Book Review: And They Were Roommates by Talia Hibbert
There’s something magical about books that blend the charm of academia with the complexities of young love, and when I heard about And They Were Roommates, I’ll admit—I was beyond excited. Talia Hibbert’s name alone is a magnet for readers seeking unapologetic representation and heartwarming stories. So, when this anticipated release landed on my shelves, it felt like unwrapping a long-awaited gift. However, as my excitement fizzled into disappointment, I couldn’t help but reflect on what had gone awry.
Set against the backdrop of an all-boys boarding school, the book vibrates with academia vibes that brought to mind classic coming-of-age films. The plot is laced with a plethora of fun elements—love letters, teenage angst, and quirky friendships that, on paper, should have created a perfect concoction of excitement. Yet, perhaps in striving for too much fun, the narrative veers into a territory of preposterousness, leaving many subplots hanging without resolution. As someone who loves character-driven stories, this felt particularly frustrating.
At the heart of And They Were Roommates is the budding romance between Charlie, a trans teen navigating his identity, and Jasper, a character who, to be frank, came off as an annoyingly cocky presence on the page. Their chemistry had moments of spark, but I yearned for deeper exploration of what initially drew Charlie to Jasper. The second-chance romance trope, especially when the characters are just sixteen, felt less like nostalgia and more like an eye-roll moment for me. Why must a summer camp fling from years ago haunt them into their teenage years?
As for Jasper’s portrayal as a "best-selling poet," the whimsicality of it fell flat. The poetry presented felt akin to the most basic Tumblr posts, and the absurdity of a 16-year-old being voted the sexiest poet raised my eyebrows in surprise. While I appreciate the book’s ambition, the portrayal of Jasper’s career choices felt almost cartoonish.
Further, Charlie’s journey of self-discovery and transition is an aspect I truly appreciated. However, the timeline regarding his transition and the representation of his experiences seemed rushed, leaving me puzzled. How could he have had top surgery by age 16, especially with his financial situation? And how did he maintain a close bond with Delilah, a friend whose strict school prohibits phones? These gaps in logic made it challenging for me to fully invest in their friendship.
The central plot device of writing love letters for their classmates emerged as an intriguing element but culminated in an ending that felt unsatisfying. With the set-ups throughout the novel, I anticipated either a transformation in how the students express their feelings or a substantial consequence leading to a merger of the campuses. Instead, the conclusion offered little in the way of resolution or growth, leaving me scratching my head.
While And They Were Roommates certainly has its enjoyable moments—the warmth of silly vibes and glimpses of genuine emotion—I can’t overlook its inconsistencies. It’s clear Talia Hibbert has the talent and insight to craft compelling narratives, but this outing didn’t land as well as I had hoped.
I can see this book resonating with younger readers exploring their identities, those fond of light-hearted YA romances, or anyone intrigued by the challenges of friendship and growth in a school setting. For me, however, the lack of coherence and depth in character development hindered the overall experience. If you’re analytical like me, you might find yourself grappling with similar dilemmas. While it pains me to offer a lukewarm review of such a highly anticipated book, I appreciate the representation and voice it brings to the world. Here’s to hoping it finds its audience. Thank you to Macmillan Children’s for the opportunity to read this early!
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