Happy Place (novel)

Last updated

Happy Place
Happy Place (novel).jpg
Author Emily Henry
Audio read by Julia Whelan
LanguageEnglish
Genre Romance, literary fiction
Publisher Berkley Books
Publication date
April 25, 2023
Publication placeUnited States
Media typePrint (hardcover, paperback), ebook, audiobook
Pages400 pp
ISBN 9780593441275
(hardcover 1st ed.)
OCLC 1338833080
813/.6
LC Class PS3608.E5715 H36 2023

Happy Place is a novel written by American author Emily Henry and published by Berkley Books on April 25, 2023. [1] [2] It follows a couple as they work through the complexities of a relationship and breakup, discovering along the way what finding one's "happy place" really means. It was well-received by critics and audiences alike, receiving positive reviews from Kirkus and The Washington Post and winning the Goodreads Choice Award for Romance Novel.

Contents

Synopsis

Happy Place revolves around the lives of Harriet Kilpatrick and Wyn Connor, who have been in a committed relationship for eight years. They have separated, but chose to keep it a secret from their friends. Every year, they go on a retreat to a beautiful cottage in Maine, which they call their "happy place." During their stay, they try to pretend that they are still very much together and in love, but it becomes increasingly difficult to keep up the act. The book explores love, loss, and the complexities of relationships.

Harriet is a young surgical resident who is exhausted and unsure about her future in medicine. Meanwhile, Wyn is facing personal struggles and navigating significant career changes. The story examines their bond and the challenges they face as they try to navigate their complex feelings and the dynamics of their friend group. The narrative moves back and forth in time, showing how their relationship began in college and evolved over time, with various ups and downs, including distance, misunderstandings, and personal growth.

Harriet and Wyn meet again to revisit their past misunderstandings. They also discover new things about themselves and what they truly desire in life. Through this journey, Harriet realizes that being a surgeon is not her true calling and instead, she has a newfound passion for pottery. Wyn finds his passion for woodworking and a new path in Montana. The story focuses on personal growth and how it is possible to find happiness and fulfillment not only in physical places but also in the choices we make and the relationships we have.

Throughout their journey, Harriet and Wyn experience moments of conflict, forgiveness, and introspection, reflecting on what it takes to find happiness and love in life. The story concludes with a sense of resolution and new beginnings as they choose to face their future together, placing importance on their personal growth and the strength of their relationship.

Characters

Critical reception

Happy Place has been widely well received. Kirkus Reviews called it a "wistfully nostalgic, look at endings, beginnings, and loving the people who will always have your back." [3] The Washington Post also recommended it to readers for its "heart-rending plot that struggles to express the inexpressible." [2] The Harvard Crimson called it "sexy, charming, and meaningful". [4]

Awards

Happy Place was named Best Romance Novel at the 2023 Goodreads Choice Awards, [5] [6] marking the third consecutive year that one of Emily Henry's books won that award category (following People We Meet on Vacation and Book Lovers ). [7] [8] In May 2023, Happy Place gained recognition from The New York Times [9] and was recognized as one of the number one books of the year. [10]

References