Secrets, Buried Trauma and ‘Weird Goth Children’ — Meet Amber Sparks’ “Happy People Don’t Live Here” (Exclusive)

Cover Reveal: Amber Sparks’ ‘Happy People Don’t Live Here’

Amber Sparks, a renowned author known for her compelling stories, essays, and non-fiction works, is set to release her long-awaited debut novel, “Happy People Don’t Live Here,” this fall. The novel, described as a “darkly funny gothic tale perfect for Halloween,” promises to captivate readers with its intriguing storyline and unique characters. PEOPLE has the exclusive opportunity to unveil its cover, offering a glimpse into the world that Sparks has crafted.

The narrative unfolds around a reclusive mother and her saturnine daughter as they embark on a new chapter in a haunted apartment building, surrounded by eccentric neighbours, including a professional mermaid and a handyman-turned-medium. Their lives take a mysterious turn when they stumble upon a dead body in the dumpster, setting the stage for a captivating journey filled with secrets and buried trauma.

When asked to summarise the essence of “Happy People Don’t Live Here,” Sparks finds it challenging to encapsulate its complexity in a few words. Drawing inspiration from a diverse range of influences, including writers Thomas Pynchon, Barbara Comyns, and filmmaker Wes Anderson, Sparks has woven a narrative that delves into themes of mystery, secrets, buried trauma, and the intricacies of mother-daughter relationships.

Reflecting on her creative process, Sparks shares that the novel’s exploration of mothers and daughters holds personal significance, as she grappled with the loss of her own mother during its inception. This emotional journey not only shaped the narrative but also infused it with a deeper layer of authenticity and poignancy.

Despite the weighty themes it delves into, “Happy People Don’t Live Here” also offers moments of levity and humour. Sparks believes that humour can be found even in the most challenging aspects of life, including death, revealing a nuanced approach that balances darkness with light-heartedness.

Within the pages of the novel, readers can expect to encounter a tapestry of motifs and influences that mirror Sparks’ own eclectic interests and experiences. From the gothic trappings to the presence of ghosts, each element serves to create a rich and immersive reading experience that invites readers into the author’s intricate world of storytelling.

As “Happy People Don’t Live Here” prepares to launch on October 13, readers can anticipate a gripping narrative that intertwines the supernatural with the everyday, offering a poignant exploration of life, death, and the enduring bonds between mothers and daughters. With its blend of mystery, humour, and gothic intrigue, Sparks’ debut novel promises to be a captivating addition to the literary landscape.

In conclusion, Amber Sparks’ upcoming novel stands as a testament to the power of storytelling to illuminate the complexities of the human experience and offer solace in the face of life’s uncertainties. As readers eagerly await the release of “Happy People Don’t Live Here,” they can anticipate an immersive and thought-provoking journey through the author’s evocative storytelling.