gloomygirlbooks 's review for:

Happiness Forever by Adelaide Faith

DID NOT FINISH: 57%

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On paper, Happiness, Forever seemed like it would be right up my alley. I really enjoyed Big Swiss and expected something equally strange, sharp, and queer. Unfortunately, by the 50% mark, nothing had happened to keep my interest, and I genuinely didn’t care to continue.

The book gives off the impression that it’s queer-centered, but the main character’s behavior doesn’t really reflect that compellingly or authentically. Instead of feeling layered or subversive, she just comes across as boring and vaguely unhinged, not in a fun, chaotic way, but in a flat, aimless one.

She’s also supposedly obsessed with her therapist, but the obsession feels hollow. If someone were truly fixated, there’d be rich detail, like remembering the exact scent of their perfume or the way their voice drops when they say something serious. Instead, the attachment feels vague and underdeveloped, which makes it hard to buy into the premise.

This book will definitely resonate with some readers, especially those drawn to quiet, internal narratives, but it just wasn’t for me.