A review by jstilts
Intruders by Adrian Tomine

challenging reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A very short graphic novel - you can take your time and read it in 15 minutes - but also the perfect length. "Intruders" follows a soldier between tours of duty who no longer feels welcome living at his sister's house, but by chance soon finds himself with access to what was once his marital home, now populated by strangers.

On paper his next actions appear psychotic, but watching events unfold through his eyes and with his narrative it almost seems inevitable. A touching and tense tale.

The minimal art style and narration is very effective, and the decision to put only a single panel on each page of this small volume is essential to the pacing of this perfectly formed short story.