I have enjoyed almost everything Timothy Janovsky has written, and I’ve enjoyed watching him grow as a writer. Janovsky has always honored the deep and serious feelings aspects of his characters while leaning into the comedic elements of the plot. In The Invisible Roomate, Janovsky lightens the mood with humor, but he steers away from comedy. The Invisible Roommate utilizes gothic elements to echo the isolation Gerard and Emory feel. H. G. Wells’ The Invisible Man isn’t my favorite late 19th century science fiction novel, but it works well as a source material for a 21st century queer romance.
Gerard has been a member of an internationally popular pop band with his brothers, managed by his father, for several years. He’s been holding onto the promise that at the end of the current tour he will get a break and a chance to reassess his participation. When his father pushes for them to immediately go back into the studio, Gerard decides it’s time to disappear. Drawn by a favorite song, he heads to a remote island in the Chesapeake Bay, which is also in the process of disappearing because of rising ocean levels. When he gets to the room he’s rented, the detritus of the former tenant, who mysteriously disappeared, is still around. And when he tries to get rid of it, it reappears. Because Emory is still there, just invisible.
Gerard and Emory are each in a place of crisis and have reasons to want to disappear. But in the words of the rock star and scientist, Buckaroo Bonzai, “no matter where you go, there you are.” Together they grapple with identity, self worth, art, science, religion, and whether to be a monster or accept the responsibilities that go with being a member of a community. It’s a lovely read. The Invisible Roommate delves into some heavy topics around religion and family, so it might press on tender points.
I received this as an advance reader copy from St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley. My opinions are my own, freely and honestly given.
