Hello!
As the temperature soars to 44.2°C (I am not kidding – check the latest news here), I am seriously rethinking my options to relocate. However, with the second wave of coronavirus sweeping the country and vaccinations being rolled out in phases for adults above 40 years old, I miss my university days in Edinburgh. I suppose a lot of people have reached their point of burnout but are still slogging it through the days with some routine (if there is any in the first place). Before I sound glummer, let me share the good part of my reading. In today’s post, I have compiled my short reviews on graphic novels that I received as ARCs previously. So, without any further delays, let us dive in.
1) Brontë by Manuela Santoni
Print Length: 184 pages
Format: Digital copy
Publisher: Graphic Universe (4 May 2021)
Let me start with—I have not read any of the Brontë sisters’ works, but I know them as literary icons who published major books under male pseudonyms. This graphic novel introduces the characteristics of the three Brontë sisters, the situation they faced in the literary world where men were considered to be established authors and writings by women was not a commonplace occurrence during that time. The story magnifies the period in the Brontë family when the three sisters somehow decide to publish their books; it also puts forth light on the relationship with their ailing and old father and a troubling brother who burdened the family with his unruly behaviour. The novel has encouraged me to pick Wuthering Heights by Emily Bronte that has been on my shelf picking up dust. If you are a Brontë fan, this graphic novel will enlighten you and probably make you reread your favourite classics.
Buy the book: Brontë
2) Two-Week Wait: an IVF story by Luke Jackson and Kelly Jackson; Illustrated by Mara Wild
Print Length: 160 pages
Format: Digital copy
Publisher: Scribe (4 May 2021)
A graphic novel that beautifully captures the struggles of conceiving by a couple. This story illustrates the small and big changes that overcome them emotionally, physically, mentally and financially as they find it increasingly difficult to cope with the journey in their method to conceive via I.V.F. It is a story that will relate to not only couples who are trying to have a baby, but it provides an insight into how challenging the circumstances become when a couple is unable to conceive easily. From repeated appointments with various doctors to feeling like an outcast slowly while others move on with their families, this will stir up emotions in you at many instances. Kudos to the authors for depicting such a personal journey that can be taboo to discuss openly even today.
Buy the book: Two-Week Wait: an IVF story
3) Touch is Really Strange by Steve Haines
Print Length: 32 pages
Format: Digital copy
Publisher: Jessica Kingsley Publishers
The book is an infographic collection on the importance and scientific facts about our fifth sense – touch. This could not have been published in a better time with social distancing impacting our lives, and how much touch has been debated in various forms that we see today. Author Steve Haines presents the medical as well as the physical, emotional and mental effects of touch on a human being. The author also goes on to distinguish the trauma of bad touch and the healing power of good touch. It is a beautiful book – the illustrations are modern and geometric with minimal colours and painting like. The pictures are so beautiful, each page feels like an art in itself that can be framed. It is a good book to read if you are interested to know more about Touch or have a knack of curiosity for how this sense works with many fun facts.
Buy the book: Touch is Really Strange
4) Paris 2119 by Zep and Dominique Bertail
Print Length: 88 pages
Format: Digital copy
Publisher: Magnetic Press
A futuristic sci-fi graphic novel featuring diverse characters, Paris 2119 by Zep and Bertail tells the story of Tristan Keys. A young man who hangs on to travelling in metros, a bygone transportation system only used by the outcasts and rebels in the age of Transcore. Transcore is the ultimate transportation system guaranteeing the fastest travel time with accuracy in location. However, Tristan is not so sure after encountering two incidents that involve the shady business of Transcore. Okay, first off, I like the illustrations. It is grey, a tad bit grim and reminds me of older comic book visuals. I wouldn’t recommend it for 12 and below aged children due to some nudity involved, however, the concept of the story is intriguing. All I wish was for the story to not end so abruptly. Not sure if there is Vol. 2 coming out, but I would like to read what happens to Transcore after (spoiler alert) Tristen escapes with his identity wiped out.
Buy the book: Paris 2119
5) Kusama by Elisa Macellari
Print Length: 128 pages
Format: Digital copy
Publisher: Laurence King Publishing
Kusama by Elisa Macellari is a unique graphic novel that portrays the life of a Japanese artist named Yayoi Kusuma. What I found intriguing is the art in which Kusuma’s feelings, troubles and her sense of activism are captured in a peculiar form of illustrations and colours. The book is not suitable for children. However, anyone who wants to read about women who have impacted the world with their art should read this. I did find it a bit hard to understand a few perspectives, but then, I wasn’t acquainted with who Yayoi Kusuma was before I read the novel. Overall, it is a good read if you are interested in knowing about the artist, her art and her activism after moving to America from Japan.
Buy the book: Kusama
Note: I read across various genres, and I am trying to expand my reading preferences. If you have any recommendations, feel free to write in your suggestions below.
Thank you so much for reading this post. Cheers!
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