Happy Stories, Mostly

by Norman Erikson Pasaribu
Happy Stories, Mostly cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Short Story Collections
Technical
  • ID: 4002
  • Added: 2025-10-20
  • Updated: 2025-10-20
  • ISBN: 9781952177064
  • Publisher: Feminist Press at CUNY
  • Published: 2023-06-06
  • Reviews: 3

Happy Stories, Mostly is the stunning fiction debut of queer Indonesian writer Norman Erikson Pasaribu, longlisted for the International Booker Prize. This collection of twelve short stories weaves together speculative fiction and dark absurdism, drawing from Batak and Christian cultural elements. Each story delves into the human experience of nearly finding joy and acceptance, yet never fully grasping it. The narratives are both tragic and comedic, probing the miraculous and melancholic nature of survival amid loneliness. From an employee archiving unanswered prayers in a department of Heaven to a tourist seeking solace after her son's suicide, these stories offer an oblique yet profound look at human life. /n/n The collection is praised for its unique voice and exploration of themes that resonate deeply with readers. Pasaribu's work is described as 'one of the most important Indonesian writers today' by Litro Magazine, highlighting his ability to blend cultural elements with speculative fiction in a way that is both darkly humorous and deeply moving.

Reviews
The Booker Prizes · 2025-07-03
Innovative 4.00

The collection blends science fiction, absurdism, and alternative-historical realism to challenge heteronormative norms. It offers a unique and thought-provoking reading experience.

The Booker Prizes highlights how Pasaribu's collection is a bold and innovative exploration of queer experiences. The stories are not just playful but also deeply rooted in a quest to destabilize traditional narratives. This collection is a must-read for those interested in diverse and unconventional storytelling. The reviewer appreciates the collection's ability to blend different genres and themes, making it a rich and engaging read. The stories are interconnected, creating a tapestry of queer experiences that are both heartbreaking and hopeful.

Quick quotes

    A short story collection that blends science fiction, absurdism and alternative-historical realism, aiming to destabilise the heteronormative world.

    The stories talk to each other, echo phrases and themes, and even shards of stories within other stories.

    This debut short story collection from a queer Indonesian writer explores longing, loss and missed chances.

Asymptote Journal · Arbnora Selmani · 2024-07-03
Poignant 4.25

The stories are both painful and playful, carving out a sensitive depiction of queer suffering. The collection is a significant contribution to queer literature.

Arbnora Selmani from Asymptote Journal notes that Pasaribu's stories are a delicate balance of pain and playfulness. This duality allows for a nuanced exploration of queer experiences, making the collection both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating. The reviewer particularly appreciates how Pasaribu sensitively depicts queer suffering, making it a poignant and necessary read. The collection's ability to blend these contrasting elements is what makes it stand out.

Quick quotes

    These stories are painful but also playful.

    Between these two states, Pasaribu carves out an alternate queer tradition which sensitively depicts queer suffering.

    Pasaribu's delicate yet playful storytelling.

Tony's Reading List · 2022-04-11
Engaging 3.75

The collection is enjoyable and light, with interconnected stories that create a cohesive reading experience.

Tony's Reading List finds Pasaribu's collection to be an enjoyable and light read, despite its heavy themes. The interconnectedness of the stories adds depth and coherence to the overall experience. The reviewer appreciates the playful and emotionally charged nature of the stories, which makes the collection engaging and thought-provoking. The lightness of the tone is balanced by the emotional weight of the themes, creating a unique and satisfying read.

Quick quotes

    Pasaribu's collection brings together twelve stories, running in total to around 140 pages, and on the whole it's an enjoyable, light experience.

    Playful, shape-shifting and emotionally charged.

    The stories talk to each other, echo phrases and themes, and even shards of stories within other stories.

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