She has a steady office job (with a steady stream of snacks), has had the same best friend since school, and she sees her family every Thursday night for take-away and trashy TV. Lizzie likes her uncomplicated life.
Then a letter arrives one day from her first love, Roman. A letter dated the day he disappeared, 12 years before. As Lizzie uncovers the secrets of the letter, she discovers what really happened the year her life fell apart – and all avenues lead back to Roman.
Lizzie James thought she was happy, or somewhere close to happy, at least. Now she’s not so sure.
Somewhere Close to Happy is a debut novel written by Lia Louis and this is certainly going to be an author whose books I will be keen to read in the future. I was expecting a light and feel good read but this storyline touches on some delicate issues and follows such a tender storyline that as the storyline moves along more layers and depth are revealed.
Lizzie has always wanted to know whatever happened to her friend Roman from her teen years and when a letter arrives from him she embarks on a long and complicated search to try and track Roman down with the help of her friend Priscilla.
Lizzie has never really moved forward in life having not had the answers she needed to start a new chapter. She had such a valued friendship that she feels saved her and so there is part of her heart that still lies with Roman.
There are many issues that are touched upon in this novel from mental health, grief and substance abuse to name a few and each issues is handled sensitively, raising awareness and giving insight whilst being woven into the storyline to give more depth and emotion.
I was so hoping for a different ending but this book is such an honest book that doesn’t dress everything up in roses, it is raw and as such the ending ties in beautifully with the storyline showing that rarely is there an easy plain happy ever after looked at through rose tinted glasses.
I think this was a superb debut and I will be keeping my eye out for a future release by Lia Louis.
Hardback Kindle
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