Dolen Perkins-Valdez delivers another striking work of historical fiction with Happy Land, shining a light on a remarkable chapter of American history that has long remained in the shadows. The novel explores the community of Black Americans who established a self-governed kingdom called Happy Land in the Appalachian region of western North Carolina, bringing their story to life with clarity, empathy, and narrative force.
Perkins-Valdez traces the struggles and triumphs of families determined to protect their land, identity, and future in the face of constant threats. Themes of fear, hope, resilience, and pride run through the novel, revealing the strength required to preserve a legacy when the odds are stacked at every turn. Happy Land serves as both a compelling story and a restoration of a forgotten past. Through this work, Perkins-Valdez reintroduces an overlooked piece of American history to the broader cultural conversation, ensuring it receives the recognition it deserves.
Salud to Dolen Perkins-Valdez for illuminating a forgotten chapter of history.
