State Of Happiness (Longlisted For Orange Prize For Fiction

'Duffy is best known for her sharp insights and sharper wit, and both are on display here...Brave, understated and unforgettable' DAILY MAIL When Jack and Cindy meet at a friend's party they are immediately attracted to one another. Cindy, a celebrated mapmaker, traces the contours of their relationship, from New York to LA, from first passion to real love. After five years together, Cindy and Jack think they have tested their love to its limits. But then Cindy falls dangerously ill, and the couple must face the hardest test of all. Told with wit, tenderness and unflinching honesty, STATE OF HAPPINESS is a captivating story of love and loss from a writer at the height of her powers. 'STATE OF HAPPINESS is a sharp, sobering cocktail spiked with metaphysic, immense good humour and understanding. Stella Duffy gets better and better' Ali Smith, author of HOTEL WORLD Review: A fine piece of writing ... a powerful talent... a tough, poignant book' GUARDIAN 'A wonderfully life-affirming tale of love and loss' RED 'Cindy's story shines a cold clear light on the anger, misunderstandings and recriminations that illness can introduce into even the most solid of relationships' OBSERVER 'both beautiful and challenging' GOOD HOUSEKEEPING 'Brave, understated and unforgettable' DAILY MAIL Author Biography: Stella Duffy was born in the UK and grew up in New Zealand. She has written seven novels, co-edited a crime anthology for Macmillan, acted in the West End and taught improvisational comedy to both actors and writers. She has also written several pieces for Radio 4. She lives in London.