Happy is the One

by Katie Allen

Imagine you knew exactly when you were going to die…

Robin Edmund Blake is halfway through his life.

Born in 1986, when Halley’s Comet crossed the sky, he is destined to go out with it, when it returns in 2061. Until that day, he can’t die. He has proof.

With his future mapped out in minute detail, a lucrative but increasingly dull job in the City of London, and Gemma to share his life with, Robin has a plan to be remembered forever.

But when Robin’s sick father has one accident too many, the plan starts to unravel. Robin must return home to the tiny seaside town of Eastgate, learn to care for the man who never really cared for him, and face the childhood ghosts he fled decades ago.

Desperate to get his life back on schedule, he connects with fellow outsider Astrid. Brutally direct, sharp-witted and a lecturer at a nearby university, she’s unlike anyone he’s ever met. But Astrid is hiding something and someone from Robin and he’s hiding even more from her.

A warmly funny, poignant and exquisite novel about coming home and letting go, Happy Is the One asks what is truly important in a chaotic, unpredictable world…

Genres: Fiction

300 pages, Paperback

Published January 16, 2025

About the author

I grew up in Warwickshire and now live in South London with my husband, children, dog, cat and stick insects. My first novel, Everything Happens for a Reason, was published in 2021 and praised for its mix of humour, honesty and raw emotion. My second book, Happy is the One, will be published in January 2025.

I write fiction with autobiographical elements, and I hope to touch on experiences that many of us grapple with. My upcoming novel, Happy is the One, draws on the challenges of caring for a sick parent and coming to terms with childhood losses.

My first novel drew on my experience of stillbirth - a topic I hope to bring out of the shadows. Our son, Finn, was stillborn in 2010, and my grief and the experience of being on maternity leave without a baby inspired my main character in Everything Happens for a Reason. And yes, as with my character, someone did say to me “Everything happens for a reason”, driving me to distraction but ultimately fuelling this novel.

I used to be a reporter and columnist at the Guardian and Observer, and started my career as a Reuters correspondent in Berlin and London.

When I'm not writing or walking children and dogs, I love baking, watching comedies, reading news and wishing I had written other people’s brilliant novels. I also love quiz shows and forcing friends to do quizzes and I waste hours meandering on the web - but I put that to some use by appearing on the TV show Pointless with my brother Nic.

I love books by A M Homes, Michael Frayn, Siri Hustvedt, Sarah Winman, Maria Semple and George Orwell. I don’t think I will ever get tired of re-watching The West Wing, The Blues Brothers or Back to the Future.

If you like ginger cats and/or vain dogs you can follow me and my pets on Instagram (monkey_and_miko)

Reviews

[Penny Haw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Among the joys of being an author are the invitations one receives to read advance copies of other authors’ books. Katie Allen's eagerly awaited second novel, Happy is the One is one that made me very happy. She’s among the funniest, smartest and most original authors around.

Happy is the One tells the story of Robin Banks, an accountant who has his life planned out according to the elliptical orbit of a comet. His plans go awry when he’s compelled to return to his hometown and take care of his ailing father. What follows is a funny, heartwarming and unpredictable story of old friendships, new connections and fresh perspectives. I laughed, cried, and loved every minute of the ride with Robin. If you enjoy books about quirky characters, who approach life differently—like Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, A Man Called Ove and The Cactus—you'll enjoy Happy is the One.

[Joanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a real heartwarming and beautifully written story that had me completely hooked all the way through. The characters are lovable and real, and their chemistry is perfect. I loved Robin from the start; his outlook on life being totally different from anyone else’s and a bit crazy too. His relationships with others, especially his dad and Danny, felt very real and relatable. It’s a book full of mixed emotions and Katie Allen has a gift for blending humor, depth, and emotion, making this book a joy to read from start to finish. 5 ⭐️

[Sally Boocock · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolute belter of a novel.It introduces the reader to Robin who knows the date he's going to die. Unfortunately he has to return to Eastgate from London to look after his sick father. Whilst there he reconnects with Danny his school friend and thus begins an assortment of adventures.
I defy anyone not to cry or laugh out loud. This novel is a whole host of emotions that pull you to the end. It has a wonderful cast of lovable characters who get right under your skin. Absolutely fabulous.

[HJ Bramma · Rating 5 out of 5]

We join Robin (as in the bird) as he moves home to Eastgate to look after his ailing father, the story moves through his failed relationship, his obsession with Halley’s Comet and reconnecting with his childhood friend.
He reminisces on the past and plans his future in detail a wonderful snippet into a few months of Robins life, highly recommended.

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Way way back in June 2021 I read and reviewed Katie Allen's debut novel; Everything Happens For A Reason. I fell in love with her writing style instantly. It has been a long wait but I am delighted that Happy Is The One is now published.

Fans of Matt Cain, Freya North, Mike Gayle and Jojo Moyes will love this novel. Katie Allen's compassionate and engaging story telling is utterly addictive. Her characters are wholesome, realistic and totally human.

Robin Edmund Blake knows exactly when he will die. He is currently half way through his life, he is thirty seven years old and the rest of his life is carefully planned out, with spreadsheets to back it all up. He was born when Halley's Comet crossed the sky and he knows that he will die when it returns in 2061, just like Mark Twain!

Robin's firm plans go awry when it becomes clear that his sick father needs him. Robin moves back to the small town of Eastgate where he spent his childhood, to care for his Dad. This move opens up so much for Robin, he has to deal with the issues that caused him to move away in the first place. He never felt as though his Dad really cared for him, especially after his Mum was killed in a car accident, it's a struggle for him, having to communicate with this man who can no longer speak.

Growing up, Robin's best mate was Danny. They lost touch years ago and Robin knows that they are bound to bump into each other. They do, and their reunion is joyful to follow. Two blokes, with so much history that they probably should deal with, but instead they find new issues to sort out. The banter and the friendship is beautifully created.

Robin begins a slight romantic entanglement with Astrid. With her bright red hair and her enormous scarves, Astrid is also something of an outsider. This relationship is not all plain sailing, but it is warm and funny in places.

Robin, Danny and Astrid are our three main characters but there is a fabulous cast of supporting people too. From Jackie the carer, to Bee, Danny's Mum, each and every one of them have their own special place in this fabulous story.

There is absolute heartbreak, be prepared. There are also times that you will chuckle, and times that you will sigh as Robin makes yet another suspect decision. Not only is this a wonderful novel, elegantly written, with characters that you will come to love; it is also a lesson in life. Robin has planned everything to the exact day, but this is real life and things come along that will totally upset your plans, but have to be dealt with.

As much as we (and Robin) would like to be ordered and prepared, we aren't and we can't. We have to seize the moment, we have to realise that today, here and now, is our life and we have to treasure it and try to live it to its fullest. Bravo Katie Allen; Happy Is The One is beautiful, I loved every page. Highly recommended by me.

[Cal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow, what can I say about Happy Is The One by Katie Allen? As with her debut novel Everything Happens For A Reason, this is a beautiful and sensitively written story that quite simply took my breath away.

There is something about Katie’s writing that really does move me on a personal level, working its way under my skin as it deals with issues such as loss, grief and the difficulties that come with caring for a loved one. Told with compassion and insight, there is an authenticity to this author’s words that I love, making Robin’s story a moving and relatable one – and I absolutely loved it!

Born in 1986 just as Halley’s Comet crossed the sky, Robin is convinced he is destined to go out with it when it returns in 2061. Until that day, he believes he can’t die – and he has proof.

With a future he has mapped out in the finest detail, he is determined to leave his mark on the world. But when Robin’s father becomes too sick to manage alone, everything changes. Returning home, all the plans he had so carefully made begin to unravel – and he must learn to adapt to a new way of life, caring for a father who never seemed to care for him, and to face up to the ghosts of his past that have come back to haunt him…

But as incredibly moving and thought provoking as it is, Happy Is The One is also a story filled with warmth and humour as it brings these characters oh so vividly to life, touching on themes of family relationships and friendship as Robin begins to navigate his new normal, even managing to make a new friend in the wonderfully unique Astrid – who I loved!

As someone who is no stranger to losing a parent (after recently losing my mum after a long illness) and is the full time carer to an adult daughter, I could relate to so much of what Robin was feeling. Katie Allen never shies away from the tough stuff, showing the harsh reality of what it’s like to be a carer for someone you love – and everything that entails, from taking care of personal hygiene needs to the overwhelming loneliness and frustration you can’t help but feel.

Happy Is The One is a heart achingly beautiful story that I know will stay with me for a long time to come. Katie Allen’s writing is breathtaking, moving me in ways very few authors can. I loved Robin with his quirky ways and felt a kind of kinship with him as I willed him to finally find the happiness and peace of mind that he so desperately craved.

An outstanding novel that’s every bit as good as her debut, Happy Is The One by Katie Allen is an unforgettable read that I would highly recommend.

[Emma-Claire Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Witty, wise and warm - a truly original novel that tugs at the heartstrings"
It's always an honour to be asked to read a novel before it's had the chance to reach the hands of the wider public. It feels like a glimpse at something truly special. But some books just feel a little more special than others.
Katie's debut novel, Everything Happens for a Reason, tackled the tough subjects of grief and friendship with such a delicate and compassionate touch, so I was intrigued as to what this fabulous author would tackle next.

In Happy is the One, Katie has raised the bar. This original, witty and remarkable second novel follows Robin as he navigates a tough time in his life, you see, Robin knows exactly when he is going to die, and he has everything planned out. Until that is, he has to take the trip home to look after his ailing father.
This utterly compelling and truly unique novel will take you on a journey through tears to laughter and back again.

I loved every page of this sparkling novel, and if you have been a fan of books like A Man Called Ove or The One Hundred Years of Lennie and Margot, this book is right up your street.

Katie Allen writes with such compassion and subtle humor but manages to inject a real sense of wisdom and depth into her storytelling, creating characters that feel authentic and profoundly moving. I didn't want to leave the world she created behind and I am already eagerly anticipating her next book."

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"Katie Allen raises the bar once more with a novel so full of heart it will pull on your heartstrings and nestle itself into your soul. A truly accomplished and sparkling second novel."

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do if you knew exactly when you were going to die? How would you live your life? These are the questions posed by Katie Allen, via the thoughts and actions of her protagonist, Robin Blake. Robin has lived his whole life - 37 years of it so far - believing that he knows exactly when he will die, give or take a few days, because of the fact that he was born on the date that Halley's Comet last appeared in earth's orbit. It is something he has been told, and has told everyone he meets, ever since he was a young child, and he has had many incident that would prove the theory to be correct, even if it did making a laughing stock of his school. Forced to return to his childhood home to look after his father, everything Robin though he knew is about to be challenged, and the future he thought he had all planned out will be turned out of shape by more than just gravity.

I really enjoyed, if that is the right expression, Katie Allen's previous novel, Everything Happens For A Reason, and I have to say I feel the same way about this latest offering, but for very different reasons. EHFAR really speaks to the emotional impact of loss, and, in some ways Happy Is The One does the same thing but from a different angle. Robin is a very likeable character, and his life, and in particular his relationship wot his father, has been greatly affected by loss, in this case the loss of his mother when he was young. It is partly the accident that killed her that has given such strength to his conviction that he cannot die until the Halley's comet is back in orbit, but in spite of all of his assertions, Katie Allen skilfully paints a picture of a man who is so obsessed with planning the perfect life, that he has actually forgotten how to live.

But there is something very human and endearing about Robin's reactions to everything, from his father's illness, to the various carers who breeze in and out of the house, rekindling childhood friendships, and the early stirrings of new romantic entanglements. And they really are the most tangled of entanglements. At times it felt that he had been so caught up in his planning, that experiencing life now was like watching someone regress to the teenage years that he forgot to live. Getting drunk, hiding out on the kitchen roof to avoid people ... Katie Allen has brought out the humour in Robin's actions, whilst still capturing the poignancy and frustration of his relationship with his father.

The friendship between Robin and Danny is one of the highlights of the book, as is his blossoming romance with the far more relaxed than Robin, Astrid. Danny is the cheese to Robin's chalk. One straight and contained, the other likely to come in any number of sizes shapes and flavours depending on the day of the week and the circumstances under which they meet. I liked the ease with which the two fell into step with one another, Robin allowing himself to be carried away by Danny's dreams, and the banter, as well as the occasional tension, between the pair felt very authentic. Astrid is almost a polar opposite to Robin too, and there are some awkward revelations to come, but the way in which the author navigates these, the highs and the lows, really did make some of the warmest moments in the book.

There are some really emotional scenes in this book, ones that caught me a little by surprise if I am honest. It all added to the magic of this book though, even if in a very tragic way. And this is a book that will honestly make you think. About how you live your life and the precious moments that could be missed whilst trying to find the perfect one. By planning every moment of his life, Robin seemed to forget the one key thing, to just enjoy it. For someone who believed he couldn't die, he seemed to be living a rather restrained and organised existence, when it was the moments where he let himself go that the real beauty happened. So yes, I did wonder if in worrying too much about what might happen, I could be missing what is happening right here and now. Whether you have 30 years or 90, there are 525,600 minutes in a year (527,040 in a leap year). Do you want to waste a single one of them.

A fun, fresh and thought provoking story of family, friendship and learning to live in the moment. Heartily recommended.

[Lynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a lovely story. In 1986 when Robin Edmund Blake was born Halley’s Comet was seen in the sky above earth and when he was old enough to understand this Robin is convinced that he cannot die until 2061 when the comet is next due in earths orbit. Robin is a great character, who, after losing his mother at a young age, was changed by his terrible loss and the accident that caused it.

Briefly, now 37 years old Robin is an accountant in the City of London and lives with Gemma. He has his whole life planned out but there is a spanner in the works when his father needs caring for so he has to go home and look after the man who he believed never loved him. Back home he meets university professor Astrid, and his life is about to change, spanner number 2!

This is a character/relationship driven novel and what wonderful characters they are. It felt like Robin had regressed back to his teens, doing all the things he had missed out on in his mapped out life. I loved watching his changing relationships with his father, Danny and Astrid, and how he finally seems to have screwed up his life plan and thrown it away. This is a heartwarming and emotional story that genuinely made me feel all warm and happy as I read it, not that it’s all happy but there is humour to counter the less happy bits! A message for everyone, live in the moment, don’t let your preconceptions colour your life. Loved this book, a very enjoyable read.

[Tripfiction · Rating 5 out of 5]

Character driven novel set in ENGLAND



This novel has a really interesting premise. Robin was born on the day that Halley's comet passed through the skies and he has come to understand that his life will continue until the day when Halley's comet once again streaks above the world in 2061. Echoes of Mark Twain who said "I came in with Halley's Comet in 1835. It is coming again next year, and I expect to go out with it.." (and for your information, he did die on the appointed day!).

Robin is, by his own estimation, halfway between birth and death, in his later 30s and he has created a life plan (he is an accountant, after all). It is, however, thwarted when his father's health deteriorates and Robin feels obligated (pressured, even) to return to his childhood home of Eastgate to supervise his father's care. That is a real curveball because they have had a tricky relationship over the years.

Back in Eastgate he reignites his friendship with his childhood chum, Danny. There is a lot of catching up to do And then there is Astrid who has caught his eye. These are tangled relationships, beautifully captured with witty dialogue, compassion and, at some level, fun. But life is not linear, there are poignant moments too.

This is a character driven novel that is sweet and generous, with a lot of emotion packed into the 320+ pages.

[Vanessa Wild · Rating 4 out of 5]

Halley’s Comet made an appearance in the night skies in 1986, the same year Robin Blake is born. In the wake of a tragic accident when Robbie is 12, he is convinced he knows the date of his death - 2061 which is when Halley’s Comet is due to return. He plans his life out based on this fact but when he has to return to his childhood home to look after his father, things don’t seem to be panning out as well as he thinks they should. What would you do with your life and time on earth if you knew your date for shuffling off this mortal coil? Gives food for thought, doesn’t it?

This is a quirky story, it certainly contains a message. It’s a tale about friendship, grief, guilt and finding yourself amongst the debris. There are lessons to be learnt here - to live in the moment and not look too far into the future as that can be quite a minefield for the brain. Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift that’s why we call it the present. It’s a beautifully written book with some fascinating characters, although I did find Robin a little immature for his years. I loved Astrid, quite a fun person to know I would think. There are some very humorous moments as well moving ones which kept me turning the pages. A heartwarming, engaging and enjoyable easy read.

[Diane Lillie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy is the One is one of the most beautiful books I have read in a very long time.
This book has everything needed to make it very easy for me to give it 5 stars.
The main character Robin was born with the arrival of Halley's comet in 1986 and truly believes he knows he will die when it returns in 2061. He has his life mapped out and planned for according to this fact. However, when he decides to live with and care for his elderly ailng father things begin to become not so clear as they once may have been.
I found myself really cheering Robin on ,he is such a wonderful lovable character.
This is a story of life and death, Friendship and what it can endure, love and understanding. It is a very thought provoking read but also has plenty of lighthearted humour.
The author is to be applauded for how sensitively they handled the subject of grief, caring for elderly parents and the very tough, heartbreaking decisions that come to most of us. I felt very emotional at times. Also for the very realistic glimpse into the world of care workers.
I really adored this book and will be recommending to all of my friends and family

[Angi Plant · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thoughts

What a beautiful read. This is the type of book that will make you laugh, cry and truly feel for the characters. Especially the main character, Robin. We start with a man who has stopped living, and is counting down the days to his predicted death. This was brought about through grief for the loss of his mother when he was a boy.
Robin’s whole life changes when he has to go home to look after his father. Not having had a teenage life Robin makes new and rekindles old friendships. This is a story not just about grief, but friendship, and learning to be yourself in the world. I don’t want to call this a coming of age tale, but in a sense it is. Even though Robin is an adult he needs to find himself, be the teenager he couldn’t be and have fun.
I’d heartily recommend reading this book as it really is lovely. Be prepared to feel everything and just cheer Robin on in learning to be himself. A fantastic character based summer read full of heart and discovery. It’s such a relatable story that I couldn’t put it down.
With thanks to Anne Cater, the publisher and the author for the advanced reading copy of this book. @monkey_and_miko @orendabooks @randomthingstours

[Elizabeth Currie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Happy is the One is a delightfully endearing story - funny but often moving, and with some thought-provoking sentiments at its heart.

On the day Robin Bailey was born in 1986, Halley’s Comet made an appearance - and he now believes he knows when he will die, 2061 when Halley’s Comet returns. Accountant Robin has based has based his life on that assumption - but when he returns home to care for his elderly father, his hitherto carefully ordered life takes some unexpected turns.

This is a wonderfully quirky story - Robin may be a little “unusual” but there is something enormously endearing about him as he deals with his dad, reconnects with his childhood best friend, forming new relationships and re-evaluating life.

This is a book that reminds you to live in the moment, and not become too bogged down in what might happen in the future. It’s a delightful blend of humour and emotion that had me laughing one minute and choked up the next - and all adds up to a thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

I really enjoyed this book — it’s a sweet, thoughtful, and quite a quirky story that was easy to settle into.

One of the things I liked most was the slightly quirky edge to the characters and the storyline — it gave the book a bit of charm and made it feel a little different from the usual. I especially liked Robin, Danny, and Astrid; they were all well-drawn and felt very real, and I found myself genuinely caring about what happened to them.

That said, it wasn’t quite a page-turner for me or the kind of book I couldn’t put down, which is why I’ve given it 3.5 stars rather than a higher rating. But it was still an enjoyable and well-written read, and I’m glad to have had the opportunity to read it.

[B. Fleetwood · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoughtful and engaging read with beautifully drawn characters. Robin Blake has a frustratingly self-destructive mindset - convinced he will die when Halley’s Comet reappears - and spends his life planning for how he will finance, occupy and use his remaining years. Saddled with caring for his father -who needs round the clock care - Robin’s poor communication skills and avoidance tactics make him utterly quirky and utterly real.
I found this to be a heartwarming and witty read with many touching moments.
If you enjoyed “Elinor Oliphant is Completely Fine”, you’ll enjoy “Happy is the One”.
Many thanks for allowing me to read an advance copy.

[Sue Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Robin is convinced that because he was born during Haley's comet he will die at the next Haley's comet in 2061 he lives his whole life planning out his life. Having to move back to Eastgate from London to be his dad's carer he has to change his life completely he had high hopes that Gemma his girlfriend would be joining him but she decides against the move. After making up with his old school friend Danny he gets entangled with Danny's ex wife Astrid. Lots going on in this book a lovely heartwarming read. But just imagine if you knew exactly when you were to die. A scary thought.

[Naturalbri (Bri Wignall) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and the emotions it shared with me. I had a feeling it was going to o be an interesting one, with the way the main character was described, but I did not expect it to open up quite as much as it did.
This is a wonderful read that really looks at the joy and hardships of friendships, especially when you are not completely honest with one another. It really play on just what secrets can do, but also looks at how opening up to someone one can give you a host of opportunities you had not considered previously.
It was a lovely read and lots of fun. I highly recommend

[Emma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A test for me after finishing a novel is how much the characters stay with me, and how much of the novel remains lodged in my head/heart (if at all). The answer here is - a great deal .Katie Allen weaves a very affecting story of friendship, love & loss and asks big questions along the way about how we live our lives and what really matters. She does so with great intelligence & humour. Highly recommended.

[julie young · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really funny, heart warming story about caring for an elderly parent, returning to the family home and all its memories, good an bad. Relationships, friends and break ups. Life and death. A truly enjoyable entertaining read.

[Sonja Charters · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a strange little read that I found quite different to my usual reads - but that I found quirky and fun overall.

 

It took me a little while to really get into this as we meet Robin and hear all about his idea that he knows when he's going to die.

It was a strange concept and quite thought-provoking.

What would we do, if we knew the exact date we were going to die?

What would we do differently?

 

As things start to change for Robin and we head back to his childhood home to care for his dad, we learn much more about Robin's life and maybe the motivations for his behaviour.

 

The writing style drew me in after a while and I really enjoyed the odd relationship that Robin and Astrid developed.

It was fascinating getting to know them both.

 

There were some funny moments throughout which kept this a nice light story - but the underlying themes of grief and guilt were still well explored.

 

 

 

 

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an ok book. I didnt mind it. I cant imagine worrying about your death around a comet tho.
It was a lighthearted read.

[Yvette Salmon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book with good characters and storyline. Liked the chemistry of the characters. A sensitive story that really touches the heart strings. Well worth a read.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was well written with good characterisation, but it didn't feel heartwarming to me. It felt rather bleak.

[Francesca Moccia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved this book it’s a meaningful, poignant story! . Entertaining and witty from start to finish. The characters are robust and relatable. 5 stars!

[Angela Kitchen · Rating 4 out of 5]

all about what happens when you live, not just plan to live

[Arkgirl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Moving, funny and with memorable characters. Happy is the one starts with the premise that Robin, because of his birthdates link with Halley's Comet believes he knows how many years he has to live and is planning accordingly but when his Dad's health leads him home and impacts his job/relationships things start to unravel and change.
Robin, his Dad, Danny [his best friend from school] and Astrid [Danny's ex], plus many more, make for an interesting and engaging cast of characters. It is a moving tale and having cared for a parent I found that aspect particularly resonated.
I will certainly look out for more books by this author.

[Staceywh_17 · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful read! It's the first I've read from Allen and on the strength of this one I've bought myself a copy of Everything Happens for a Reason too.

It's a heartwarming read that evoked a plethora of emotions and turned out to be quite the thought provoker too...If I knew the day I was going to die I'd be in full blown panic attack mode 24/7...I struggle with Thanataphobia.

The characters are charming. Their personalities shone and their chemistry was second to none.

Beautifully written. Thoroughly enjoyable. Highly recommended.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy Is The One is a heartfelt and witty read that perfectly balances grief and hope with warmth and humour. Robin’s quirky comet storyline, combined with his devastating family situation and a cast of believable characters, makes for a touching and heartwarming story.