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A review by tealightfully
Juliet Takes a Breath: The Graphic Novel by Gabby Rivera
3.0
To say I was excited about one of my favorite books being turned released as graphic novel, is an understatement. Juliet Takes a Breath was easily one of my favorite books of 2018. It had depth, soul, growth, it tackled and confronted tough issues about our "heroes" when they're the ones who hurt us, it dealt with the BIPOC and Latinx experience of being queer both on its own and in comparison to being queer and white. It had relationships of all kinds, love of all kinds, conflict that was relatable, arcs that were equally heartbreaking and heart soothing. I loved it.
The graphic novel fell short, in my opinion. The illustrations are enchanting and capture the personality of Juliet so well. For everything else, I felt the story had been gutted a bit. Stripped of what gave it breath, so to speak. If I hadn't read the book already, I would feel that the characters lacked background that gives them soul. It lacks the packed punch that makes the whole story powerful and emotional. The graphic novel adaptation reads so rushed and watered down.
The other major con is the representation of Portland is a bit inauthentic in many places. I think that is just a personal nitpick because I lived in the city for nearly a decade so I approach it with a more critical eye than I would most other settings.
It is still a good story, it is an important one, and contains narratives and discussions we need to be having. Would I recommend this one to my friends or followers? Not until after they've read the novel version so that they can get the complete story.
In summary:
The graphic novel fell short, in my opinion. The illustrations are enchanting and capture the personality of Juliet so well. For everything else, I felt the story had been gutted a bit. Stripped of what gave it breath, so to speak. If I hadn't read the book already, I would feel that the characters lacked background that gives them soul. It lacks the packed punch that makes the whole story powerful and emotional. The graphic novel adaptation reads so rushed and watered down.
The other major con is the representation of Portland is a bit inauthentic in many places. I think that is just a personal nitpick because I lived in the city for nearly a decade so I approach it with a more critical eye than I would most other settings.
It is still a good story, it is an important one, and contains narratives and discussions we need to be having. Would I recommend this one to my friends or followers? Not until after they've read the novel version so that they can get the complete story.
In summary: