Imaginary Friend by Stephen Chbosky

Description

“Imaginary Friend” is a horror novel written by American author Stephen Chbosky. Stephen Chbosky is perhaps best known for his coming-of-age novel “The Perks of Being a Wallflower,” but “Imaginary Friend” marks a departure from his previous work, as it delves into the horror genre.

Published in 2019, “Imaginary Friend” is a psychological thriller that centers around the story of a young boy named Christopher Reese. Christopher and his mother move to a small town in Pennsylvania to make a fresh start after escaping an abusive relationship. In this new town, Christopher goes missing for six days, and when he returns, he seems to be different. He has a newfound intelligence and an imaginary friend named “Rawley” who encourages him to build a treehouse in the woods. As Christopher becomes engrossed in this project, a sinister force seems to be at play, and a dark and supernatural mystery unfolds.

The novel has elements of psychological horror and supernatural elements, exploring themes of trauma, family, and the power of imagination. “Imaginary Friend” has been praised for its atmosphere and suspense, but it has also been noted for its length and complexity, as it is a lengthy novel with intricate plotting.

Chbosky’s venture into the horror genre with “Imaginary Friend” has garnered attention from fans and critics alike, offering a different perspective from his more well-known young adult novel, “The Perks of Being a Wallflower.”