Anya's Ghost by Vera BrosgolReview by Noelle: May 25, 2012
Published June 7, 2011 by First Second
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As if it being five o'clock on a Friday of a three day weekend isn't exciting enough, I found a blue library envelope on my doorstep this afternoon with a brand spanking new copy of Anya's Ghost inside. Guys, it is GORGEOUS. I'm talking Golum "my precious" impersonation inspiring gorgeous.
Less than an hour later, I'm at the last page and officially have a new favorite YA graphic novel.
Let's get this out of the way first: Anya Borzakovskaya is awesome. She's got the normal teenage insecurities going on and her desire to blend in is compounded by being a Russian immigrant. She looks around her and sees skinny, blonde and effortless perfection compared to her love handles, cultural heritage and social awkwardness. She's negative and snarky, so focused on conformity she's unable to appreciate the unique aspects of her life and the good things that come with it.
Anya may think her greatest wish is to go unnoticed but in reality she's just looking for someone who can understand what she's going through. She never expected to find that someone at the bottom of a well...in the form of a 90 years past dead ghost of a teenage girl. But does her new best friend understand her as well as she seems? Is assimilation worth giving up autonomy? Are your wants and needs more important simply by having the distinction of being yours?
As I mentioned, it's the Friday of a three day weekend so I'll keep this short, but Anya's Ghost is a real keeper. Brosgol deftly accomplishes so much in so little space. There is an economy of text but an abundance of meaning. The message is wonderful. The illustrations are engaging. The heroine is spectacular. The more I learned about Anya the more I celebrated the differences she despised. I really enjoyed and highly recommend this book.
Rating: 4/5 stars.
I love this book AND this review so much! This book really reminded me of how much a love graphic novels and their "economy of text but abundance of meaning." Sometimes they are able to accomplish things that could never be done with just straight text. Plus, this is just a sweet, meaningful story. I have this on my shelf (and it is indeed beautiful) - might have to read it again!
ReplyDeleteIt is really sweet isn't it Catie? Having my library copy be brand new made me want one of my own too! --N
DeleteI don't read many graphic novels so I always appreciate reviews that can steer me in the right direction, this sounds great and the cover is just adorable!
ReplyDeleteI think this would be a great one to dip your toe in the graphic novel water, Mandee. It's quick but still has a lot of depth. --N
DeleteI've been on a graphic novel binge recently (I recommend Orange by Benjamin, the art is sooooooo pretty!) and I remember coming across this one sometime last year. I also saw this title when I was watching a Criminal Minds marathon and the cover of this appears on Garcia's computer (which makes her cooler in my opinion). Anyway, I totally agree with your comment about how the artist manages to accomplish so much in such little space - the best evidence of genius in my opinion.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the rec! I will definitely look Orange up. I agree--I can't imagine trying to not only draw an entire graphic novel but actually get emotions and story across in an efficient way. It really is amazing! Thanks for commenting! --N
DeleteI'm so glad that you loved this one, Noelle! It's one of my favourite YA graphic novels!
ReplyDeleteIt's stunning, isn't it?
Brilliant review, my dear.
I DID love it Jo so thank you so much for steering me in the right direction! Do you have any other graphic novel favorites I should be reading? xoxo --N
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