In Samantha Allen’s inventive and touching second novel, a deceased movie star and a struggling writer forge an unlikely connection that transcends the boundaries between life and death. Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet deftly blends supernatural elements with sharp commentary on celebrity culture, queer identity, and the universal human desire to be truly seen.
The Plot: More Than Meets The Eye
When former Mormon turned memoirist Adam Gallagher arrives at Roland Rogers’ Malibu mansion, he thinks he’s landed the ghostwriting opportunity of a lifetime. Roland, Hollywood’s most bankable action star, wants to finally come out as gay in a tell-all memoir. There’s just one catch: Roland is literally a ghost, having perished in a skiing accident but lingering on as a ball of electrical energy that can inhabit household appliances. With Roland’s body still buried in snow and time running out before his death becomes public, the unlikely pair have just one month to complete the book.
What begins as a straightforward ghostwriting assignment evolves into something far more intimate as Adam and Roland develop feelings for each other, connecting through shared experiences of isolation and concealment. Their relationship, while unconventional, allows both men to heal old wounds and embrace their authentic selves.
Writing Style: Wit Meets Wisdom
Allen’s prose sparkles with humor and heart, maintaining a delicate balance between comedy and poignant observation. The dialogue crackles with wit, particularly in the banter between Adam and Roland, while more serious moments land with emotional authenticity. The author demonstrates remarkable skill in making a seemingly absurd premise feel not just believable but deeply moving.
Strengths: Character Development and Theme Exploration
Complex Characters
The novel’s greatest strength lies in its richly drawn characters. Roland transcends the typical Hollywood heartthrob archetype, revealing layers of vulnerability beneath his movie star facade. Adam’s journey from cynical writer to someone capable of profound connection is equally compelling. Even supporting characters like Zoya, Roland’s former beard, emerge as fully realized individuals with their own hopes and fears.
Thoughtful Theme Exploration
Allen tackles weighty themes with nuance:
- The cost of staying closeted in Hollywood
- Religious trauma and its lasting effects
- The tension between public persona and private identity
- The transformative power of being truly seen and accepted
Areas for Improvement
While the novel largely succeeds, there are some minor stumbling points:
- The pacing occasionally lags in the middle sections
- Some readers may find the supernatural elements hard to accept initially
- A few plot threads feel slightly underdeveloped
- The resolution might strike some as too neat given the complex setup
Genre-Bending Excellence
Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet defies easy categorization, seamlessly blending elements of:
- Romance
- Ghost story
- Hollywood satire
- Coming-out narrative
- Character study
This genre-crossing approach might challenge some readers’ expectations but ultimately creates something fresh and memorable.
Cultural Commentary
The novel offers incisive commentary on contemporary celebrity culture and the entertainment industry. Allen’s critique of Hollywood’s treatment of LGBTQ+ actors feels particularly timely and well-observed. The book also thoughtfully explores Mormon culture and religious trauma through Adam’s backstory, drawing on Allen’s own background knowledge to create authentic representation.
Comparison to Other Works
Like Allen’s debut novel Patricia Wants to Cuddle, this book demonstrates her ability to blend genres while maintaining emotional authenticity. Fans of Casey McQuiston’s Red, White & Royal Blue or Ashley Poston’s The Dead Romantics will find similar elements of romance and supernatural whimsy here, though Allen’s voice remains distinctly her own.
Impact and Relevance
The novel’s exploration of identity, authenticity, and the courage to live truthfully resonates beyond its supernatural premise. In an era where conversations about representation and inclusion in Hollywood continue to evolve, Roland’s story feels particularly relevant.
Technical Excellence
Allen’s craftsmanship shines in several areas:
- Masterful handling of complex timeline shifts
- Vivid scene-setting that brings locations to life
- Natural integration of backstory
- Balanced pacing between character development and plot progression
The Verdict
Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet is a remarkable achievement that manages to be both wildly entertaining and deeply meaningful. While some aspects of the story require suspension of disbelief, the emotional truth at its core makes it a compelling read. The novel successfully balances humor with heart, offering insights about love, identity, and the courage to live authentically.
Recommended for:
- Fans of unconventional romance
- Readers interested in LGBTQ+ narratives
- Those who enjoy Hollywood stories with depth
- Anyone who appreciates genre-bending fiction
May not appeal to:
- Readers who prefer strictly realistic fiction
- Those looking for traditional romance structures
- People uncomfortable with supernatural elements
Final Thoughts
Roland Rogers Isn’t Dead Yet marks another bold step forward for Samantha Allen as a novelist. Despite minor flaws, it’s a unique and affecting story that lingers in the mind long after the final page. The novel proves that sometimes the most unlikely premises can yield the most genuine insights about the human heart.