Scan barcode
cadence99's review
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I thoroughly enjoyed the journey we took with Ro, who is processing her grief through reflections on her grandmothers life. her attempt to understand her grandmothers actions and attitudes is deeply relatable to anyone who has ever experienced a complex relationship with a family member. My one detractor here is that a big portion of the text is written in a font that was very difficult to read (at least on my iPad, not certain if this would be improved in print). The font is aesthetically pleasing, but very small, smushed together, and cursive, which had me zooming in to the point of pixelation, even as someone with relatively good eyesight. I would still recommend this read (at least the portion I was given, it seems maybe netgalley didn’t provide the whole book from looking at other reviews?) despite this issue but would be amiss if I didn’t point out the accessibility issue there.
Thank you to Netgalley and Fantagraphics for this ARC
Thank you to Netgalley and Fantagraphics for this ARC
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Rape
Moderate: Transphobia, Death, Miscarriage, Sexism, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Death of parent, Alcohol, Animal death, Blood, Emotional abuse, Grief, Hate crime, Infertility, Medical trauma, Misogyny, Pregnancy, Violence, Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual violence
Minor: Outing, War, Domestic abuse, and Deadnaming
rainasage's review
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I was provided an advanced reader copy by Netgalley.
Mothballs is an emotional read perfect for any reader who enjoys multi-generational family sagas and complex familial dynamics. Rocio's struggle to live up to her family's expectations is relatable and her recounting of her grandmother and great grandmother's pasts are full of emotion and depth. The art style is very fluid and colorful, and I personally found it appealing.
The translation of the text to English is also well done but I will say, for me personally, the cursive sections were quite difficult to read.
based on where the story ended in the digital arc I was provided (about 2/3rds of the way through) I'd give this book about 3.5 stars because I wasn't able to read the emotional resolution to the plot, but I imagine the whole text with the full resolution may deserve a higher rating than that.
Mothballs is an emotional read perfect for any reader who enjoys multi-generational family sagas and complex familial dynamics. Rocio's struggle to live up to her family's expectations is relatable and her recounting of her grandmother and great grandmother's pasts are full of emotion and depth. The art style is very fluid and colorful, and I personally found it appealing.
The translation of the text to English is also well done but I will say, for me personally, the cursive sections were quite difficult to read.
based on where the story ended in the digital arc I was provided (about 2/3rds of the way through) I'd give this book about 3.5 stars because I wasn't able to read the emotional resolution to the plot, but I imagine the whole text with the full resolution may deserve a higher rating than that.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Emotional abuse
More...