Tom Newlands' "Something Like Happiness" Reviewed

Tom Newlands' novel "Something Like Happiness" offers a poignant exploration of a young Scottish couple navigating the challenges of raising an autistic child amidst economic hardship and personal turmoil. The narrative centers on Frazer and Caitlin, a couple in their mid-20s, who reside in a dilapidated flat within a struggling new town. Their five-year-old son, Jamie, is autistic and non-verbal, adding another layer of complexity to their already strained lives. The setting itself, a once-promising new town now showing signs of decay, mirrors the couple's own struggles, with faded posters proclaiming "Happiness, Here" serving as a stark contrast to their reality.

Frazer and Caitlin, who have been together since schooldays, face significant pressures. Employment opportunities are limited and unsatisfying, contributing to their financial instability. Caitlin, described as "beautiful and driven" and physically fit, is also characterized by her volatile temper. Her rage can manifest as mild irritation or escalate to violent and intimidating behavior. A central point of contention is Frazer's reluctance to relocate from their mold-infested current residence to a newly assigned council house. This new house, Apex Court, holds deep personal significance for Frazer as it is where he grew up and contains remnants of his deceased parents. It is also the only home Jamie has ever known, making the prospect of leaving particularly difficult for Frazer. Caitlin criticizes his attachment to his past, accusing him of being "the sad sack guardian of a bunch of shite that belonged to your parents, including their hovel of a flat."

The novel delves into the emotional toll this environment and these circumstances take on the couple. Frazer's deep affection for Caitlin is evident, yet he is also burdened by the weight of their shared difficulties. Caitlin's rage, while a destructive force, can also be interpreted as a reaction to the overwhelming circumstances and a desperate attempt to assert control in a life that feels increasingly out of her hands. The story highlights the tender yet often brutal realities faced by families in challenging socio-economic conditions, particularly those raising children with special needs. Newlands' work is characterized as a follow-up to his previous novel, "Only Here, Only Now," suggesting a continued interest in exploring the complexities of human relationships and societal pressures.

"Something Like Happiness" is presented as a tender take on difficult themes, including hard times, anger, and autism. The review suggests that the novel does not shy away from depicting the bleakness of the couple's situation but also finds moments of emotional depth and connection. The contrast between the characters' internal struggles and the external environment of the decaying new town underscores the novel's thematic concerns. The narrative appears to focus on the psychological and emotional impact of poverty and the challenges of caregiving, offering a nuanced portrayal of a family under immense strain.