The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh

 

The Happy Life of Isadora Bentley by Courtney Walsh

I’m a fan of this author!

Here’s the summary:

Isadora Bentley follows the rules. Isadora Bentley likes things just so. Isadora Bentley believes that happiness is something that flat-out doesn’t exist in her life—and never will.

As a university researcher, Isadora keeps to herself as much as possible. She avoids the students she’s supposed to befriend and mentor. She stays away from her neighbors and lives her own quiet, organized life in her own quiet, organized apartment. And she will never get involved in a romantic relationship again—especially with another academic. It will be just Isadora and her research. Forever.

But on her thirtieth birthday, Isadora does something completely out of character. The young woman who never does anything “on a whim” makes an impulse purchase of a magazine featuring a silly article detailing “Thirty-One Ways to Be Happy”—which includes everything from smiling at strangers to exercising for endorphins to giving in to your chocolate cravings. Isadora decides to create her own secret research project—proving the writer of the ridiculous piece wrong.

As Isadora gets deeper into her research—and meets a handsome professor along the way—she’s stunned to discover that maybe, just maybe, she’s proving herself wrong. Perhaps there’s actually something to this happiness concept, and possibly there’s something to be said for loosening up and letting life take you somewhere . . . happy.

And now, my review:

Oh science and research lovers are going to enjoy this novel. I found the premise and storyline unique and enjoyable. (see summary above) My left brain ate it up.

Our heroine is unhappy, and rather disliked by her coworkers. At times it’s clear she has no idea how unusual and quirky she is. But readers will sympathize with her, and they’ll likely see aspects of themselves too. We spend the entire story in her first-person, present-tense narrative. She perceives herself as fragile and she hangs on to control, hiding behind analysis in order to remain “safe.” Really she’s containing her world, and herself, within a small space—a type of self-repression. Some readers will relate.

There’s a message within the pages that we should occupy our space. For some of us, that is a life-long pursuit. First, learning we’re worthy enough. Second, practicing. Third, living in the new reality.

As a scientist, she’s the perfect expert to study these so-called steps to becoming happy. I loved that she went into this experience determined to prove the article wrong. Really, perhaps she was looking for a way to defend and excuse her unhappy life.

Courtney includes many profound concepts and statements. Here’s an example. Context: a secondary character is trying to help the heroine understand herself better. She says, “Isadora, you’re not self-aware; you’re just seeing yourself through a very specific lens.” (location 668 in the ARC) Isn’t that what we sometimes do? We lock in on our own self-perception and possibly miss bigger truths that are obvious to those around us.

Though likable, the hero is a little more difficult to understand because we don’t spend any time in his POV. He’s kind and gracious. He doesn’t let Isadora’s idiosyncrasies turn him away. He represents an unconditional acceptance that’s missing from her life. I liked that symbolism.

I loved the theme and progression of not recognizing one’s own worth, of having others point it out, of learning to accept it for one’s self. It was enjoyable watching Isadora’s world expand as life forced her beyond her comfort zone. The secondary characters were great additions to the story. This novel would make a great book club choice, because there’s a lot to explore in included themes.

This women’s fiction book has enough of a romantic thread that romance readers will enjoy that element. There’s humor, science, inner growth, and so much to like here.

A great read.