how are such things measured? - for me to take Philip from the girl than it had been for me to steal him away from my sister.
Parallels
  • The True and Outstanding Adventures of the Hunt Sisters by Elisabeth Robinson
  • Astonishing Splashes of Colour by Clare Morrall
  • Unless by Carol Shields