"Nothing mattered but the stories, my understanding of them, how the stories affected me, and the dreams the story ignited."
The year is 2015, and Tatum feels settled in life for perhaps the first time. She lives in Chile with her partner Vera and works at her dream job in an art museum. It's a stark contrast to the life she once thought she wanted. Tatum spent the previous decade in New York, believing all her dreams would come true, but now she has doubts. Much of that time was consumed by her admiration for acclaimed author M. Domínguez, whose novel Happiness captivated her with its portrayal of the Latinx experience. It was the first time she felt represented in literature, prompting her to write a heartfelt fan email to the author. To her surprise, he responded, sparking a decade-long relationship that Tatum still doesn't fully comprehend.
Their bond was complex—sometimes a friendship, sometimes a romantic entanglement, a mentor-student dynamic that defies any simple definition. When a reporter contacts Tatum about multiple assault allegations against M., her carefully constructed separation between her past and present begins to unravel. She is forced to confront the true nature of her all-consuming relationship with the author. The questions and uncertainties she had pushed aside resurface, challenging her understanding of the past decade and compelling her to reevaluate the impact M. had on her life.
In her debut novel Like Happiness, author Ursula Villarreal-Moura invites readers to delve into the intricacies of relationships, power dynamics, sexuality, identity, and memory. The story unfolds through a dual narrative, alternating between Tatum's present day and a letter she writes to M., recounting and reclaiming their complex relationship. This structure reflects the protagonist's struggle with her past, emphasizing the back-and-forth and uncertainty she faces. Villarreal-Moura doesn't provide easy answers or steer readers in a specific direction; instead, she infuses her characters with raw emotion, making them relatable even when their situations are far from straightforward.
I loved reading a novel where the main character grew up in the same city as I did. San Antonio will always be home to me, and Villarreal-Moura beautifully captures the people, places, and history that make it unique. There is a profound sense of humanity throughout Like Happiness, allowing readers to easily immerse themselves in the story and reflect on its themes. With this debut, Villarreal-Moura establishes herself as a distinct voice in literature, leaving me eager to read more of her work. Like Happiness is one of the best novels I've read this year, and I'm grateful to the publisher for providing me with a copy.
For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2024, 46)
I like reading stories set in places I have been as well (never read one where I actually lived), but it's a very cool concept. Glad you enjoyed this one.
ReplyDeleteIt was neat to see the city brought to life, even if it wasn't the main setting of the story.
DeleteI can't imagine how one's world would crumble in a situation like this and make you question everything. Sounds like a powerful read.
ReplyDeleteIt really highlights how easy it can be to become wrapped up in someone without fully knowing them.
DeleteYes! And you think because of how long you've known them, that you KNOW them. But it's possible to never really know someone. That's scary.
DeleteSounds like a very powerful and emotional read. And one of those books that I'd need to be in the right headspace and mood to read.
ReplyDeleteIt has some challenging subject matter, but I really appreciated the way it was handled. There aren't easy answers, and the author never tries to provide any.
DeleteIt's awesome when an author can capture the authentic feel of a city. I'm so glad you enjoyed this book.
ReplyDeleteThe sense of place really adds to this one!
DeleteThis one sounds deep and emotional. I like the sound of one POV being in letter form. That's interesting.
ReplyDeleteIt makes the entire past perspective be addressed directly to the man she's unsure about. Very powerful!
DeleteWonderful review Ethan. I like that the author doesn't steer you and allows you just to experience the protagonists emotions and thoughts.
ReplyDeleteIt makes for a compelling character study!
DeleteI do love it when an author depicts a well-known, beloved city in just the right way. Sounds like a thought provoking read! I'm looking forward to your thoughts on The Nature of Disappearing! I'm about 50% through and intrigued!
ReplyDeleteI finished Nature of Disappearing this morning, so I'm compiling my thoughts for a review now!
DeleteSeriously, why aren't you writing reviews for literary magazines/sites? 👏
ReplyDeleteI have often wondered the same thing! You have such a way with words, Ethan.
DeleteYou both are too kind!
DeleteIt's fun to read a story set somewhere you have lived.
ReplyDeleteThis is an interesting premise for a story. I like the storyline and premise for this one, it was me interested to see if the allegations against M are true.
It makes for a complex relationship that I've rarely seen in fiction.
DeleteIt sounds like Tatum had a lot to come to terms with when it came to the relationship with M. It's always fun to encounter a setting you have a personal connection to.
ReplyDeleteTheir relationship, and the aftermath of it, drives the entire plot of this one. It is so complex!
DeleteI do not think I have ever read a novel set in my town. But you know then I had to read in a language not English lol
ReplyDeleteVery true!
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