Blankets

I also read this week Blankets by Craig Thompson. I was warned by my friends ahead of time that this graphic novel was a bit depressing. But I didn't find it that way. It felt like life. It was a life since the novel is an autobiography. At times it was dark. Extremely dark in at least one case, where he tells of how he and his little brother were molested. Yet in the end it felt hopeful? I'm not sure that's the word I'm looking for. It felt like growing up. Yes bad happens as does good, and it makes you who you are.

I really like the style of the novel. Especially how abstract it got at times. The content also influenced the abstractions style. When he was happy they got curves and flow to them. When about anger or him dealing with a personal demon they got angular and more static, despite the energy to the lines... like a moment frozen in time. It could be mimicking how the mind usually remembers more bad experiences stronger than good ones. Mental scaring even. Where as the good 'dreams' give a sense of more of an experience. there is more too look at and more that you only get a vague impression of when thinking back on. At least for me anyway.

I'm not sure what else to say about it right now. I think I need to read it again, slower this time, and analyze it as I go.