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A woman learns the incredible story of a real-life American Kingdom—and her family's ties to it—in this enthralling novel from the New York Times bestselling, NAACP Image Award-winning author of Take My Hand.
Nikki hasn't seen her grandmother in years. So when the elder calls out of the blue with an urgent request for Nikki to visit her in the hills of western North Carolina, Nikki hesitates only for a moment. After years of silence in her family, due to a mysterious estrangement between her mother and grandmother, she's determined to learn the truth while she still can.
But instead of answers about the recent past, Mother Rita tells Nikki an incredible story of a kingdom on this very mountain, and of her great-great-great grandmother, Luella, who would become its queen.
It sounds like the makings of a fairy tale—royalty among a community of freed people. But the more Nikki learns about the Kingdom of the Happy Land, and the lives of those who dwelled in the ruins she discovers in the woods, the more she realizes how much of her identity and her family's secrets are wrapped up in these hills. Because this land is their legacy, and it will be up to her to protect it before it, like so much else, is stolen away.
Inspired by true events, Happy Land is a transporting multi-generational novel about the stories that shape us and the dazzling courage it takes to dream.
One
Nikki
The only thing I know about my grandmother's home is that it's in an isolated area of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Zirconia, North Carolina. And the only thing I know about Zirconia is that it's right outside Hendersonville. And what I know about Hendersonville is that it has a lot of apple orchards. A shame, I know.
The old 25 highway is two lanes without a line in the middle. I pass a wood-frame house that must be at least a hundred years old, a neat and tidy brick rambler with rockers lining the front porch. Stuffed fairies hang from tree limbs, and a motionless cat stares at me from a front yard.
I wind the rental car around a series of camp entrances. Camp Greystone. Camp Arrowhead. Houses on tall wooden piles perch around a sign labeled Lake Summit. Just a few miles past the lake, I pass the granite cliff Mother Rita mentioned over the phone, and just after that I reach the entrance to her property.
Lovejoy Lane.
When I was born, I was given my mama's maiden name hyphenated ...
Overall, what did you think of Happy Land? (No spoilers in this thread, please!)
Loved it!!! Never knew about these communities. Very interesting, well- written.
-Kathleen_H1
Nikki feels dissatisfied with nearly every aspect of her life in D.C. and is uncertain about what to do next. How did you feel when Mother Rita gave her the gift of a new life at the end of the book?
It was as if Mother Rita was passing on the opportunity for a new life that Luella made possible. Luella was a true queen!
-Heather_J
This novel emphasizes the importance of community, family, and legacy and maintaining our connections with each of them. How is this reflected in the story of the Lovejoy women? Is this applicable to your own life? How?
Community was everything to Luella and her people. Barely anything was done without approval of the committee (other than the bartering of their land). Similarly, there is a sense of community in Zirconia. You see it in the way Rita has Maddie's grandson help with the flowers, how librarian Bryan...
-Heather_J
Luella thinks, “Papa had taught me that choosing a husband was as much about survival as it was love.” (p. 60) What did you think of this statement? Do you think it’s equally true today as it was in the 19th century?
It was definitely true in the past when women didn't have many options. They were often viewed as property, may not be eligible to inherit or trusted in business and financing. About the best that most women could hope for was marrying well. If that included love, then they could count themselves...
-Heather_J
When Mr. Weaver refuses to honor his promise to sell the land back to the Kingdom at the agreed-upon price, Luella decides to purchase only a portion of the land back. How do you feel about her decision? Do you agree with it?
Yes, I do agree with her decision. As the old adage goes, something is better than nothing. However, they never should have taken Mr. Weaver's word that he would give them their land back at the agreed upon amount. Luella and Robert were honorable people, and they made the mistake of thinking tha...
-Heather_J
To what audience would you recommend Happy Land? Is there another book or author you feel has a similar theme or style?
I have definitely recommended this book to historical fiction fans, especially readers looking for books by BIPOC authors. Just a few other historical fiction books I recommend (aside from Take My Hand by the same author): Where the Wildflowers Grow by Terah Shelton Harris The Seven Daughters of ...
-Janie-Hickok-Siess
Nikki uses a genealogical website to research her family and does, in fact, find information about her ancestors. Have you ever done something similar? If so, how did it feel when you uncovered information about your forebears?
Well, you know what they say. "Be careful what you wish for." :thinking: It really rocked our family, but the details went with the family member into the grave. I do know that the family member would never have let the information be discovered the way it was. But when that person died (in 2013)...
-Janie-Hickok-Siess
Luella is shocked by the concept of not voting. What did you think of her reaction? Do you feel many people today share this sentiment about the practice? Why or why not?
Well said, @Janie-Hickok-Siess ! I couldn't agree more.
-kim.kovacs
What is the significance of using terms such as kingdom and royalty to describe the land and its people?
@Rose_S and @Michelle_H answered this question perfectly, in my opinion. Words matter. Titles matter. And terms like "kingdom" and "royalty" reaffirm autonomy, empowerment, self-worth, identity, and belonging to a community and a place.
-Janie-Hickok-Siess
Have you read any of Dolen Perkins-Valdez’s other novels, and if so, how do they compare to Happy Land?
I read Take My Hand when it was first published and loved it so much that I decided I will read anything she writes. Thus, I was eager to read Happy Land and, like Take My Hand, it did not disappoint. She is immensely talented and I am a fan. I will continue reading her work.
-Janie-Hickok-Siess
The author based this novel on the real-life Kingdom of the Happy Land. Prior to reading this novel, what did you know about the Kingdom of the Happy Land? Were you aware that such a kingdom existed?
I had absolutely no knowledge about the Kingdom of the Happy Land before reading this book. Yet again, historical fiction has proven to be not just entertaining, but enlightening, I learn so much from reading the genre about events, people, and places I never heard about in the history classes I ...
-Janie-Hickok-Siess
When William returns to Luella and moves into the palace, Luella juggles two husbands and feels powerless. Do you agree with her decision to let William stay? Was there something else she could have done instead?
I'm not sure agree is the right word for how I feel with her decision, but I can't say I'd act differently. I feel like Luella was put in an impossible position. She was juggling so much and trying to honor the three most important men in her life. I felt like she didn't receive the compassion sh...
-Kristina_C
The attorney informs Nikki that the law is not on their side and it is unlikely that Mother Rita will get the land back. However, Mother Rita doesn't believe that. Why do you think she is so certain?
We all have similar responses that Mother Rita was not one to give up and that the property simply could not be lost. After all, the idea of a kingdom was an unbelievable outcome but it happened. People like Mother Rita often seem to make the unbelievable happen.
-Donna_M
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (3/19/2026)
...ut it's such an important American novel. I definitely understand why it's included in James Mustich's 1000 Books to Read Before You Die . I finished Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez and enjoyed learning a piece of Black American history. I've just started the book I selected for our local book club discussion this week, Olive Kit...
-Lana_Maskus
Nikki wonders about the source of the deep rift between her mother and Mother Rita. Why do you suppose they didn’t tell Nikki about the reason for their feud? Do you think they are able to completely heal their relationship by the end of the book?
I think they were both stubborn after their falling out, but also ashamed of their behaviors, but I also think they didn't want to talk ill about each other to Nikki and turn her against the other, much like parents who want what's best for their children after divorce.
-Lana_Maskus
Nikki wonders if her mother abandoned Mother Rita. She also asks herself if “Southern mothers feel a particular betrayal when their children go north.” What’s your take on children leaving home, particularly those that move far away from their parents?
Nikki's mother and her mother, Mother Rita, were essentially estranged from each other. I think they were both strong stubborn women whose pride got in their way. As parents, we have to raise our children to stand on their own. In our modern world, we no longer have all of the extended family liv...
-Lana_Maskus
Why do you suppose Mother Rita’s visits to the public library were so meaningful her? Did the library play in your childhood? Do you still visit your local library as an adult? How have public libraries changed and adapted over time?
The library provided Mother Rita with a place to learn, satisfy her curiosity, enjoy others' company, all at no cost. A library is my absolute favorite place to be next to home. Libraries are among the last free places in America open to all.
-Lana_Maskus
William convinces the Black residents of Cross Anchor to follow him into the mountains to set up a new community. Why do you think they trusted him? Did they have any choice but to leave, in your opinion? What would you have done in their place?
A combination of things drove the people up into the mountains. Their lives, simply by being black and ex-slaves, were under threat of danger at any time, they had difficulty establishing a livelihood, they were denied basic rights of citizenship, etc. William was a charismatic person who came al...
-Lana_Maskus
Land ownership and land loss are central to this story. What did you know about heirs property before reading the novel? How do you think the impact of land loss still reverberates through today's society? What might be done to address it?
I was unaware of heirs property and its legal ramifications. Because states establish laws related to property rights, I wonder if the heirs property laws are on the books in all states or just in some states. My family experienced a loss of property in the mid-1970s. I was born and raised on a s...
-Lana_Maskus
How would you describe the connection between the kingdomfolk and their land?
The land was the kingdom folks' sustenance, literally and figuratively. They were able to live off of the land, raising food and harvesting wood to construct buildings for their town. Having their own place, with the ability to govern themselves, gave them mental peace.
-Laura_D
Do you notice any similarities in the personalities of the Lovejoy and Montgomery women? In particular, what are the similarities and parallels between Nikki and Luella?
The first word that came to my mind is determined. Both of them were determined to live the best life they could, with or without men. :wink:
-Laura_D
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (3/12/2026)
I'm currently reading Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez for the open BookBrowse First Impressions Book Club Discussion. I'm loving it and can definitely understand all of the accolades it received from rev...
-Lana_Maskus
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (3/5/2026)
...phical soliloquies. I'm going to try to quickly read The Cult of Trump by Steven Hassan since I requested it through Interlibrary Loan before I start Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez for the BookBrowse Book Club Discussion. I've listened to 7+ hours of the 17+ hours audiobook The Jungle by Upton Sinclair. Written in 1906, it's sti...
-Lana_Maskus
How does the prominence of the land and flowers shape the reader’s understanding of the story?
How does the prominence of the land and flowers shape the reader's understanding of the story?
-Cheryl_T
About the Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez category
How does the prominence of the land and flowers shape the reader's understanding of the story?
-Cheryl_T
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (2/26/2026)
...n book. It's exceptionally well-done & I highly recommend it. After that was https://www.bookbrowse.com/reviews/index.cfm/book_number/4992/happy-land Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez for our discussion here , which is now open (as of about 5 minutes ago). Currently reading The Man in the High Castle by Philip K. Dick for our 1000...
-kim.kovacs
What are you reading this week? And what did you think of last week’s books? (2/5/2026)
...ntext. This week reading Morningside by Aran Shetterly about the Greensboro massacre. Also reading The Wilderness by Angela Flournoy and listening to Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. Finally I'm preparing The Safekeep by Yarl van der Wouden for irl book club discussion.
-Anne_Glasgow
To what audience would you recommend Cursed Daughters? Is there another book or author you feel addresses related themes or who writes in a similar style?
Cursed Daughters is an excellent book to recommend to anyone who enjoys reading about different cultures and their traditions, as well as family drama, with a bit of magical realism or superstition thrown in. Other authors whose work is along the same vein include Vanessa Walters, who wrote The N...
-Janie-Hickok-Siess
What are you reading this week? (5/1/2025)
Just finished Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez and really enjoyed it ! The writing is beautiful and the story (based on true events) is superbly portrayed.
-Laurie_L
What are you reading this week? (04/10/2025)
I have had Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez on hold for ages. NPR featured an interview with the author just this past Sunday wherein the importance of speaking with older family members so as...
-Sunny
What are you reading this week? (2024-10-31)
I loved Take My Hand by Dolen Perkins-Valdez. Looking forward to Happy Land.
-Gabi_J
Hidden history is fascinating to me. It's all those untold and under-told stories I've discovered in historical fiction. Happy Land is a perfect example. The author presents the facts of the existence of the Kingdom of Happy Land interwoven in a fictional family history, thus animating what may otherwise have been a mere footnote in post Civil War history (Donna D). Happy Land provides stunning insight into a real group of freedpeople who established their own community. The characters' connection and linkage to the land was beautifully told and so impactful (Emily B). It is amazing how little we know of the history of certain people and places. I never knew there was a "Kingdom of Happy Land" up in the North Carolina mountains with an honest to goodness King and Queen (Debra F)...continued
Full Review
(610 words)
(Reviewed by First Impressions Reviewers).
Charmaine Wilkerson, New York Times bestselling author of Black Cake
What a story! Happy Land is an exhilarating tale of perseverance, identity, and love that echoes across generations. This story of formerly enslaved families in the Blue Ridge Mountains who built a community against all odds will stay with me for a long time.
Honorée Fanonne Jeffers, New York Times bestselling author of The Love Songs of W.E.B. Du Bois
No one writes the historical novel quite like Dolen Perkins-Valdez, and with Happy Land, she's at her brilliant best, opening History's treasure-filled chest—and then, bringing that history to life. Here is the Ancestor who cried, laughed, and hoped before any of us were born. Here is the vulnerable earth that tenders its secrets. In Happy Land, Perkins-Valdez offers the knowledge that we surely need: to move forward, we must understand what came before. Her existing fans will be so satisfied—and her new readers will be captivated.
Jodi Picoult, #1 New York Times bestselling author of By Any Other Name
Picture a time when a kingdom existed inside the confines of the Carolinas—a time when freedpeople were royalty. What if that was your history, instead of the trauma of enslavement and generational poverty? As Dolen Perkins-Valdez says in this astonishing, historical-based novel—a family tree isn't just something you draw on paper. It's only when you're rooted in the soil that your family once inhabited that your imagination can brush the sky.
Happy Land by Dolen Perkins-Valdez, which follows a group of formerly enslaved people who build a self-sustaining community on a mountainous plot of land in the Carolinas during the Reconstruction era, is based on a real-life historical place known as the Kingdom of the Happy Land. Perkins-Valdez stumbled upon the kingdom's history online while exploring a newfound interest in North Carolina banjo music. She was soon drawn into the story of this group of freed Black people who lived communally in a society based on African traditions, ruled by a king and queen: "It sounded like something made-up. A fairytale. But it was real, a feat of imagination and economic empowerment that few people have documented in our nation's history."
...

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