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lattelibrarian's review
4.0
A graphic novel, a psychosexual drama, and a critique of colonialism: these are the main components of Sophie Goldstein's House of Women. When a group of women land on a planet previously attempted to be colonized, they have their work cut out for them--especially avoiding the planet's heartthrob. But as their problems surmount as educating the native species becomes more and more difficult, especially as the species goes through a puberty, tensions grow thicker and thicker. What will prevail: the scientist, the romance, or the parental love?
This graphic novel also brings up as many questions as it answers. How would female colonizers attempt to colonize? What's the reception of these almost puritanical women juxtaposed against science? Is it possible for those two to coexist in our minds, and how?
The simple beauty of Goldstein's illustrations neatly allows room for us to have these discussions--they allow for internal, mental growth and conversation in the midst of larger, uncomfortable topics. Overall, I'm not too sure what to make of this book. It was beautiful and entrancing and I want to know more about this world, but it's dark and sexual and raw and overbearing. I will say, however, that all I want to do is read more books like this so I can make sense of such complicated topics!
Review cross-listed here!
This graphic novel also brings up as many questions as it answers. How would female colonizers attempt to colonize? What's the reception of these almost puritanical women juxtaposed against science? Is it possible for those two to coexist in our minds, and how?
The simple beauty of Goldstein's illustrations neatly allows room for us to have these discussions--they allow for internal, mental growth and conversation in the midst of larger, uncomfortable topics. Overall, I'm not too sure what to make of this book. It was beautiful and entrancing and I want to know more about this world, but it's dark and sexual and raw and overbearing. I will say, however, that all I want to do is read more books like this so I can make sense of such complicated topics!
Review cross-listed here!
riotsquirrrl's review
3.0
The artwork style is beautiful and evocative. I'm not sure what I think of the story Goldstein told of it, though.
senchastories's review
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
droar's review
4.0
Such a spooky, strange book. The swirling black and white illustrations lend an air of the bizarre and foreign to an already strange story of space missionaries on a distant planet. The characters here are wonderful and expressive. We learn very little about them, but it just feels like their keeping their secrets instead of leaving everything on the page.
grimondgalgmod's review against another edition
3.0
Black Narcissus...in space! Interstellar nuns colonize planets for a Galactic Empire but are also sometimes horny. Hm. The art is great, though. Very expressionistic. Like an Edvard Munch lithograph. Which is cool.
kiahgardner's review
3.0
A very odd story that left me wishing there was a bit more to round things out. I enjoyed the Aubrey Beardsley vibes the illustrations were giving me.