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Somewhere Close to Happy
‘A wonderfully written, funny and moving debut with an intriguing mystery at its heart… Unforgettable.’ – Sunday Times bestselling author, Claire Douglas
‘Honest and brave, Somewhere Close to Happy is a thought-provoking, beautifully observed study of love and real life, social issues and mental health’ – Jill Mansell
‘Lia is one of those rare writers who manage to break your heart and mend it all at once – funny, touching and true‘ – Stacey Halls, bestselling author of THE FAMILIARS
Lizzie James is happy.
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, anyway.
Now she’s not so sure.
‘Lia Louis’s fine debut is as layered and socially aware as it is moving and witty’ – Woman Magazine
‘A funny and heart-warming story of first loves and the importance of friendship, but also a moving and wise exploration of mental health, childhood, self-discovery and – ultimately – the importance of being brave.‘ – Sunday Times bestselling author, Gillian McAllister
‘Honest and brave, Somewhere Close to Happy is a thought-provoking, beautifully observed study of love and real life, social issues and mental health’ – Jill Mansell
‘Lia is one of those rare writers who manage to break your heart and mend it all at once – funny, touching and true‘ – Stacey Halls, bestselling author of THE FAMILIARS
Lizzie James is happy.
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, anyway.
Now she’s not so sure.
‘Lia Louis’s fine debut is as layered and socially aware as it is moving and witty’ – Woman Magazine
‘A funny and heart-warming story of first loves and the importance of friendship, but also a moving and wise exploration of mental health, childhood, self-discovery and – ultimately – the importance of being brave.‘ – Sunday Times bestselling author, Gillian McAllister
Perfect for fans of Giovanna Fletcher, Mhairi McFarlane and Cecelia Ahern. This is a novel you won’t soon forget.
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Reviews
This book is beautiful. The writing is generous and kind and funny. I fell in love with the story and the characters, it made me feel hopeful, and I cried. Lia is such a talented, wonderful writer.
A wonderfully written, funny and moving debut with an intriguing mystery at its heart. I laughed, cried and was completely swept away by Lizzy and Roman's story. Unforgettable.
I thought it was both a funny and heart-warming story... Louis's is a bold, standout voice in the women's fiction genre and Somewhere Close To Happy deserves to be huge.
I loved it. I want more. It is just exquisitely written. So tender and packed with emotion but also great humour. It deserves to soar.
Honest and brave, Somewhere Close to Happy is a thought-provoking, beautifully observed study of love and real life, social issues and mental health
Oh my god, I LOVED Somewhere Close to Happy. It made me cry several times but was also really funny. It is so incredibly good.
Beautiful, raw, emotional, gripping. Roman and Lizzie will burrow into your hearts and never leave.
Lia is one of those rare writers who manage to break your heart and mend it all at once. Somewhere Close to Happy is a gem of a book - funny, touching and true
In her protagonist Lizzie, Lia has created a character whose journey and emotional depth is a triumph.
You'll laugh, you'll cry and you'll love this warm and tender story.
Lia Louis could give PS I Love You author Cecilia Ahern a run for her money with this funny and moving debut.
Told with warmth, this is an enjoyable, bittersweet page-turner.