A review by motherbooker
Crushing by Sophie Burrows

emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I love a graphic novel and this one seemed too cute to miss. It’s pretty low on the words but does boast some beautiful imagery. It tells the story of two people who are both feeling a little lost and lonely. We watch as their paths cross and their lives briefly intersect. It’s a story of feeling like an outsider and those missed encounters.

Everything about this book just works. It doesn’t need words because the artwork is so full of emotion. The muted colour palette really helps to get the message across. It captures that feeling of being alone in a world that seems full of love. Of being unable to figure out this love thing despite being open to it.

I know that it might sound depressing but Crushing is anything but. It’s sweet and utterly charming. It’s understandable and many will see similarities to their own experience. Yes, it won’t offer you a complex reading experience but it’s just too lovely to miss out on.