A review by katelynnelawson
Happy Place by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Wyn and Harriet were together for eight years and broke up five years ago after a rough few months. Neither have told anyone - Wyn has been wrapped up in caring for his mother, and Harriet is busy with her residency. Both don't get to see their core friend group from college often, but return to their "Happy Place" in Maine for an annual vacation. Harriet expects this year she'll go and take every other year off with Wyn, but when she arrives, Wyn is there. The two pretend to still be together to please their friends as it turns out it's their last summer at the house, which is being sold, and two of their friends are having a surprise wedding.
It's easy for the reader to sympathize with Harriet and Wyn, but Henry drags out the reason behind the break up until towards the end of the book, and ultimately it's frustrating to find out two people who truly came into their adulthood together couldn't communicate to work through some major shit until it was almost too late. The ending falls flat with a romance, with Harriet's thoughts reflecting more on her personal growth than that of her relationship with Wyn.
The conflict within friendships felt off, too. The discussions felt like they were between much younger characters when it came to any sort of relationship dynamic.
The depression representation was well done and the read itself is enjoyable, slightly steamy, and emotionally charged.
It's easy for the reader to sympathize with Harriet and Wyn, but Henry drags out the reason behind the break up until towards the end of the book, and ultimately it's frustrating to find out two people who truly came into their adulthood together couldn't communicate to work through some major shit until it was almost too late. The ending falls flat with a romance, with Harriet's thoughts reflecting more on her personal growth than that of her relationship with Wyn.
The conflict within friendships felt off, too. The discussions felt like they were between much younger characters when it came to any sort of relationship dynamic.
The depression representation was well done and the read itself is enjoyable, slightly steamy, and emotionally charged.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcohol, Death of parent, and Grief