While waiting for the eighth novel by bestselling author Agnès Martin-Lugand, the editorial team invites you to (re)discover her first novel that has seduced the hearts of the public: Happy people read and drink coffee. Diane is unable to mourn her husband and daughter, who died suddenly in a road accident. She wishes she had died with them that day, but life clings to her. On a whim, desperate and above all obstinate to flee reality and her surroundings, she will flee to the depths of Ireland in order to plunge into total isolation. But, life has not said its last word…
Thematic
Contrary to what the title of the book might suggest, this book deals with quite painful and heavy themes.
Mourning
One of the main themes of the book is mourning. Diane, the heroine of the book, lost her six-year-old daughter and her partner in a violent way. Unable to move forward and face life, we discover it in a self-destructive spiral, withdrawn and prisoner of the memories of the past. But the reader understands why she cannot move forward: the pain paralyzes her. As the book progresses, the character goes through his stages of mourning. We discover her in a stage of depression and pain where she flees acceptance. Agnès Martin-Lugand deals delicately with this theme, showing that mourning loved ones is difficult. It seems insurmountable, but with the right people around you, you can do it. Although grief is not the only element present in the book, or even mentioned explicitly, it is the common thread of Diane's Irish adventure. This will push her into unforeseen but beneficial situations.
Self-discovery
Another very important theme present in this book is self-discovery. While she takes refuge in a cottage in Ireland, Diane will be confronted with herself… But also to his execrable neighbor Edward, as well as his sister Judith and the old couple, Jack and Abby. We can guess the influence of Agnès Martin-Lugand's profession (Psychologist) on her style and on character development. Each in its own way will bring out the different facets of Diane's personality. Rude, aggressive and solitary, Edward will immediately put his nerves raw. Through their bad understanding, Diane will find her fiery temperament and find her priorities. Jack and Abby treat the Frenchwoman as friends. Their kindness and discretion will reconnect Diane with the world. Judith's playfulness and lightness will push Diane to resurface in the world of the living. All these themes are skilfully and delicately linked. The result is a very delightful read. 
Front cover
Style
Relying mainly on dialogue and short sentences, the result is a light novel, addictive and with a very good pace. The reader is immediately carried by Diane's emotions and cannot help but feel them himself. By using first person and everyday language, the reader feels invested in the book. He witnesses the conflict and internal pain that inhabits Diane. This method of writing makes it very easy for the reader to make connections and become attached to this character. The author treats the themes delicately with hints of humor that raise the reader's morale and demonstrate that the goal is to live, not just survive. We do not remain marble by reading certain dialogues injected with humor or very French irony. Humor is neither forced nor inappropriate. On the contrary, it is an effective remedy for depression. The way it is used throughout the book allows the reader to breathe before diving back into Diane's story, without breaking the established rhythm.
Overall Impressions
Agnès Martin-Lugand offers us endearing characters and an adventure about human resilience, without falling into the meandering or clichés. It is a simple and quick read, ideal for passing the time. This book allows readers to flee to Ireland without leaving the comfort of their sofas and allowing them to enjoy a good cup of coffee.
Happy people reading and drinking coffee is a very pleasant work to read. Readers will be seduced by the outspokenness and the diverse personalities of the characters. This novel is read quickly and in one go with a pleasure that pushes the reader to always want more.
This book is available in electronic version and in bookstores. It was published in 2013 by Michel Lafon.
