Aren A. Morris
As part of the city’s war effort, Polly Tremblay decides to train and work as a welder at the Halifax Shipyards. Affirmed by her work, Polly’s journey toward personal and professional independence begins. Soon, Victory in Europe is declared and Halifax erupts into riotous chaos - along with Polly’s future. Navigating the V.-E. Day mobs, Polly searches for her mother, the courage to forge her own path, and the soul of the city she adores.
Inspired by the real-life Halifax Five (a group of wartime female welders from across Nova Scotia), Aren A. Morris shares the provocative story of an exceptional young woman torn between being true to herself or the expectations of others. At its heart, We Happy Few is about women's work and pleasure, and who gets to decide what that is.
Now available!
Book Club 5 Pack & Author visit
5 copies of the Second Edition of We Happy Few at a 20% discount, plus a 30-60 min in-person or virtual visit (depending on location) with the author. Only $100!
*Pick up only in HRM (Nova Scotia). Additional cost for shipping when required.
Aren A. Morris is a Halifax-based educator and theatre maker. While this is Aren’s debut novel, her other works and endeavors (including creativity retreats, children’s theatre, and collaborations with local artists) have inspired audiences for years. She pulls her inspiration from: local stories, former students and time spent in nature with her husband and two children.
Reviews
“Tension building and parallel storylines kept this reader enthralled. Vivid descriptions of wartime Halifax and in particular the explanations for the rioting that took place there during the time victory was announced, are captivating. It is obvious that much research and thought went into the crafting of this story.
-Lana Shupe, Author & Atlantic Book Reviews
"I felt a kinship with Polly as I watched her grow from the girl she was to the woman she becomes throughout the course of the book. The book explores themes of independence, sexuality, freedom and exploring one’s own compass. I would highly recommend it!”
Katie Feltmate, Author of Love in the Age of Quarantine
“We Happy Few is a compellingly rendered work of historical fiction that is fine-tuned in its details. I was immersed in 1945 Halifax, in the work of the female welders in the Shipyards during the Second World War, and most of all, in the story of Polly, whose passion and spirit are so vividly drawn. I related to her, I rooted for her, and I felt like she became a dear friend.”
Chantelle Rideout, Author of Sotto Voce
“Honestly, it was one of the most refreshing depictions of a woman in that time period I’ve ever read. You don’t typically hear about women like this in history/ see them portrayed.”
-Lindsay Harrington, Author of the forthcoming memoir Free or Less: A Reckoning on Life without Children
“I really enjoyed reading and learning about the V.E Day (Victory in Europe) riots in Halifax. The hours of May 7th and 8th were so well described, that you could see in your mind’s eye what the city was going through at the time.”
-Sue Slade, Dartmouth Book Exchange Reviews