Tori Whitaker’s second novel, A Matter of Happiness, is a wonderfully compelling story of two young women who exist a century apart and have matching traits of fierce independence in life and deep roots in family.
A Matter of Happiness is a dual-timeline novel. Typically, I do not particularly enjoy books that change characters, time, or situations between chapters; however, this novel is different. With relatable writing, Whitaker beautifully blends Violet Bond’s journal from the Roaring ‘20s in Detroit with Melanie Barnett’s 21st-century life in Kentucky.
The relationships of Violet and Melanie with other people in their lives – specifically, as both navigate challenging relationships with their mothers and boyfriends – are both compelling and relatable.
For instance, Violet's statement that “to wed and raise families sabotaged our power as females” is quite an observation for the 1920s when a woman could not even open an account at a financial institution in her own name.
The novel’s central theme (obvious from the title) is the pursuit of happiness and what it truly means to live a fulfilling life, especially as an unattached female. Whitaker challenges the notion that happiness is a destination in both the early 20th century (when you would not expect it) and our current 21st century.
Instead, she suggests that happiness is found in accepting life’s challenges and having the courage to embrace one’s independence.
For example, Violet moves to Detroit to work and live independently. And live she does. Along the way, she discovers she can invest her nest egg in the stock market and does so quite successfully, so she buys a car.
Melanie, on the other hand, inherits Violet's car while fighting the “good ol’ boy” network in 2018 at her distillery marketing job.
Spoiler alert: both Violet and Melanie successfully navigate the barriers that being a woman presents. “Though candy bars may rain from the sky, life will not always be sweet. Go on new adventures. Love and be loved. You can choose your happiness.”
Whitaker challenges the notion that societal definitions of success and joy (both then and now) should dictate one’s choices. Happiness comes from within and is influenced by genuine relationships. A Matter of Happiness is a beautifully crafted novel and a must-read for anyone seeking inspiration in their own journey toward happiness.
Tori Whitaker will present her new book, A Matter of Happiness, Tuesday, Dec. 3 at the Georgia Writers Museum with doors open at 6:30 p.m. for a 7 p.m. program start. Tickets are $40 each and will feature a unique gourmet meal fashioned around the theme of A Matter of Happiness. And feel free to come dressed in Roaring ‘20s attire (think The Great Gatsby)!
-Contributed by Brinkley Pound, a retired middle school teacher who lives in Greensboro. She is the author of the children’s book When Eva Hollers.