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Jump to navigationJump to searchA Piece of Danish Happiness by Sharmi Albrechtsen (view source)
Revision as of 08:47, 18 October 2013
, 08:47, 18 October 2013no edit summary
I will say that the book isn't perfect. Albrechtsen has largely kept the format of the blog on which the book is based and so the narrative structure falters from time to time, particularly in the second half once we are past the autographical reminscences. I could have done with a more organised progression of thought and thus a better flow here. The formatting is also web-like and this could do with tidying up. Readers of books don't want to see smiley icons and they keep concentration better when there aren't double returns separating paragraphs.
Technical nitpicks aside, ''A Piece of Danish Happiness'' is an enlightening read. The theme, I think, began as one of culture shock and, after some dissection of this special happiness the Danes enjoy, ended as one of understanding and celebrating the differences in cultures. Albrechtsen herself retains her American identity but has absorbed much of the Danish ''hygge '' and ''jantelov '' that she learned about. It's all about Danes, this book, but it's also the story of an American taking part in that quintessential American journey - the ''pursuit of happiness''.
Every reader will take something of value from this enjoyable book.
