A Season of Perfect Happiness by Maribeth Fischer

*** Review ***

Maribeth Fischer’s A Season of Perfect Happiness is an evocative exploration of motherhood, identity, and redemption. At its core, the novel grapples with the complex question of what makes a “good” mother through the story of Claire, a woman rebuilding her life after an unspeakable tragedy.

Ten years after fleeing her hometown of Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, Claire has carved out a serene and solitary existence in Wisconsin. She chose this place randomly, drawn by its shape on a map, and here she keeps her social interactions minimal, her past a secret. But her carefully constructed life begins to unravel when she meets Erik, a theater enthusiast who sees more in Claire than she sees in herself. As Claire becomes entangled with Erik, his ex-wife Annabelle, their three children, and a close-knit group of friends, she faces the challenge of opening up and confronting her past.

From the very first lines, Fischer hooks readers with a compelling question: “If you could live an entire season of your life in perfect happiness, knowing that once the season ended, you’d remember nothing at all of that time, would you still take the chance?” This premise sets the stage for a novel that delves into the fleeting nature of happiness and the scars it can leave behind.

The emotional depth of A Season of Perfect Happiness took me by surprise. Each chapter left me with a sense of dread, anticipating the moment when Claire’s past would catch up with her. The tension is palpable, and Fischer masterfully builds suspense as we slowly uncover the details of Claire’s tragic history. The revelation is heart-wrenching and raises important questions about judgment, forgiveness, and what it means to be a “good” mother, reminiscent of Sue Miller’s The Good Mother.

The character dynamics in the novel are rich and multi-faceted. Claire’s interactions with Erik’s children and their extended family are touching and genuine. The relationships she forms are complex, filled with moments of joy, tenderness, and tension. However, the portrayal of Annabelle, Erik’s ex-wife, feels somewhat uneven. While she is presumably intended to be a sympathetic character, there are moments where her actions and motivations do not fully resonate.

Claire’s journey is one of profound transformation. Initially a loner, Claire finds herself drawn into a vibrant community. Her relationship with Erik and his friends allows her to experience the warmth of a found family. The scenes where Claire bonds with the children, particularly in their whimsical cooking adventures and shared laughter, are heartwarming and illustrate the healing power of human connection.

Yet, the novel does not shy away from the darker aspects of Claire’s past. The arrival of a person from her former life threatens to upend everything she has built. The tension peaks as Claire grapples with whether to reveal her secrets and risk losing the acceptance and love she has found. Fischer’s exploration of postpartum psychosis and its devastating consequences is both sensitive and unflinching, shedding light on a topic that is often misunderstood and stigmatized.

Despite some flaws, such as occasional overuse of foreshadowing and a few too-neat resolutions, A Season of Perfect Happiness is a powerful and emotionally resonant read. Fischer’s writing is exquisite, capturing the nuances of her characters’ emotions and the beauty of their everyday moments. I found myself fully engaged, crying with the characters, and feeling the weight of their struggles and triumphs.

The novel also addresses the broader themes of second chances and redemption. Claire is not the only character who has made mistakes; others in the narrative have their own past misdeeds and regrets. Fischer poignantly illustrates that everyone is capable of change and deserving of forgiveness.

In conclusion, A Season of Perfect Happiness is a compelling and thought-provoking novel that will resonate with readers who appreciate emotionally charged stories about motherhood, mental health, and the complexities of human relationships. It is a book that lingers in the mind, inviting reflection on the nature of happiness, the scars it leaves, and the possibility of healing and forgiveness.