A review by finesilkflower
Living with Viola by Rosena Fung

emotional reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Thoughtful and grounded graphic novel depiction of anxiety in a 10-year-old protagonist. Fung cleverly externalizes Livy's anxiety as 'Viola', shadow version of herself, whispering negative messages, laughing when she fails, and interpreting everything people say in the worst light. Sometimes, Livy is able to drown out these messages by engaging in tasks that make her feel good about herself, like art, but when she's feeling insecure, that negative voice is harder to ignore. Toward the end of the book, Livy goes to a therapist learns some specific tools for breaking out of a panic spiral, which the book explains. Livy's insecurities are simple but powerful (friend group drama, money and social class, extended family judgment, etc). Her experience as a second-generation immigrant is integrated as both a source of specific problems as well as joy and pride. 
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