Georgina Frankie’s debut novel, The Chemistry Test, delivers something increasingly rare in contemporary YA romance – a love story that doesn’t promise to fix everything. The Chemistry Test follows Penny, an 18-year-old with a chronic illness who uses a wheelchair, as she navigates her first year at university alongside her growing feelings for CJ, an aspiring actor taking a break from his career after personal loss.
What makes this novel particularly remarkable is Frankie’s commitment to authenticity over convenience. Penny isn’t magically cured by love, nor does she need to be “saved” by romance. Instead, the narrative explores how two people dealing with their own challenges can genuinely support each other without losing their individual identities.
Character Development That Feels Real
Penny’s Journey to Self-Acceptance
Penny Lane emerges as a protagonist who defies easy categorization. She’s academically brilliant, running an anonymous advice blog called “Closer Than Yesterday,” yet struggles with deep-seated insecurities about her worth in romantic relationships. Frankie skillfully portrays the internal conflict between Penny’s intellectual confidence and her emotional vulnerability.
The author’s greatest strength lies in avoiding the trap of making Penny’s disability her entire personality. She’s a fully realized character who happens to use a wheelchair, not a disability inspiration narrative. Her concerns about accessibility, fatigue management, and societal perceptions feel genuine rather than educational.
CJ’s Complexity Beyond the Love Interest
CJ (Cameron) could have easily become a generic “swoony” leading man, but Frankie imbues him with genuine depth. His struggle with grief following his grandmother’s death and his complicated relationship with his acting career provide layers that elevate him beyond typical YA male leads. The revelation that he’s been anonymously messaging Penny’s advice blog creates a compelling narrative tension that drives the story’s emotional core.
The Anonymous Messaging Subplot: A Masterstroke
The central conceit of Penny unknowingly counseling CJ through her anonymous blog serves multiple narrative functions brilliantly. It allows both characters to be vulnerable in ways they couldn’t be face-to-face, while also creating dramatic irony that keeps readers invested. When the truth emerges, the emotional fallout feels earned rather than contrived.
This subplot also showcases Frankie’s understanding of how young people actually communicate and seek help in the digital age. The messaging format feels authentic, avoiding the awkward “how do you do, fellow kids” tone that often plagues adult authors writing about technology.
Disability Representation Done Right
Frankie’s representation of disability deserves particular praise. Penny’s experiences with chronic illness and wheelchair use are portrayed with nuance and specificity. The novel addresses practical concerns – from accessible buildings to energy management – without turning them into dramatic plot devices.
The author avoids both the “inspiration porn” trap and the opposite extreme of making disability unrealistically easy to navigate. Penny has bad days and good days; she faces genuine barriers but also finds workarounds and support systems. This balanced approach feels refreshing in a genre that often handles disability poorly.
Where the Chemistry Fizzles Slightly
Despite its many strengths, The Chemistry Test by Georgina Frankie isn’t without its weaknesses. The pacing occasionally suffers during the middle sections, particularly when the focus shifts too heavily toward academic stress and friend group dynamics. Some supporting characters, particularly Amy and Ro, feel underdeveloped despite their significant presence in the narrative.
The resolution, while satisfying, occasionally veers toward the overly tidy. The epilogue’s “two years later” format, while providing closure, doesn’t entirely escape the “everything works out perfectly” trap that the rest of the novel so carefully avoids.
Writing Style and Voice
Frankie’s prose strikes an effective balance between accessible and sophisticated. The dual perspective narrative works well, with distinct voices for both Penny and CJ that feel authentic to their characters. The author’s background in social media advocacy shines through in the genuine way she captures contemporary young adult communication patterns.
The humor feels natural and character-driven rather than forced, with Penny’s witty observations and CJ’s dry commentary providing levity without undermining the story’s emotional weight. Particularly effective are the scenes where both characters’ vulnerabilities are on full display.
A Debut Author’s Impressive Foundation
Learning that Frankie wrote the first draft while experiencing homelessness adds another layer of respect for this accomplished debut. The novel’s themes of resilience, self-advocacy, and finding community resonate even more powerfully with this context in mind.
This is clearly an author who understands the importance of representation and has lived experience to draw from, resulting in a narrative that feels genuine rather than performative.
Recommended Reading for Chemistry Test Fans
Readers who enjoy The Chemistry Test by Georgina Frankie might appreciate:
- The Black Flamingo by Dean Atta – Another authentic exploration of identity and self-acceptance
- The Summer of Impossibilities by Rachael Allen – Friendship and personal growth with realistic character development
- What’s Not to Love by Emily Wibberley – Contemporary romance that handles personal struggles thoughtfully
- Far From the Tree by Robin Benway – Complex family dynamics and emotional healing
- The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang – Acceptance and authentic relationships
Final Verdict
The Chemistry Test by Georgina Frankie succeeds as both romance and social commentary, offering readers a love story that doesn’t rely on problematic tropes about disability or mental health. While it occasionally stumbles with pacing and supporting character development, Frankie’s commitment to authentic representation and emotional honesty makes this a noteworthy debut.
The novel works particularly well for readers seeking romance that acknowledges real-world challenges without being overwhelmed by them. It’s a story about finding love and community while navigating life’s complexities – a message that feels both timely and timeless.
For YA romance readers tired of stories where love conquers all in unrealistic ways, The Chemistry Test by Georgina Frankie offers something more mature and ultimately more satisfying: a love story where the characters’ individual growth matters as much as their relationship. Frankie has established herself as an author to watch, and readers will likely be eager to see what she creates next.
