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A review by rarasreads
Like Happiness by Ursula Villarreal-Moura
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is a quiet, reflective story about the FMC (Tatum) whose present and past collide as she is contacted by a journalist from New York to discuss allegations against a popular male author (M.) with whom she had a complex relationship. Having moved to Chile to start anew, Tatum is now compelled to confront the searing memories of the man she once idolized to the point of obsession. Narrated across dual timelines in an epistolary format, readers become privy to the gradual unraveling of the toxic, power dynamics between Tatum and M.
For starters, this was a well written debut with prose that is both evocative and engaging. I appreciated how the author explores themes of Latinx culture, sexuality, and identity within the broader context of the two characters’ odd relationship as well. However, I wish the author delved into themes in depth as they appear more cursory than central to the storyline.
In terms of characterization, I did find Tatum’s naïveté and behaviors in certain situations a bit perplexing. I was also unable to fathom how she kept M in her life for a decade, hoping he would come to see and value her as she desired. However, I believe this goes to show the nuances of the human experience and the long-lasting impact that M has had on Tatum.
I did find the ending a bit abrupt and lacking clarity. However, I had to remind myself that the focal point is Tatum’s reexamination of her relationship in an effort to find closure.
Overall, a decent, thought-provoking read.
Read if you like:
▪️Character-driven stories
▪️Dual timelines
▪️Exploration of identity
▪️Beautiful writing
▪️Books about books
For starters, this was a well written debut with prose that is both evocative and engaging. I appreciated how the author explores themes of Latinx culture, sexuality, and identity within the broader context of the two characters’ odd relationship as well. However, I wish the author delved into themes in depth as they appear more cursory than central to the storyline.
In terms of characterization, I did find Tatum’s naïveté and behaviors in certain situations a bit perplexing. I was also unable to fathom how she kept M in her life for a decade, hoping he would come to see and value her as she desired. However, I believe this goes to show the nuances of the human experience and the long-lasting impact that M has had on Tatum.
I did find the ending a bit abrupt and lacking clarity. However, I had to remind myself that the focal point is Tatum’s reexamination of her relationship in an effort to find closure.
Overall, a decent, thought-provoking read.
Read if you like:
▪️Character-driven stories
▪️Dual timelines
▪️Exploration of identity
▪️Beautiful writing
▪️Books about books
Content Warnings
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Emotional abuse