Make me remember who I am: THE INVISIBLE HUSBAND OF FRICK ISLAND.

The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Anders has big dreams of being a famous journalist. Instead, he's tasked to cover a boring Cake Walk in the tiny town of Frick Island, which has only 91 residents. While visiting, he starts to think there is more to Frick Island than meets the eye, as the little island--so resistant to change--will soon be lost to climate change. Drawn to Frick Island, Anders returns over and over, especially captivated by one resident, Piper Parrish. He soon learns that Piper lost her husband Tom in a boat accident. Devastated by the loss, Piper continues to act as if Tom is still with her, talking to him and eating lunch with him at the local diner. Even more wild? The whole town is pretending he is still alive to placate her. Fascinated by the situation, Anders starts a podcast about Frick Island and Piper, but cannot seem to tell Piper or the town as it gains a life of its own.

INVISIBLE was quite hyped around the book community. It was a bit slow to warm up, but was good once it did. I never fully liked Piper, but adored sweet awkward Anders. Still, I found myself frustrated that he would not come clean about Piper being the subject of his podcast. (The island, conveniently, does not receive reliable Internet for most of the novel.)

Oakley's writing is lovely and the characters of this little island pop before your eyes. The cast is full of charming and quirky folks. Still, this is a story of grief and it's often quite sad. The end result is a thoughtful and beautiful tale.




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