Happy Place | Book Review
Emily Henry has done it again. I have completely fallen in love with another book of hers, and I don’t think I’ll ever get over it. If this book does not get made into a movie, I will both riot in the streets and start a petition. I’ve read several reviews that talk about how this book is Taylor Swift coded- and if you’re not a swiftie (I very much am), you may not know what that means- but it’s true. This entire book reads like a wonderful, descriptive, nostalgic, magical, heartbreaking and heartmending Taylor Swift song. WHEN this book gets made into a movie, if they don’t use at least one Taylor Swift song, I will riot once again.
Plot
Harriet and Wyn were once the epitome of a perfect couple, but due to reasons unknown by Harriet, Wyn recently called off their engagement.
It's been six months since the breakup, yet they've chosen to keep their separation a secret, even from their best friends. Now, they find themselves forced to share the largest bedroom in the annual Maine cottage retreat, a cherished tradition for their friend group over the past ten years. This idyllic escape offers a respite from their everyday lives—a vibrant week filled with delicious foods, endless swimming, and time with those they love most. Surrounded by the refreshing coastal air and the company of those who truly understand them, they play the part of a happy couple.
Yet, this year carries an extra weight as the cottage is up for sale, marking the final week they'll all spend together in this cherished place. Harriet and Wyn are determined not to shatter their friends' hearts, so they embark on a facade, pretending that they're still just as in love as ever. On the surface, their plan seems flawless, but old habits die hard, and being in this place causes emotions to run wild. After years of being deeply in love, how difficult can it be to fake it for a single week in front of the people who know them best?
Thoughts
This book completely pulled me in from the first chapter. The imagry she uses at the beginning to describe Harriot’s friendship with Sabrina and Cleo is pure nostalgia filled magic. The one main “Happy Place” in the book reminds me of my own happy place on the ocean- Shediac- which may be a reason why I felt so connected reading about it.
I love how it switches from other “happy places” in their lives to present time in Maine. Usually I don’t like reading flashback scenes in novels, but each magical happy place pulled me in, and I loved every single one of them.
The other characters were perfect, and I loved getting to know all six of them and seeing their friendship and relationships bloom over the years.
I definitely reccommend this novel.
My Favourite Quotes
“I step back out into the brisk chill of the night. Everyone’s bundled up now, a fire burning in the stone pit, my friends crowded around and wrapped in a mishmash of towels, sweatshirts and blankets. I take a seat beside Cleo and she pulls me into a side hug, rearranging her flannel blanket over my bare legs too. “Everything good?” she asks. “Of course it is,” I insist, snuggling closer. “I’m in my happy place.”
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“No," he says quietly. "In every universe, it's you for me. Even if it's not me for you."
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“It doesn't matter how busy life's been, how long the live of us have gone without seeing one another: meeting at the cottage is like pulling on a favorite sweatshirt, worn to perfection. Time doesn't move the same way when we're there.”
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“How many universes do you think we’re together in?”
“Higher than either of us can count.”***************************************
“Your job doesn’t have to be your identity. It can just be a place you go, that doesn’t define you or make you miserable. You deserve to be happy, Harriet.”