Book Review: The Year of Living Danishly

The Year of Living Danishly Book Review

Author: Helen Russell
Genre: Nonfiction, Self-Discovery/Change
Location(s) Featured: Jutland, Denmark
Review Score: 5-stars, I loved it!

What the Book is About

If you’re curious about Danish life, Danish culture, and why Denmark is consistently ranked the happiest country in the world, this is the book for you.

Written by Helen Russell, a British journalist who moves to rural Jutland when her husband lands a job at Legoland, The Year of Living Danishly book is a witty, insightful memoir exploring the secrets behind the famously content Danish people.

Russell spends a year immersing herself in the Danish way of living and reports on everything from work-life balance and social trust to childcare, gender equality, pastries, and even the obsession with proper lighting.

Why I Loved This Book

I’m a sucker for books that blend travel, personal growth, and a deep dive into another country’s culture. (Did you see my books about travel and self-discovery?)

This one had me laughing, thinking, underlining passages, and even reading excerpts aloud to my family (sorry, sis). Helen Russell’s writing is sharp and approachable. She doesn’t sugarcoat her experience—she shares both the highs and the weird moments of living in a new place—but she does it all with warmth and humor.

By the end of the book, I felt like I had peeked through a window into Danish life and come away with real lessons about happiness, priorities, and the things that actually matter.

What You’ll Learn About the Danish Way

Each chapter explores a different aspect of life in Denmark, weaving together:

• Interviews with locals and experts
• Surprising academic studies
• First-hand accounts of adapting to life in rural Denmark
• Quirky cultural differences (hello, cinnamon bun laws!)

Some topics covered include:

• Trust and social safety nets
• Healthcare and education
• Parenting in the happiest country
• Seasonal affective disorder and the magic of hygge
• Why lighting (and candles!) is such a big deal

You’ll walk away with a deeper understanding of how small choices can have a big impact on happiness—whether you live in Copenhagen or California.

Inspired to learn more on your visit to Denmark? Try one of these tours!

The Year of Living Danishly is Perfect for Book Clubs and Curious Readers

This is a fantastic book club pick. It sparks great conversation about cultural values, what makes people really happy, and how we define success and content living.

Want to make your meeting extra Danish? Serve pastries, light a few candles, and check out my Year of Living Danishly Book Club Guide with themed activities and thoughtful discussion