Book Review: Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli
As a book blogger, I often find myself drawn to covers that seem to leap from the shelf with personality. Becky Albertalli’s Imogen, Obviously boasts an adorably vibrant cover that perfectly complements its premise: a coming-of-age journey through the twists and turns of self-discovery in a queer context. I’ll admit, I entered this reading experience with high expectations. I truly wanted to love this book. Yet, despite my enthusiasm and acknowledgment of its potential, I found myself coming away with mixed feelings. But hey, I’m not here to speak for all readers—and that’s the beauty of diverse perspectives!
At its core, Imogen, Obviously is about the titular character, Imogen, who grapples with her sexual identity while secretly navigating a web of lies spun by her childhood friend, Lili. This sense of confusion isn’t just relegated to Imogen’s romantic inclinations; her life is a reflection of many queer individuals’ experiences, where defining one’s identity often feels like navigating murky waters. I appreciated that Imogen was encircled by a vibrant LGBTQ community while still believing she was straight—a narrative thread that adds depth to her journey. It’s a compelling reminder that one can be a loving ally without fully understanding their own identity.
One aspect of the storytelling that resonated with me was how Albertalli portrayed the complexities of friendships. Imogen’s feelings of jealousy and uncertainty around Lili’s college life felt achingly relatable. As someone who’s experienced the bittersweet evolution of childhood friendships, I felt connected to Imogen as she navigated the shifting dynamics of her relationship with Lili. The pang of watching a friend grow apart—insert inside jokes with new friends—struck a chord that I think many readers will find familiar.
Albertalli’s reflections on the intricacies of girl friendships also deserve a shoutout. She adeptly captures the often blurry lines between flirtation and friendship, showcasing Imogen’s internal turmoil and confusion. As several witty observations illustrate, “How do you know—how do you really know if someone likes you?” It made me smile and reminisce about my younger self, standing in a similar spot of uncertainty.
However, despite these highlights, where Imogen’s story beautifully unfolded, I found parts that ultimately fell flat for me. The pacing felt uneven, particularly as the subplot of Imogen and Lili pretending to be exes often faded into the background until moments of conflict required its resurgence. I often found myself sifting through an avalanche of Imogen’s over-analyzing thoughts, which, while reflective of a true overthinker, became tedious over the course of the book.
Moreover, the character of Gretchen and her overtly assertive views nearly overshadowed Imogen’s journey. While I understood her intention as a foil to highlight Imogen’s insecurities, I struggled with the perception that Gretchen’s views were presented as valid without significant pushback for much of the story. It felt like a missed opportunity for Imogen to assert her own voice amidst the noise.
Reflecting on the reading experience, I think Imogen, Obviously will resonate deeply with readers currently exploring their identities or those who appreciate nuanced portrayals of self-discovery. Albertalli’s work brings forth relatable sentiments despite my own disconnect with aspects of the story. While I might not have found the treasure I hoped for within its pages, I recognize the beams of light that other readers will surely cherish. Celebrate the quirkiness and confusion of young love and identity in a vibrant world that burgeons with possibility. So, if you’re ready to navigate the delightful—and sometimes turbulent—seas of first crushes and identity explorations, this book may be just what you’re looking for!