‘The Happy Couple’ by Naoise Dolan

Life offers few unambiguous red flags. More often, you see specks of crimson dye. They could form a pattern. Or they could just be dots.

‘The Happy Couple’ by Naoise Dolan is set in Dublin and London. It follows the events leading up to Celine and Luke’s wedding, told from several perspectives—and all of them are queer.

Celine is a professional pianist who is brilliant at what she does. Although the piano is her true love, she is nevertheless set on marrying Luke. Despite all of his infidelity, which she artfully ignores.

Phoebe, her younger sister and bridesmaid, is very critical of Luke—and very aware of his cheating. She knows that Celine chooses to be ignorant.

Archie is Luke’s best man. He is also Luke’s former boyfriend. They both failed to label it at the time because they were both unable to talk about their feelings.

Luke just can’t help himself. He loves Celine but seems unable to fully commit to the relationship. He suspects that Celine knows more but is pretending to be ignorant as well.

Vivian is another friend of Luke’s. And also used to date Luke, for a short while. She is the only person who has achieved some emotional maturity, even though she sees people as ants.

The story culminates on the wedding day. But will Celine and Luke get married?

This was my second Naoise Dolan book after ‘Exciting Times’ and I loved this one even more!

CW: mental health struggles & suicidal ideation, substance abuse, emotional manipulation, internalized queerphobia, alcohol & substance use, privilege