Imogen, Obviously

By Author / Illustrator

Becky Albertalli

Genre

LBGTQ+

Age range(s)

14+

Publisher

HarperCollins Publishers

ISBN

9780008607333

Format

Paperback / softback

Published

11-05-2023

Synopsis

The sensational new novel from Becky Albertalli, best-selling author of Simon vs the Homo Sapiens Agenda.

Imogen may be hopelessly heterosexual, but she's got the World's Greatest Ally title locked down. And when she visits her best friend, Lili, at college who is newly-out, newly-graduated, and newly thriving, with a cool new squad of queer college friends, no one knows that Imogen's a raging hetero - not even Lili's best friend, Tessa. Of course, the more time Imogen spends with chaotic, freckle-faced Tessa, the more she starts to wonder if her truth was ever all that straight to begin with...

With an irresistible cast of characters, hugely funny and empathetic writing, and all of Becky Albertalli's trademark warmth and wit, Imogen, Obviously beautifully explores the nuances of sexuality, identity, and friendship - perfect for fans of Alice Oseman and Adam Silvera.

Find out more in this Q&A with Becky Albertalli

Download Extract

Reviews

Immy is the straight girl in her group of friends, even her little sister is out and proud. When she decides to visit her best friend Lili at college, a shocking revelation from her means Immy must pretend to be bisexual around Lili's new friends. The longer she spends with Lili's friend Tessa, the more she realises that perhaps she is bi after all, until her friend from home, Gretchen, accuses her of appropriation and suddenly Immy is making revelations herself.

Imogen, Obviously is an enjoyable read, dealing with teenage life, feelings, anxieties and first love. Author Becky Albertalli approaches Immy's dilemma about her sexuality sensitively and highlights the worries and peer pressure young people can experience whilst navigating school and college. Alongside this, Albertalli deals with the concept of appropriation and mockery regarding sexuality, gender and pronouns, topics continually being debated in today's society. Books such as these are necessary for young people to understand they are not alone in feeling conflicted or unsure, not only about sexuality but also about whether they will be accepted for who they really are.

Peppered throughout and separated by text messages it is a fun, fast paced read, with the final scenes sure to have teenagers dreaming about love and soulmates. I feel it could benefit from a glossary of terms at the end, but then perhaps teenagers know every term already! A great book to encourage open discussion, recommended. 416 pages.

432 pages / Reviewed by Lorraine Ansell, school librarian