'The Romantic Tragedies of a Drama King' by Harry Trevaldwyn
- Reed
- Apr 18
- 2 min read
Updated: May 8
Author: Harry Trevaldwyn
Rating: ★★★★☆ (B+)
Vibe: British gay rom-com meets high school theater chaos—with flair, fantasy, and just enough heart
Quick Take: Witty, well-paced, and surprisingly sharp. It knows exactly what kind of book it is—and delivers with charm and confidence.
Patch Simmons is sixteen, fabulous, and entirely convinced that he’s overdue for a cinematic love story. With prom on the horizon and a flair for dramatics honed by years in the school theater, he’s determined to find a boyfriend before the big night. But fantasy is easier than follow-through, and as Patch plans elaborate schemes to make his dreams come true, real connection proves trickier than it looks.
Trevaldwyn’s debut is sharp, voicey, and genuinely funny. Patch’s inner monologue sparkles with clever wordplay, but what impressed me most was that it didn’t feel forced—his voice is heightened, sure, but still grounded in recognizable teenage rhythms. I listened to the audiobook, and the narrator absolutely nailed Patch’s tone—perfect casting that made the character feel even more vivid and alive. He’s the kind of kid who talks big and dreams bigger, even if reality rarely matches the script in his head. And that gap between fantasy and follow-through? That’s the book’s most honest insight.
The love interests aren’t especially developed, but that felt intentional. Patch isn’t really in love with either of them—he’s in love with the idea of love. And as the story unfolds, his real arc isn’t about who he ends up with, but how he learns to bring his over-the-top expectations a little closer to the ground without losing what makes him shine.
The prom payoff was satisfying in that very YA way: predictable, yes, but sweet and earned. The book never overreaches—it doesn’t try to be a deep psychological character study or a capital-L Literary Work. It’s a romantic comedy about a gay theater kid with a big personality and even bigger dreams. And it nails that.
There were moments that pulled me out a bit—particularly the recurring gag of Patch interrupting everyone before they can finish their sentences. It’s a trope I find grating, and while it fits his whirlwind personality, it wore thin fast. That, plus a desire for a little more nuance early on, kept this from being an A.
That said, I found the relationship with his English teacher especially affecting. It rang true: so many gay kids find unexpected safety and solidarity with teachers in the arts. It added just enough emotional depth to balance the comedy.
So no, it’s not a tragedy—not even close. But it is romantic, fun, and more thoughtful than it first lets on. A solid B+, and a joyful reminder that the drama king sometimes earns his crown.
