A review by mh_doma
The Moth Keeper by K. O'Neill

hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

3.5

Such a charming graphic novel that is so quiet and calming while illustrating its narrative beautifully. The character designs and broader world are lovely and immersive. All of the panels were so pleasing to look at. I loved the communities that were portrayed and how much collectivity was valued. The subtle queer and disabled/chronic illness representation was well done. I thought that the struggles that Anya had—

loneliness, trauma with abandonment, struggling to appreciate what is around her, only valuing herself for the work she can offer others

—were all poignant. 

I did find myself wondering about her backstory and wished that her core issue was introduced a bit sooner in the narrative. While I loved the reliance on art to tell the story over dialogue and thought it was overall successful, I wanted some more outer dialogue from Anya instead of inner to see how she interacts with others a bit more.

The mythology in this graphic novel was also absolutely gorgeous,

and I love how full circle the entire narrative came in the end, from Anya meeting the girl from the oral stories to interacting with the ancient creature that prompted the creation of the night community in the first place (and how both it and Anya faced similar problems that then had almost identical resolutions!)

. A really thoughtful graphic novel that makes for a comforting evening read.