Happy Place by Emily Henry Short Summary and Review
Harriet and Wyn have been the perfect couple since they met in college—they go together like salt and pepper, honey and tea, lobster and rolls. Except, now—for reasons they’re still not discussing—they don’t.
Happy Place Book Description:
Harriet and Wyn have been the perfect couple since they met in college—they go together like salt and pepper, honey and tea, lobster and rolls. Except, now—for reasons they’re still not discussing—they don’t.
They broke up six months ago. And still haven’t told their best friends.
Which is how they find themselves sharing the largest bedroom at the Maine cottage that has been their friend group’s yearly getaway for the last decade. Their annual respite from the world, where for one vibrant, blue week they leave behind their daily lives; have copious amounts of cheese, wine, and seafood; and soak up the salty coastal air with the people who understand them most.
Only this year, Harriet and Wyn are lying through their teeth while trying not to notice how desperately they still want each other. Because the cottage is for sale and this is the last week they’ll all have together in this place. They can’t stand to break their friends’ hearts, and so they’ll play their parts. Harriet will be the driven surgical resident who never starts a fight, and Wyn will be the laid-back charmer who never lets the cracks show. It’s a flawless plan (if you look at it from a great distance and through a pair of sunscreen-smeared sunglasses). After years of being in love, how hard can it be to fake it for one week… in front of those who know you best?
Short Summary of the Book:
The novel under discussion explores the complex relationship between two former lovers, Harriet and Wyn, who have known each other for ten years. Despite breaking up, their chemistry and connection are still evident, leading to a steamy and passionate story. The reason behind their breakup after nearly a decade of dating and eight years of engagement remains a mystery. Was it due to long-distance, infidelity, or some other life-changing event?
Harriet reunites with her closest friends, Sabrina and Cleo, in their Happy Place, a cottage where they have shared many unforgettable moments. Sabrina is now in a relationship with Parth, while Cleo is content with farming and her hyperactive partner, Kimmie. However, Harriet is struggling with how to inform them about her recent breakup with Wyn. To complicate things further, Sabrina has invited Wyn to the cottage, and he is pretending that they are still together.
Harriet discovers that the cottage is about to be sold, marking the end of an era for their group. She decides not to create any conflict by revealing her breakup, but rather, she and Wyn will act as a couple for the duration of their stay. They plan to come clean after their holiday ends, but as they spend more time together, old feelings resurface, making it challenging for them to keep up the act.
Overall, the novel presents a captivating story that explores the complexities of human relationships, unresolved feelings, and the challenge of maintaining appearances in front of others. The narrative is well-crafted, immersing readers in the character’s lives and their struggles.
Happy Place Book Review:
I loved delving into the past chapters of Harriet and Wyn in this book. Their connection was so enjoyable, which made the present-day chapters all the more heartbreaking. Their entire journey was one that I felt deeply invested in from the very beginning and I found myself rooting for them every step of the way.
EH’s portrayal of Harriet’s feelings towards Wyn was especially well done, with a poetic and romantic tone that I found really beautiful.
