Book Review: And They Were Roommates by K. J. M. F.
I can hardly describe the bittersweet excitement I felt leading up to the release of And They Were Roommates by K. J. M. F. As a lover of all things YA and an ardent supporter of trans narratives, I was ready for a book that would sweep me off my feet. Unfortunately, what I hoped would be a delightful romance felt more like a rollercoaster with too many loops and not enough smooth tracks.
Set against the backdrop of an all-boys boarding school, the academia vibes were delightful. It took me back to classic films full of charm and mischief. The story opens up with a compelling plot that combines friendship, love letters, and a touch of angst, all promising a fun ride. However, as the pages turned, I found the abundance of plot twists and quirks left me dazed, like marbles rolling away without ever returning home. There was so much happening that it felt almost preposterous, as if K. J. M. F. was juggling too many balls in the air.
At the heart of the story is romance between Charlie and Jasper. Initially, I sensed some intriguing romantic tension, but I craved more context. When Charlie first meets Jasper, the impression I got was more prick than prince. I couldn’t help but wonder: what draws Charlie toward someone who, at least from my viewpoint, comes off as an annoying jerk? The trope of second-chance romance felt stretched and convoluted—especially with a “long-lost love” that began when they were just kids. Why does a summer camp fling threaten all future romance when you’re only sixteen?
Jasper’s characterization added to my bewilderment. The concept of a 16-year-old best-selling poet felt more like a joke than a reality, especially when paired with basic Tumblr-like poetry. The icing on the cake was him being voted “sexiest poet of the year”—really? It felt less like a character trait and more like an inside joke gone wrong.
I appreciated the trans representation and Charlie’s struggles with self-identity. However, some plot points left me scratching my head—such as Charlie getting top surgery at 15 despite his family’s financial struggles. Moreover, the relationship dynamics with his best friend Delilah felt tenuous. How do you maintain a close friendship when you have limited means of communication?
As for the letter-writing plot that connected the characters, I anticipated a grand conclusion—perhaps an inspiring workshop where students learn to write heartfelt love letters or a meaningful merging of campuses. Yet, it fizzled out without resolution, leaving me wondering what the purpose had been.
Ultimately, And They Were Roommates had its charms, but I wished for deeper character development and logic, especially regarding motivations. This isn’t to say it’s a bad work—I fully expect it’ll resonate with younger readers and those who appreciate whimsical narratives. As a highly analytical reader, I acknowledge I’m not the target audience for this cozy romp.
In conclusion, K. J. M. F.’s effort to portray friendship and self-discovery is commendable, and if you’re someone who thrives on lighthearted chaos, you might just find joy in these pages. I extend gratitude to Macmillan Children’s for providing me with an early copy. I am hopeful that And They Were Roommates finds its audience, even if I didn’t quite fit the bill.
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