I don’t read graphic novels. I just don’t. However, I came across this book and the premise was so intriguing — and it got such good reviews — that I had to take a look. I am SO glad I did. This book is STUNNING.
It is the true story of a man’s lonely, confusing, bizarre childhood in Detroit. His father was a doctor and gave him hundreds of experimental x-ray treatments, presumably to help his son’s sinus infections. They ended up causing cancer. His mother was a bitter, harsh woman incapable of showing love and nurture to her sons. She struggled with mental illness and physical problems of her own.
In this book, a picture truly tells a thousand words. Small’s depictions of his family and childhood memories are absolutely haunting. His drawings capture so much raw emotion. Seeing the dreary, traumatic world of a stark, unloving home through the eyes of Small’s child was immensely powerful and moving.
Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.
–Amanda
