The Happy Isles

"The Happy Isles" by Basil King is a story set in the early 1900s that starts with a young boy whose first eight months are filled with happiness and the warmth of those caring for him. As the story moves forward, it looks closely at what it means to grow up, showing both the happiness and the pain. The readers watch as this young boy slowly becomes caught up in difficult situations where he faces both love and neglect. Initially, readers get a clear view of the nursery through the eyes of the eight-month-old baby. He sees everything around him as fascinating, unaware of the difficulties that await him. The story also tells about the lives of those who care for him, like Miss Nash, a nursemaid who has a hard time dealing with her feelings and the things she is expected to do. The boy's perfect world is suddenly turned upside down by happenings that greatly change his life. The beginning sets a strong emotional tone, suggesting the tests and troubles that will shape the boy’s life, making it a fascinating start for people who like stories about being strong and the complicated ways people connect with each other.