Version 1.0.0
2012 Nominated

Happy Now?

artwork-image

ABOUT
THE BOOK

Happy Now? follows Claire’s chaotic and often tragicomic journey through the weeks that follow her husband’s suicide. Nomie, Claire’s pregnant younger sister, welcomes Claire into her guesthouse and abandons her own husband in solidarity. Claire’s father turns into a concerned stalker, trailing her every movement. Encounters with well-meaning therapists go horribly awry, and Jay’s abandoned cat goes on a hunger strike. All the while, Jay’s suicide note lurks on the coffee table, waiting for Claire to gather the courage to read it. As she struggles to confront the truth about her marriage, Claire also struggles to negotiate life as a young widow—the well-intentioned remarks, the sympathy bouquets, and the terrifying prospect of dating (and loving) again.

ABOUT
THE AUTHOR Katherine
Shonk

KATHERINE SHONK is the author of the novel HAPPY NOW? and the story collection THE RED PASSPORT, a Chicago Tribune Best Book of the Year. Her writing has appeared in Best American Short Stories, McSweeney’s, Tin House, and elsewhere. She works as an editor for Harvard University and lives in Chicago with her husband and daughter.

KATHERINE SHONK is the author of the novel HAPPY NOW? and the story collection THE RED PASSPORT, a Chicago Tribune Best Book of the Year. Her writing has appeared in Best American Short Stories, McSweeney’s, Tin House, and elsewhere. She works as an editor for Harvard University and lives in Chicago with her husband and daughter.

We're sorry, but we couldn't find any translators matching your search. Please try using different keywords or check back later as we regularly update our collection.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Country
United States
Original Language
English
Publisher
Farrar

RELATED FEATURES

News May 21 2026

2026 Dublin Literary Award Winner Revealed

Discover this year's winner!
Video May 16 2026

Brigitte Giraud – Live Fast Q&A

Q&A Session with 2026 Dublin Literary Award shortlisted author Brigitte Giraud, author of Live Fast, exploring the inspirations behind her novel.
Video May 12 2026

Laurent Binet – Perspective(s) Q&A

Check out our Q&A with Laurent Binet, author of shortlisted title Perspective(s), as he discusses the inspirations behind his work and reflects on the role libraries have played in shaping his journey
Video May 8 2026

Ali Smith – Gliff Q&A

Shortlisted author Ali Smith discusses the creative inspirations behind Gliff and reflects on the significance of libraries throughout her reading and writing life in our latest Q&A.

STAY CONNECTED

Stay in touch and sign up to our newsletter to receive all the latest news and updates on the Dublin Literary Award.