Like Happiness captivated me with its poetic, imaginative prose and deeply resonant themes of identity, power dynamics, and cultural heritage. Ursula Villarreal-Moura crafts a poignant narrative through the eyes of Tatum, a Latina woman navigating the complexities of love, abuse, and self-discovery.

The novel begins with Tatum as a college student, feeling isolated in a predominantly white academic environment. Her encounter with the famed Puerto Rican writer, M. Domínguez, ignites a profound connection to her Latin culture, starkly contrasting the homogeneous influences around her. Villarreal-Moura skillfully oscillates between the present, when abuse allegations against M. surface, and the past, detailing the evolution of Tatum and M.'s relationship.

From the onset, Tatum's enchantment with M.'s writing is palpable. His collection of Latin short stories not only validates her cultural identity but also catalyzes their decade-long, tumultuous relationship. Villarreal-Moura's exploration of gender roles and power dynamics is particularly striking. Tatum's journey highlights the challenges faced by marginalized communities in finding genuine support and community, layered with commentary on class disparities.

The novel's prose is richly infused with Spanish phrases and Latin American cultural references, enhancing its authenticity and immersing readers in Tatum's world. Villarreal-Moura adeptly probes the intersection of language and identity, illustrating how language can simultaneously forge and fragment a sense of belonging.

Tatum's relationship with M. is complex, teetering between intellectual admiration and sexual entanglement, underscored by a significant power imbalance. M.'s manipulative hold over Tatum is evident as he oscillates between drawing her close and pushing her away. This dynamic is heartbreakingly captured in Tatum's realization: “For years, I naively thought I had to endure it all and never ask for more.”

One of the novel's most compelling aspects is Tatum's reclamation of her agency. Her move to New York marks the beginning of her transformation. Immersing herself in a diverse community and exploring her bisexuality, Tatum gradually disentangles from M.'s influence. Villarreal-Moura's portrayal of Tatum's empowerment is both inspiring and cathartic. Her eventual move to Chile, where she finds love with a queer partner and secures her dream job in museum curation, beautifully symbolizes her newfound freedom and self-fulfillment.

Like Happiness is a testament to Villarreal-Moura's ability to weave a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally relatable. The novel’s exploration of cultural identity, power dynamics, and personal liberation is profoundly moving. Tatum's journey is a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength required to reclaim one's life from those who seek to control it. Like Happiness is a beautifully crafted story of a woman’s journey to reclaim her life and identity. Villarreal-Moura’s lyrical prose and poignant themes make this a must-read for anyone interested in stories of cultural heritage, self-discovery, and the enduring fight for liberation.

📖 Recommended For: Readers drawn to poetic and imaginative prose, enthusiasts of Latin American literature, those interested in exploring power dynamics and gender roles, admirers of narratives about self-discovery and personal liberation, and fans of Bronwyn Fischer’s The Adult and Dizz Tate’s Brutes.

🔑 Key Themes: Latin American Culture, Power Dynamics, Gender Roles, Class Disparities, Language and Identity, Self-Discovery & Personal Liberation.