The Philosophy of a Happy Man

The new book by Peter Zhelezo “The Philosophy of a Happy Man” is a bold mix of genres, blending romantic fiction with a true, psychologically accurate depiction of reality. How many lives can one person have? The author invites the reader to become a participant in unthinkable, at times almost implausible events, which occur in different centuries and parts of the world and are united by Paul Tepper’s single overpowering emotion – his love for the woman of his dreams. The protagonist’s search for his true love becomes the main driving force behind all his actions. Paul’s pursuit of happiness requires a lot of courage. The inspiring vision of his ideal illuminates his turbulent and adventurous life - first in the former Soviet Union, where Paul begins his exploration of manhood, and then in the United States, where his remarkable energy and perseverance help him build a hugely successful business. The epic odyssey of the main character across life’s stormy seas captivates from the first to the last page. Although much of the book is the fruit of the author’s imagination, it does not lack in reality and is quite genuine, revealing a subtle knowledge of people and their motivations. The more deeply readers delve in the convoluted circumstances surrounding Paul Tepper’s quest for love, the more they identify themselves with him, invisibly present at every twist of his fate. This is not surprising, after all, people want to be happy. In many ways, the novel is an expression of its author’s own life experience: just like the protagonist in “The Philosophy of a Happy Man”, Peter Zhelezo has what seems to be an infinite resource of energy and is never averse to taking risks. He does not let himself slip into complacency, believing there is always something beyond, whether it is a new business opportunity, or a deeper understanding of love and the meaning of life. A flourishing entrepreneur, he has created such action-packed psychological novels as “Oh, These Wonderful Moments!” (2004) and “The Price of Passion: The Temptation of Charles Burns” (2006). He has also penned cycles of talented poems and written, performed and recorded several collections of songs.