Scan barcode
A review by cozylifewithabby
Hungry Ghost by Victoria Ying
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher First Second Books for providing me an advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.
I usually like to break down my graphic novel reviews into character, plot, and art.
Character: Victoria Ying chose to have fictional characters for her graphic novel although she says the struggles of the character Val are based on her own. I thought that Val as well as the other characters were very well portrayed. Some of the side characters were very flat and did not change, but because Val is so focused on her own image this makes sense. It would also be unrealistic for all of the issues with her mom to be resolved in less than a year because that is seldom true in life.
Plot: The plot is a little fast when it comes to exploring eating disorders, but since for many it is a life long struggle, I thought the author did an excellent job of showing that. The secondary storyline also felt rushed, but as it is used to further her struggle with bulimia I was fine with that.
Art: Amazing! I loved the pastel color palette and how that fit on with the title and the concept of invisible disability. The characters were also all distinct and recognizable.
I give this graphic novel a 5. I believe that it is so important to explore all facets of mental health and how different people's experiences can shape and change them.
I usually like to break down my graphic novel reviews into character, plot, and art.
Character: Victoria Ying chose to have fictional characters for her graphic novel although she says the struggles of the character Val are based on her own. I thought that Val as well as the other characters were very well portrayed. Some of the side characters were very flat and did not change, but because Val is so focused on her own image this makes sense. It would also be unrealistic for all of the issues with her mom to be resolved in less than a year because that is seldom true in life.
Plot: The plot is a little fast when it comes to exploring eating disorders, but since for many it is a life long struggle, I thought the author did an excellent job of showing that. The secondary storyline also felt rushed, but as it is used to further her struggle with bulimia I was fine with that.
Art: Amazing! I loved the pastel color palette and how that fit on with the title and the concept of invisible disability. The characters were also all distinct and recognizable.
I give this graphic novel a 5. I believe that it is so important to explore all facets of mental health and how different people's experiences can shape and change them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder
Moderate: Toxic relationship and Vomit