Book blurb: In this graphic novel, science fiction meets psychosexual drama when four women try to bring “civilization” to the natives of a remote planet on the fringes of the known universe.
I've read a couple of other graphic novels by this author and I really like her art style. This one has lovely, stark, yet compelling black and white art, which wonderfully evokes the right mood for this dark tale.
The story is only sci-fi in the sense that it takes place on a different planet with strange flora and fauna. It's really the story of four women who set out to "civilize" a foreign population and end up rather uncivilized themselves. The women are dressed like nuns and there are religious overtones, and I liked that the four women all had different roles and personalities. What I did not appreciate is that the moment a man (with four eyes at that!) enters the scene two of the women seem to lose their minds. That old trope doesn't play well with me. They had work to do. Important work in their own eyes (ha!), and yet things fall apart over a man? Gimme a break! My other complaint is that the story isn't well developed either. What happened to the male expedition? We don't learn much about the "natives" either, though why the male human has four eyes is a a fun twist.
It's still an interesting read (not for kids), and the one I've liked best by the author. The physical book itself is a thing of beauty. Lovely dark red covers with black and gold art, and the pages are edged in black. Very cool indeed. Rating: 3 stars.
8. On a Magical Do-Nothing Day
I'm slowly making my way through The 7 Loveliest Children’s Books of 2017 as selected by brainpickings. You can see the list here.
This is the fourth picture book on the list that I've read and it's worth picking up for the art alone. The illustrations are lush and wonderfully textured. The story is about this young kid who is bored, bored bored. After the electronic gadget is accidentally dropped in the water, what is a little person to do? Good thing there are trees, and dirt, and rocks, and the whole natural world just outside to explore. I particularly liked that the gender of the kid is not easily identifiable and never mentioned.
Put down all things with an on/off switch and get outside. That's a message I can get behind. This would be a lovely read aloud story for all the littles in your life. Rating: 3 stars.
9. The Gentleman's Guide to Vice and Virtue
I listened to the audiobook, which is well narrated by Christian Coulson.
No one is more surprised than yours truly that I picked up a book with this title and that cover. I was delighted from start to finish with this romp of a read. A reminder to self to stray to shelves I don't normally browse.
This delightful tale is told from the POV of Monty, a poor rich white guy, who also happens to be self-centered and whiny. Monty is the reason this yarn works. His voice is wonderfully done. The story starts with a very hungover Monty, who after being expelled from one of the finest boarding schools in England, is being sent on a Grand Tour of Europe in the hopes that he'll man up. Monty has different ideas as to how the year will unfold, and expects to drink and party his way across the continent while flirting with his best friend, Percy, a boy he's crushing on. Yes, there is a tutor and his annoying younger sister, Felicity, in the entourage, but he fully expects to enjoy both the men and women he meets along the way. Things do not go as planned, and soon there are these strange men trying to kill them. What?!
This is such a fun ride and I enjoyed every minute of it. Sure, there are things that are a tad over the top, but this coming of age story has deeper undertones that shine through. Also, I love Felicity, and that there is to be a sequel told from her POV delights me immensely. If you are in the mood for a fun caper across Europe, this young adult book might be just the thing you are looking for. Try it and see. Rating: 4 stars.
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