Post date: Jan 16, 2015 1:28:49 PM
Book
Hector and the Search for Happiness
by
Francois Lelord (translated by Lorenza Garcia)
Reviewed edition (2010) London: Gallic Books
Review
This book is better known for the eponymous film, starring Simon Pegg, which was released in 2014. It is an entertaining but simple story with a message about happiness. Lelord is a psychologist who chose to write the book in this format rather than as a non-fiction self-help book.
Hector is a fictional psychiatrist who is feeling somewhat dissatisfied with his life and with his inability to help some of his clients. He embarks on a journey to discover the secrets of happiness. And has a succession of adventures along the way from which he draws his 'lessons' about what makes people happy. Towards the end of the book he meets with a professor and links his ideas about happiness with what science has discovered about happiness.
The style of writing is naïve and innocent almost as though writing for a child. For example sex is repeatedly described as 'what people do when they're in love'. This somewhat irritating stylistic choice makes the adult reader feel unsure whether it is for them or for children, however the overall effect is mildly amusing.
In terms of content I was aware that Hector's 'lessons' in happiness did relate to scientific findings, and I was pleased when, towards then end of the book, there were chapters relating to them. Overall it tells us nothing new – but what is known is clearly and very simply explained.
I did like Hector's grouping of his findings into what he described as five 'families of happiness' (p154): two families of exciting happiness (the joys and pleasures, and goal related happiness – setting and achieving goals); two families of calm happiness (contentment, and cultivating serenity - mindfulness); and finally happiness that comes from others (connectedness and helping others).
Academic interest
This is not an academic book.
Practitioners
This book is probably too simplistic for many practitioners, but some my find its simple way of explaining the science of happiness helpful – particularly, perhaps, in the final chapter when Hector is applying what he has learnt to his work.
Self-helpers
It is not really a self-help book, but it might be that reading it would not only be fun, but would also give the reader a little more perspective on their own lives.
Best Bits
It is a quick and very easy read,and it does contain some valid and very simple messages about happiness.
At the back of the book the author answers questions about the book, and this is where he says:
'I truly believe that Hector's adventures make more of an impact on readers than a straightforward practical guide which offers advice at the end of each chapter.' (p166)
About the author
Francois Lelord has written non-fiction psychology books, and Hector is a fictional novel, and the first in a series called 'Hector's Journeys'. Next in the series is 'Hector and the Secrets of Love'.