Summary

Happy Place by Emily Henry is a captivating romance novel that took the literary world by storm in 2023. This New York Times bestseller follows the story of Harriet and Wyn, a couple pretending to still be together during their annual vacation with friends. Henry's signature wit and emotional depth shine through in this exploration of love, friendship, and self-discovery.

The book has received widespread critical acclaim, earning praise from publications like Kirkus Reviews and The Washington Post. Its popularity among readers is evident, as it won the Goodreads Choice Award for Romance Novel in 2023, marking Henry's third consecutive win in this category.

While Happy Place has not yet been adapted for the screen, its success and Henry's growing reputation in the romance genre suggest that a film or television adaptation could be on the horizon. The novel's picturesque Maine setting and complex character dynamics make it a prime candidate for a visual adaptation that could captivate audiences beyond its dedicated readership.

Plot

Harriet and Wyn, once the perfect couple, find themselves in a peculiar situation. Despite breaking up five months ago, they haven't told their friends about the split. This leads to an awkward predicament when they arrive at their annual group getaway in Maine, forced to share a bedroom and pretend they're still together.

The cottage where they've vacationed for years with their tight-knit friend group is now up for sale, making this their last week together in this cherished place. Determined not to ruin the final trip for their friends, Harriet and Wyn commit to maintaining the charade. She plays the role of the driven surgical resident, while he portrays the laid-back charmer, both trying desperately to ignore the lingering feelings between them.

As the week unfolds, the couple navigates the challenges of faking their relationship in front of those who know them best. They partake in the usual activities - indulging in cheese, wine, and seafood while soaking up the coastal atmosphere. However, beneath the surface, tensions simmer as they struggle to keep up appearances and grapple with their unresolved emotions.

Throughout their time at the cottage, Harriet and Wyn are forced to confront the reasons behind their breakup and the feelings they still harbor for each other. The story explores themes of love, friendship, and personal growth as the protagonists navigate the complexities of their relationship against the backdrop of their annual escape from reality.

Themes

• Rekindling lost love and second chances

• The complexities of long-term relationships

• Personal growth and self-discovery

• The importance of honesty in friendships

• Navigating career changes and life transitions

• The value of chosen family and enduring friendships

• Finding one's true passion and purpose in life

Setting

Set in the present day, Happy Place unfolds primarily in a picturesque coastal cottage in Maine. This annual vacation spot serves as the backdrop for the story, offering a stark contrast between the idyllic setting and the emotional turmoil of the protagonists.

The novel's setting extends beyond the Maine cottage, encompassing the characters' daily lives in various urban locales. Harriet, for instance, is based in San Francisco, where she works as a surgical resident. This geographical diversity adds depth to the narrative, highlighting the characters' journeys both physically and emotionally.

While the story primarily takes place during a week-long summer getaway, it also delves into the characters' past through flashbacks. These glimpses into their college years and the evolution of their relationship provide a rich temporal backdrop, allowing readers to understand the full scope of Harriet and Wyn's history together.

Characters

• Harriet Kilpatrick: The 30-year-old protagonist and narrator. Harriet is a surgical resident in San Francisco struggling with her career choice and recent breakup. She tends to avoid conflict and remain emotionally closed off due to her upbringing as a peacekeeper in her family. Throughout the story, Harriet shows significant growth, becoming more open and vulnerable as she confronts her fears and dissatisfaction.

• Wyndham “Wyn” Connor: Harriet's 31-year-old ex-fiancé. Wyn is a charismatic man from Montana with a passion for the outdoors and carpentry. Despite his loving upbringing, he struggles with self-worth issues and tends to suppress his emotions. His character arc involves confronting these tendencies and learning to express himself more openly.

• Sabrina Armas: One of Harriet's best friends and owner of the Maine cottage. Sabrina has a Type-A personality and is the group's organizer. She deeply values friendship and fears growing apart from her friends.

• Cleo James: Another of Harriet's close friends. Cleo is artistic, wise, and environmentally conscious. She's not afraid of conflict but struggles with her identity and worries about being too stern.

• Kimberly “Kim” Carmichael: Cleo's girlfriend. Kim has a fun and lighthearted personality that contrasts with Cleo's more serious demeanor.

• Parth Nayak: Sabrina's fiancé and the final member of the friend group. Parth adds to the group dynamic and is part of the annual Maine getaway.

Quick facts

• The book debuted at #1 on the New York Times bestseller list

• It was published on April 25, 2023 by Berkley Books

• The audiobook is narrated by Julia Whelan

• It won the 2023 Goodreads Choice Award for Best Romance Novel

• This was Emily Henry's third consecutive win in that Goodreads award category

• The story is set in a cottage in Maine

• The main characters, Harriet and Wyn, pretend to still be a couple for one week

• Harriet is a surgical resident questioning her career path

• The novel alternates between past and present timelines

• Themes include personal growth, friendship, and finding one's “happy place"

About the Author

Emily Henry is a New York Times bestselling author known for her popular romance novels. Born and raised in the Cincinnati area, she attended Hope College on a creative writing scholarship. Henry's career took off with the publication of her debut young adult novel, The Love That Split the World, in 2016.

Henry's transition to adult romance fiction came with the release of Beach Read in 2020, which achieved widespread success. She has since published several more beloved titles in the genre, including People We Meet on Vacation, Book Lovers, and Happy Place. Her books often blend elements of romantic comedy and chick lit, exploring themes of love and respect.

The author's work has garnered significant attention from the entertainment industry. Several of Henry's novels have been optioned for film adaptations, with People We Meet on Vacation and Beach Read already in development. Her books have collectively sold over 2.4 million copies as of March 2023, cementing her status as a leading voice in contemporary romance literature.

Henry continues to live and write in the Cincinnati area and Northern Kentucky. Fans can follow her on Instagram @EmilyHenryWrites, where she shares updates about her work and life. Her upcoming novel, Funny Story, is set to be published in April 2024, with another book, Great Big Beautiful Life, scheduled for release in April 2025.