A review by khairun_atika
Somewhere Close to Happy by Lia Louis
4.0
"Hubble used to say the answer to everything is obvious. We just make it complicated or impossible because sometimes the answer isn't what we want to hear or see. We detour, purposely going around in circles, dragging our feet, or even standing still, because we don't want to get to the end of the road, to the answer, to the truth, to closure. We're too afraid. We aren't ready." - Somewhere Close To Happy by Lia Louis
Lia Louis' debut novel is a beautiful, heartwrenching story of forgiveness and closure. It deals with grief and loss, and the stigma surrounding issues such as drug abuse, anxiety and depression.
In this book, Lizzie James chances upon a letter written by her estranged, troubled best friend Roman, who disappeared from her life twelve years ago. While the letter was written so long ago, it was posted to her very recently. Determined to find out the truth about her beloved friend, Lizzie and her faithful best friend Priscilla set out to find the elusive Roman.
The book takes place in different locations across Britain, and alternates between two timelines - Lizzie's past friendship with Roman and Lizzie's present search for Roman. The book explores dark themes of growing up in broken homes and dysfunctional families, which lead to drug or alcohol abuse. It also sheds a very bright spotlight on the struggles of someone who suffers from anxiety and depression.
I applaud the way Louis holds nothing back in writing about the meltdowns that a person with anxiety faces. It was illustrated in a very raw, heartbreaking way that makes the reader empathise with those who are suffering from mental illnesses, and Louis herself mentions that she wrote based on experience. This makes the book feel much more authentic and poignant.
The story also highlights the importance of having a good support system, and I loved how she make the characters vulnerable, yet strong enough to help each other heal. It is a truly beautiful story on dealing with grief and finding closure amidst the trials and tribulations we face, and to treasure the people around us.
Lia Louis' debut novel is a beautiful, heartwrenching story of forgiveness and closure. It deals with grief and loss, and the stigma surrounding issues such as drug abuse, anxiety and depression.
In this book, Lizzie James chances upon a letter written by her estranged, troubled best friend Roman, who disappeared from her life twelve years ago. While the letter was written so long ago, it was posted to her very recently. Determined to find out the truth about her beloved friend, Lizzie and her faithful best friend Priscilla set out to find the elusive Roman.
The book takes place in different locations across Britain, and alternates between two timelines - Lizzie's past friendship with Roman and Lizzie's present search for Roman. The book explores dark themes of growing up in broken homes and dysfunctional families, which lead to drug or alcohol abuse. It also sheds a very bright spotlight on the struggles of someone who suffers from anxiety and depression.
I applaud the way Louis holds nothing back in writing about the meltdowns that a person with anxiety faces. It was illustrated in a very raw, heartbreaking way that makes the reader empathise with those who are suffering from mental illnesses, and Louis herself mentions that she wrote based on experience. This makes the book feel much more authentic and poignant.
The story also highlights the importance of having a good support system, and I loved how she make the characters vulnerable, yet strong enough to help each other heal. It is a truly beautiful story on dealing with grief and finding closure amidst the trials and tribulations we face, and to treasure the people around us.