The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley – A Book Review

The Invisible Husband of Frick Island by Colleen Oakley is one of my favourite reads so far in 2021.  The story is an honest look at hope, friendship and community and one I’m highly recommending.  This book publishes today.

Plot Summary

Piper Parrish lives with her husband Tom on Frick Island – a town of less than 100 residents in the middle of Chesapeake Bay.  Shortly after the book begins, Tom’s boat is found capsized and Tom is missing.  Devastated by this loss, Piper carries on as though nothing has happened.  She even talks to Tom as though he is right next to her. The community is bewildered by this, but also carry on as though Tom is alive to support the grieving Piper.

Anders Caldwell is a struggling journalist working for a small town newspaper with hopes of becoming an acclaimed podcaster.  When he is sent on assignment to cover an event on Frick Island to cover their annual fundraiser, he cannot believe how isolated this community really is.  He also uncovers the mystery of a whole town pretending a dead man is still alive and living amongst them.  Could this be the perfect topic for his podcast?

Over a series of months with weekly travel back and forth to the island, Anders learns more about Piper and the community she lives in.  As his podcast dreams begin to become true, the ethics and responsibility of journalism come to the forefront.  He has no idea how his words will change the course of the island’s history, or his own life.

Book Review

I absolutely loved this book.  The story is fascinating and engaging, and is one of hope, love and friendship. The author does a fabulous job at providing a detailed account of the quirkiness of the island and its characters.  My heart broke for Piper with the loss of Tom and I found myself hoping that he was still alive. It was endearing to see the community support her need to include Tom, based on the medical advice of the retired dentist cum island doctor.

Where this book excelled to me was in the character development.  Piper’s character was much more complex then at first look. Well loved and protected by the island’s residents, the author provides insight to her character that were not part of her persona she presented to the rest of the community.  It was also interesting to the change in Anders over the course of the book.  It seemed the things that had been important to him and which fuelled his move out of his comfort zone, eventually became less urgent and desirable.  The discussion regarding his relationships to his father(s) was particularly salient and provided insight into his character.

What I Liked About The Invisible Husband of Frick Island:

• The unique and engaging plot
• The intensity of the character development
• The quirkiness of the island and its residents

I Recommend This Book To:

Those readers who enjoy  stories of hope that have you cheering on the characters.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and Netgalley for the advanced copy of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.

My rating:

4.5/5 stars

Add The Invisible Husband of Frick Island to your Goodreads shelf

Similar Books I’ve Reviewed:

You Were There Too by Colleen Oakley

Are We There Yet? by Kathleen West – A Book Review

The Newcomer by Mary Kay Andrews

Thank you for reading and supporting this blog.  I hope you have a wonderful day.