Hector and the Search for Happiness by Francois Lelord

Hector and the Search for Happiness – Reviewed

Hector and the Search for Happiness by Francois Lelord is a wonderful tale of a young psychiatrist who goes on an adventure around the world in search of happiness.

My Book Review Rating:

Fiction or non-fiction? What’s the genre?

This is a delightful and heart-warming work of fiction.

Why did you decide to read this book?

I was asked to review this book by the publishing company – and I enjoyed every minute of it!

Summarise the plot – without revealing the ending!

Hector is a young psychiatrist who becomes disillusioned with his job because many of his patients are not ill, they are just unhappy with their lives. This begins to rub off on Hector, making him feel unhappy too. So he decides to take a holiday and visit some friends in far off countries in an attempt to discover the secret of real happiness.

What did you like about this book?

After the dark tale of politics and revolution in The Army of the Republic this book was completely the opposite. A light hearted and easy read that I tore through in a matter of hours. Given its a translation it was surprisingly well written and who wouldn’t enjoy a book about happiness?

What didn’t you like?

I really can’t think of a single thing that I didn’t like about this book!

What did you think of the main character?

Hector is brilliant, he has some great encounters during his world adventure and his reactions to those encounters make him an engaging character who is easy to relate to.

Are there any other interesting characters in the book?

I have a soft spot for Ying Li, the Chinese girl who’s life is truly changed by Hector – and who makes him realise that he is really happy and he has already found love.

Share a quote from the book:

“Lesson no. 2: Happiness often comes when least expected.”

Hector uncovers 23 Happiness lessons during the novel – but I think this one is my favourite.

Share a favourite scene from the book:

There are many scenes I enjoyed in this book which I can’t share because I’ll give away too much of the story. My favourite is the scene the morning after the night before, between Hector and Ying Li – and that’s as much as I’m telling you!

What did you think about the ending?

It was perfect

Have you read any other books by this author? What did you think of them?

No I haven’t – but if any more of his novels are translated into English I’ll be sure to look them up.

Which of your readers are likely to enjoy reading this book?

I think everyone should read this book to be reminded that we don’t need to search for happiness, it’s inside all of us and we just need to take a step back and see the bigger picture to understand that