Book Review: And They Were Roommates by K.N. Tuxford
As a long-time fan of books that expertly blend themes of identity, romance, and the quirky dynamics of life in academia, And They Were Roommates had been on my radar for what felt like ages. Authored by K.N. Tuxford, this novel seemed to promise an exhilarating exploration of young love amidst the backdrop of a narrative that brimmed with fun and academic flair. However, after finally turning its pages, I must say it’s left me feeling quite torn.
From the outset, the premise drew me in—a tale set in an all-boys boarding school, evoking nostalgic vibes reminiscent of classic coming-of-age films. The backdrop does sparkle with the potential for witty banter, unexpected drama, and engaging character dynamics. Unfortunately, while there were indeed fun moments, the overall plot felt a bit preposterous, almost as if all the enjoyable elements had come together but weren’t quite given the space to breathe.
At the heart of the story is a romance between Charlie, a dynamic character grappling with his trans identity, and Jasper, who initially came across as an annoying prick rather than the brooding heartthrob I suspect he was intended to be. Their romantic tension tugged at my heartstrings at moments, yet I found myself wanting more clarity regarding Charlie’s affection for Jasper. What about him drew Charlie in at their first meeting? The often-overused trope of second-chance romance in YA left me perplexed. Charlie’s fixation on a camp fling from when he was just 13 raised an eyebrow—was it all a joke or serious emotional baggage? It all felt a bit too removed from the realities of young love.
The trans representation within the narrative deserves commendation. Charlie’s struggles to navigate his identity and self-worth were nuanced and heartfelt, yet the execution of his journey often left me scratching my head. The timeline of his transition seemed overly optimistic, especially given the socioeconomic background of his family. How had he managed to undergo top surgery at just 15 while his circumstances suggested otherwise? And while I appreciated the inclusion of supportive friendships—namely with Delilah—it wasn’t entirely clear how their relationship could flourish when they only met two years ago and had limited communication. It left me wondering about the depth of their bond.
As for the plot device revolving around writing love letters for classmates—there was a wealth of potential there! With all the angst and various setbacks throughout the story, I expected it to culminate in something poignant or transformative. Instead, the resolution felt lackluster and left me thinking, "What was the point of it all?"
Despite the frustrations, I want to stress that this isn’t a bad book; rather, it might simply not have been for me. Perhaps with a more relatable Jasper or a tighter focus on character motivations and resolutions, it could have resonated more profoundly. I wholeheartedly recognize that being overly analytical might not be the experience of every reader, especially those craving lighthearted escapism.
In conclusion, I believe And They Were Roommates may find its audience among younger readers or those who enjoy a light, fun narrative steeped in youthful romances. It provides an interesting lens on identity and friendship, albeit with some plot points that may give more discerning readers pause. For me, the reading experience was reflective but ultimately left me yearning for a more cohesive narrative thread. Thank you to Macmillan Children’s for the early reading opportunity!