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A review by lishisreading
On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I had not been quite aware of this book's cartoonist but after this read, I am quite interested in further exploring their books. Walden creates this lighthearted plot that does not cause intense havoc to the heart. The story is set in a galaxical and celestial no-male world, there were only non-binaries and women in sight, where our protagonist Mia is in search of a very important someone. Mia joins a crew and earns her first job, then realises her crew has vital information connected to her special someone. It was decided then that the crew will abide and be constricted by no rules in search of Mia's long-lost special someone.
The story is designed in the way that halfway through the two simultaneously happening plots, physically not literally in the book world, will reach harmony. This is a great technique to urge and motivate the reader to fully grasp the plot and finish the book. Very well written in this sense. I also have to comment on the absolute beauty of this graphic novel, from the careful decision of colour usage to decide whether it was plot part one or plot part two and then to the fact that Walden's great imagination of machinery and world-building. I have to say setting this story somewhere non-Earth is a great call because the story will bring you far away from your earthly woes to something more magical and carefree.
In this book, LGBTQIA is a prominent and consistent theme. This is a decision I wholeheartedly support the author. As someone who is an Ally but lives in a community empty of LGBTQIA, I feel like I was genuinely validating and rooting for someone. And hey, alphabet family folks out there, shoutout to you, you are so valid! Honestly, having Pride as part of a book, especially a graphic novel is a great path to lead for children so that they gain more understanding in this field.
Overall, I found "On A Sunbeam" a great book to take a break from the real world and delve into some lesbian romance along with amicable adventure. Although I found the plot relatively pointless in the end because with such a thick book, it did not do the plot justice. However, I appreciate this book as a somewhat comfort book because it does not evoke strong negative emotions that could then worsen my mental state. Hope you will enjoy this book as much as I had!
The story is designed in the way that halfway through the two simultaneously happening plots, physically not literally in the book world, will reach harmony. This is a great technique to urge and motivate the reader to fully grasp the plot and finish the book. Very well written in this sense. I also have to comment on the absolute beauty of this graphic novel, from the careful decision of colour usage to decide whether it was plot part one or plot part two and then to the fact that Walden's great imagination of machinery and world-building. I have to say setting this story somewhere non-Earth is a great call because the story will bring you far away from your earthly woes to something more magical and carefree.
In this book, LGBTQIA is a prominent and consistent theme. This is a decision I wholeheartedly support the author. As someone who is an Ally but lives in a community empty of LGBTQIA, I feel like I was genuinely validating and rooting for someone. And hey, alphabet family folks out there, shoutout to you, you are so valid! Honestly, having Pride as part of a book, especially a graphic novel is a great path to lead for children so that they gain more understanding in this field.
Overall, I found "On A Sunbeam" a great book to take a break from the real world and delve into some lesbian romance along with amicable adventure. Although I found the plot relatively pointless in the end because with such a thick book, it did not do the plot justice. However, I appreciate this book as a somewhat comfort book because it does not evoke strong negative emotions that could then worsen my mental state. Hope you will enjoy this book as much as I had!
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Blood, and War