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lucysgoodfellow's reviews
297 reviews
Wake, Siren: Ovid Resung by Nina MacLaughlin
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.0
A novel about transformation, granting voices to those often silenced by history.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Eating disorder, Incest, Child abuse, Torture, Murder, Stalking, and Suicide
My Broken Mariko by Waka Hirako
dark
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
A moving exploration of the chaos that surrounds loss. The illustrations are incredibly expressive, and because of this, we feel waves of anger and remorse with our protagonist. The overwhelming feeling of abandonment does not fade as we traverse a world without our friend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Grief, and Self harm
Moderate: Suicide, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
The Girl from the Sea by Molly Knox Ostertag
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
A delightful queer coming-of-age story that breathed new life into an old legend.
Tales surrounding the Selkie don't usually have happy endings. But the writing of this graphic novel made me wish for one so that we could see queer love flourish.
The empathy built through art and narrative is something you can always expect from Molly Knox Ostertag, but they have outdone themselves with this novel. It perfectly encapsulated the fear and hope that comes with first love. I felt for Morgan as she struggled to navigate her first relationship while still in the closet, an experience a lot of young people have lived through. Watching her overcome her fear and be welcomed by everyone was heartwarming.
Still, the novel doesn't shy away from tough subjects. The novel urges young readers to think about the environment and what they can do to protect it. We only get one world, and I hope that we see more stories like this one that are brave enough to explore it.
Tales surrounding the Selkie don't usually have happy endings. But the writing of this graphic novel made me wish for one so that we could see queer love flourish.
The empathy built through art and narrative is something you can always expect from Molly Knox Ostertag, but they have outdone themselves with this novel. It perfectly encapsulated the fear and hope that comes with first love. I felt for Morgan as she struggled to navigate her first relationship while still in the closet, an experience a lot of young people have lived through. Watching her overcome her fear and be welcomed by everyone was heartwarming.
Still, the novel doesn't shy away from tough subjects. The novel urges young readers to think about the environment and what they can do to protect it. We only get one world, and I hope that we see more stories like this one that are brave enough to explore it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Outing
My Year of Rest and Relaxation by Ottessa Moshfegh
challenging
reflective
sad
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
My Year of Rest and Relaxation discusses the trappings of privilege and how it can consume the mind and body of a person if left unchecked. The visible privileges of the protagonist, her wealth, and whiteness afford her the luxury of rest and the social permission to opt-out of society.
However, the greatest satire is crafted by the author through purposeful omission. Although the nameless protagonist's only desire was to leave her working life behind, her life became an art project- an exploration of sloth.
Although the protagonist's unlikable voice was a refreshing change of pace, for me, the narrative became increasingly uncomfortable to read. However, there are many instances of beautifully written poignant scenes that are elevated because of her unique perspective.
However, the greatest satire is crafted by the author through purposeful omission. Although the nameless protagonist's only desire was to leave her working life behind, her life became an art project- an exploration of sloth.
Although the protagonist's unlikable voice was a refreshing change of pace, for me, the narrative became increasingly uncomfortable to read. However, there are many instances of beautifully written poignant scenes that are elevated because of her unique perspective.
Cheer Up! Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
A wholesome graphic novel about friendship, first loves, and the power of being yourself.
This is the first graphic novel I have read in a while, and the storytelling blew me away. It is impressive that Crystal Frasier has managed to discuss so many important topics in only 128 pages. They do not shy away from the hardships queer kids have to face even if they are accepted by their families and social circles but they also highlight young queer joy.
One of my favourite parts of this story is its sapphic representation. Since the story centres around team spirit and women empowerment, one may think that every girl on the team would be flawless in their inclusion of their queer peers. But this is not the reality for many people, although BeBe is welcome, she has understandable fears concerning how others see her. Watching her overcome this was wonderful. Her love interest is a smart but antisocial outcast lesbian whom she used to be best friends with. Both characters were distinct and unique and the romance that bloomed between them was delightful.
It would be amiss to not end this review by highlighting the gorgeous art style of Val Wise. He brings this story to life and after looking into his work it is clear that he was the perfect choice for this graphic novel detailing transness and coming of age. I can't wait for this book to be released so I can read the reviews of more trans people and hear their thoughts about this story.
This book is perfect for fans of heartstopper and check please.
CW: transphobia; fat-shaming; harassment.
This is the first graphic novel I have read in a while, and the storytelling blew me away. It is impressive that Crystal Frasier has managed to discuss so many important topics in only 128 pages. They do not shy away from the hardships queer kids have to face even if they are accepted by their families and social circles but they also highlight young queer joy.
One of my favourite parts of this story is its sapphic representation. Since the story centres around team spirit and women empowerment, one may think that every girl on the team would be flawless in their inclusion of their queer peers. But this is not the reality for many people, although BeBe is welcome, she has understandable fears concerning how others see her. Watching her overcome this was wonderful. Her love interest is a smart but antisocial outcast lesbian whom she used to be best friends with. Both characters were distinct and unique and the romance that bloomed between them was delightful.
It would be amiss to not end this review by highlighting the gorgeous art style of Val Wise. He brings this story to life and after looking into his work it is clear that he was the perfect choice for this graphic novel detailing transness and coming of age. I can't wait for this book to be released so I can read the reviews of more trans people and hear their thoughts about this story.
This book is perfect for fans of heartstopper and check please.
CW: transphobia; fat-shaming; harassment.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia, Fatphobia, and Sexual harassment
The Young Woman and the Sea by Catherine Meurisse
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
A story of artistry illustrated with care but lacking in depth. While poetic and mystical, the storyline felt meandering and I found myself skimming pages only to pause at the beautiful drawings.
The juxtaposition of the simple character designs and the detailed scenic landscape backdrops was unique to this novel. Although it was ideal for emphasizing the beauty of nature and how we all have a connection to mother earth, I felt that I more detailed subtle collection of figures could have elevated the story.
I received an advance review copy for free via NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily 📚.
The juxtaposition of the simple character designs and the detailed scenic landscape backdrops was unique to this novel. Although it was ideal for emphasizing the beauty of nature and how we all have a connection to mother earth, I felt that I more detailed subtle collection of figures could have elevated the story.
I received an advance review copy for free via NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily 📚.
The Breakup Monologues: The Unexpected Joy of Heartbreak by Rosie Wilby
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
A deeply relatable novel celebrating love- its beginnings, its endings and what it can teach us about ourselves.
It is not often we see a candid exploration of how sexuality affects a persons perception of their own relationships. This novel explores the lesbian identity both in isolation and in comparison to other sexuality’s, which I greatly enjoyed.
I have found that lesbianism is often talked about and grouped in with other sapphic identities rather than being recognised as a unique experience, and in this novel, Rosie Wilby shows how this can affect a queer persons perception of their own sexuality. When combined with her musings about how difficult she found navigating her past relationships, this discussion was deeply relatable. I would have loved to have a book like this when I was younger.
The addition of footnotes meant this novel read like an episode of Rosie’s podcast The Breakup Monologues, with asides littered into educate listeners and make them laugh.
And this book was laugh out loud funny. Heartbreak can be hilarious!
I recommend this novel to:
- lesbians 👭
- lovers of light nonfiction 📚
- anyone that loves to laugh 🎙
Overall I think everyone should read this novel. I couldn't put it down.
To pre-order this book now for £16.99, click HERE and receive it when it's released on May 27th 2021.
I received an advance review copy for free via NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily 📚.
It is not often we see a candid exploration of how sexuality affects a persons perception of their own relationships. This novel explores the lesbian identity both in isolation and in comparison to other sexuality’s, which I greatly enjoyed.
I have found that lesbianism is often talked about and grouped in with other sapphic identities rather than being recognised as a unique experience, and in this novel, Rosie Wilby shows how this can affect a queer persons perception of their own sexuality. When combined with her musings about how difficult she found navigating her past relationships, this discussion was deeply relatable. I would have loved to have a book like this when I was younger.
The addition of footnotes meant this novel read like an episode of Rosie’s podcast The Breakup Monologues, with asides littered into educate listeners and make them laugh.
And this book was laugh out loud funny. Heartbreak can be hilarious!
I recommend this novel to:
- lesbians 👭
- lovers of light nonfiction 📚
- anyone that loves to laugh 🎙
Overall I think everyone should read this novel. I couldn't put it down.
To pre-order this book now for £16.99, click HERE and receive it when it's released on May 27th 2021.
I received an advance review copy for free via NetGalley. I am leaving this review voluntarily 📚.
A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
⭐ 4 Star ⭐
A Dowery of Blood explores the intimacy of a relationship forged over thousands of years and how time can not heal all wounds- less it tear open another.
The open letter is the perfect format for this novel. Allowing us a glimpse into the mind of a bride who married her abuser as she deconstructs her relationship and reflects on how her partner's toxic traits masqueraded as romance. The retrospective narrative gave each revelation even more weight and elevated the prose to something that is achingly haunting and beautiful.
It’s vivid, poetic and lush. Perfectly capturing the sensual, Gothic feel of the original Dracula without ever becoming overly florid or self-indulgent.
S.T. Gibson's character development is sublime. Each character is well developed, their flaws are explored as well as their strengths, and their lives unfold over the course of the novel. We understand each decision and why they made it. I had the privilege to read Brideprice in Unspeakable: A Queer Gothic Anthology while working on the anthology, and this story is the perfect expansion of the characters Saint crafted for the anthology.
Trigger warnings by the author: HERE
I received an advance review copy for free via NetGalley in association with NYX Press. I am leaving this review voluntarily 📚.
A Dowery of Blood explores the intimacy of a relationship forged over thousands of years and how time can not heal all wounds- less it tear open another.
The open letter is the perfect format for this novel. Allowing us a glimpse into the mind of a bride who married her abuser as she deconstructs her relationship and reflects on how her partner's toxic traits masqueraded as romance. The retrospective narrative gave each revelation even more weight and elevated the prose to something that is achingly haunting and beautiful.
It’s vivid, poetic and lush. Perfectly capturing the sensual, Gothic feel of the original Dracula without ever becoming overly florid or self-indulgent.
S.T. Gibson's character development is sublime. Each character is well developed, their flaws are explored as well as their strengths, and their lives unfold over the course of the novel. We understand each decision and why they made it. I had the privilege to read Brideprice in Unspeakable: A Queer Gothic Anthology while working on the anthology, and this story is the perfect expansion of the characters Saint crafted for the anthology.
Trigger warnings by the author: HERE
I received an advance review copy for free via NetGalley in association with NYX Press. I am leaving this review voluntarily 📚.
The Almost Mothers by Laura Besley
reflective
sad
medium-paced
1.0
⭐️1 Star ⭐️
A deep look into the lives of women that struggle with motherhood- the concept and the act.
The emotion that the author has poured into her writing is almost tangible. However, I felt that the execution of some of the more outlandish concepts was lacking. Despite this, I feel that if Besley were to expand on some of these concepts in a novel format, then I would return to her writing. For example, the stories about the memory wipe were jarring and real, and I would love to read more narratives from that world.
However, I am writing this review a day after finishing the book, and I struggle to pull details about any of the stories on reflection. Unfortunately for me, this collection was forgettable.
A deep look into the lives of women that struggle with motherhood- the concept and the act.
The emotion that the author has poured into her writing is almost tangible. However, I felt that the execution of some of the more outlandish concepts was lacking. Despite this, I feel that if Besley were to expand on some of these concepts in a novel format, then I would return to her writing. For example, the stories about the memory wipe were jarring and real, and I would love to read more narratives from that world.
However, I am writing this review a day after finishing the book, and I struggle to pull details about any of the stories on reflection. Unfortunately for me, this collection was forgettable.