UPDATE: I've never actually done this before, but this book has been living in my head rent-free for the last three days since I finished it, so I am upgrading my rating from 3.5 to 3.75. I couldn't tell you what it is about the book that convinced me to increase my rating other than that I simply can't stop thinking about this weird little book.

ORIGINAL REVIEW:
Marissa Higgins' debut novel, A Good Happy Girl, is a raw and visceral exploration of trauma, obsession, and the intricate dance between control and chaos. The story follows Helen, a self-destructive and anxious lawyer, as she navigates her life burdened with PTSD after her parents’ incarceration for elder abuse. Helen’s complex journey towards self-understanding is portrayed through her attempts to find solace in a polyamorous relationship with Catherine and Katrina, a pair of wives who promise a blend of care and cruelty.

Helen’s struggle is deeply rooted in her past. Her parents’ incarceration has left her grappling with the duality of love and abuse, yearning for both care and punishment. As she navigates her relationship with the wives, she oscillates between hedonism and masochism, seeking a twisted comfort in their dynamic. Her plea to be "mothered meanly" reflects her confusion and desire for a semblance of the abusive care she still grapples with.

Higgins masterfully delves into the power dynamics within Helen’s relationships, probing the boundary between vulnerability and forced submission. Helen’s interactions with the wives are a poignant depiction of her internal lawlessness: “Obsession was a comfort, not a warning bell,” she muses, encapsulating her complex emotional state. The wives offer her a paradoxical mix of control and mayhem, which Helen finds both thrilling and stabilizing: “With the wives, the chaos offered a controlled bliss. Oh, to have thought I understood.”

The narrative style of A Good Happy Girl is candid and confessional, often providing a stream-of-consciousness experience. Higgins’ prose is stark and unapologetic, drawing readers into Helen’s tumultuous world. The raw language and introspective musings vividly capture Helen’s emotional landscape, making her journey both relatable and harrowing.

Themes of obsession, self-destructive behavior, and the quest for identity permeate the novel. Helen’s fixation on control and her fear of being unloved are central to her character. Her struggle with trauma is depicted with nuance and sensitivity, revealing the profound impact of her past experiences. Lines like “Hurting others had always been my preferred method of dealing with problems of my own making” and “I wanted to be worthy in my worst state” poignantly capture her internal conflict.

However, the novel is not without its flaws. The introduction of subplots and characters like Emma and Amy towards the end feels disjointed, leaving readers confused about their relevance. Additionally, the graphic depiction of elder neglect and abuse feels gratuitous at times, detracting from the narrative’s focus. The ending, while poignant, does not seamlessly tie together the story's threads, leaving some unresolved questions about Helen's relationships and her parents' fate.

Despite these issues, A Good Happy Girl remains a compelling read, offering a stark and unflinching look at the complexities of trauma and the search for self-worth. Higgins’ exploration of familial estrangement and the nuanced portrayal of power dynamics make it a noteworthy debut. The novel’s raw and honest portrayal of Helen’s journey, combined with Higgins’ evocative prose, makes A Good Happy Girl a thought-provoking and impactful read, despite its occasional narrative missteps.

📖 Recommended For: Readers Intrigued by Complex Psychological Portraits, Fans of Unconventional Relationship Dynamics, Those Exploring Themes of Familial Estrangement and Trauma, Admirers of Raw and Confessional Prose, Fans of Gillian Flynn’s "Sharp Objects."

🔑 Key Themes: Trauma and PTSD, Familial Estrangement and Manipulation, Power Dynamics in Relationships, The Search for Identity and Self-Worth, The Interplay Between Control and Chaos.