A review by idk_indigo
Happy Place by Emily Henry

lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I feel like the whole point of romance novels is that we learn about not just the relationship, but also about both of the MC's. I feel like I know nothing about Wynn though! I keep telling myself, "We're only seeing the story from Harry's perspective," but in that case, I don't think Harry knows anything at all about her man (or about her friends, her parents, her sister...). I kept thinking, "Either Harry doesn't pay attention to anyone of her friends' interests or they're genuinely just the most boring people in existence."

I found myself almost hoping that Harry & Wynn didn't end up together; I hate to be "that person" but you're really telling me this young woman took out hundreds of thousands of dollars in loans for an Ivy League medical education just to realize she was only doing it because of ✨childhood trauma✨ & dropping out, but also that the causes of said trauma 🤪 weren't even that upset about it? Mmmmm okay then...........idk but giving up a venerated neurosurgery resident position to...work part-time at a pottery studio & play housewife in Montana for a guy who has like 1/4 of a personality? I feel like we could've come up with a 3rd option here ladies.  

Wynn felt like a side character, rather than, like, the man of her dreams... I obviously love the found family trope, but I also think that introducing that narrative needs to be done well. Her friends were almost as boring as Wynn was. Idk. For a book that's 95% character-driven, I know about as much about said characters now as I did when I started reading. This was my 2nd Emily Henry book & I've gotta be honest I am a bit disappointed. 
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