Blankets by Craig Thompson
From Goodreads
Wrapped in the landscape of a blustery Wisconsin winter, Blankets explores the sibling rivalry of two brothers growing up in the isolated country, and the budding romance of two coming-of-age lovers. A tale of security and discovery, of playfulness and tragedy, of a fall from grace and the origins of faith.
ISBN: 9781891830433
Publisher: Top Shelf Productions
Publication date: August 18th 2003
Pages: 592
Review
I first came across this author through a booktuber on YouTube who piqued my interest when she said that this was an autobiography done as a graphic novel. I have read graphic novels before but not an autobiographical one, so I thought I would try it out and see what it was like.
My first impression was that the cover was really nice. Although simple in design it wasnโt simplistic. However, I think it spoke volumes even so. I donโt think I was prepared for what greeted me when I started to read the book.
The first 68 pages I encountered poverty, what would be seen as child abuse these days, and child sexual abuse. What a way to be introduced to a new style of book by a totally new author. I felt like someone had punched me in the face but I still wanted to keep reading. Something about this book pulled me in to keep reading it. Itโs not a small book by any means and yet I managed to finish reading it in just a few hours! Granted there were a number of pages that just contained pictures and no writing but the story still moved quickly.
In addition to the issues it covered in the first 68 pages there was an overarching theme of Craig trying to come to terms with his Christian belief especially as he grew to understand his own sexuality. The description of his upbringing is one based in a fundamentalist Christian faith. The further one ventures into the book it becomes clear that Craig becomes increasingly more confused about his faith and what he feels about it. I found myself feeling the confusion that Craig felt and I think the pictures only enhanced this feeling due to their visual nature. Itโs a very worthwhile read.
Recommend for: Adults
Rating: ๐๐๐๐๐
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