Marie is the classic awkward teenager: square-framed glasses, frumpy clothing and an inability to feel comfortable in her own skin. But everyday teen woes don’t explain it all, as Marie’s learning to live with her mother’s schizophrenia and her split family’s poverty. The road to god knows is largely autobiographical, but author and illustrator Von Allan depicts a fictional story for his first published work, taking a step back to pierce the heart of what it is to try and understand a loved one’s mental illness. Allan’s illustrations, while sometimes showing overly exaggerated emotion for the dialogue used, are incredibly detailed and convey the grit and discomfort in Marie’s life. A little rough around the edges, Allan’s first graphic novel is an informed and honest journey.
This article appears in Jan 21-27, 2010.
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this…it’s beyond fantastic to see this in “The Coast”! I’d like to add that Von’s book is also available at Halifax’s most wonderful Strange Adventures over at 5262 Sackville Street (902-425-2140). Go and bring your wallet…it’s a great store. And tell Calum hello from Ottawa when you’re there!
p.s.
And if this article has made it into the hands of someone in NB, I should say that Calum’s second location, Fredericton’s Strange Adventures, has the book too! 68 York Street (506-450-3759).