Question

Does this make sense. Please fix if there is a mistake or if it can be better.

"The question "Are you happy?" set off the novel."

I don't know if "set off" is the correct term, but I want to say it just really lifted the novel. Everything changed from that question.

Answer 1

Instead of using "set off" used skyrocketed, or rocketed or left an impact or created a ripple effect, something around those lines.
Also, if you want to say the question from the novel use a single quotation, ', instead of a double. It makes more sense that way.