In Anne Giardini’s bestselling debut novel, The Sad TruthAbout Happiness, Maggie, the perfect middle daughter of eccentric parents,finds herself on an impulsive quest for happiness, together with her sister Lucy’snewborn son. It’s a journey that will take her across the country—andultimately lead her home.

A poignant and sharply witty novel that’s a joy to share aswell as to read, The Sad Truth About Happiness explores theproblems of family, love, work, friendship and loyalty with a warm and deeplyfelt affection for its fallible, likable characters. Giardini is a masterful andgenerous storyteller.

Combining a spirited fairy tale plot with an eloquent mediation on the nature of happiness, The Sad Truth About Happiness by Anne Giardini is a luminous first novel by the daughter of the late Carol Shields. Written during her mother's final struggle with breast cancer, The Sad Truth About Happiness shares much in common with Shields's haunting last novel, Unless. Giardini was a columnist for the National Post for three years and is the author or numerous essays, stories and articles. She is one of five children, and lives in Vancouver.

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