A review by ladydrini
Like Happiness by Ursula Villarreal-Moura

emotional hopeful reflective sad slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

A coming of age story of a girl named Tatum who becomes pen pals - and later, lovers - with a famous older author. The book then follows the next decade or so of their on again and off again relationship, flashing forward every few chapters to modern day when Tatum is being interviewed by a journalist who is exploring allegations of the author’s abuse of women. While she maintains there was no physical abuse, it’s clear he hurt her immensely - but how? You’ll have to wait until the final chapters to find out. 

Not my usual cup of tea, but it was interesting enough, different enough, and well done enough for what it was. If you’ve ever had someone you’ve loved that strung you along … it’s painfully relatable in many ways.