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But You Have Friends
When a dear friend dies by suicide, Emilia is left with only memories. Full of humor and poignancy, this graphic memoir is a meditation on the meaning of friendship and a love letter to an irreplaceable friend.
Emilia first met Charlotte in their school locker room in the late '90s. They quickly bonded over indie music, feminist literature, a love of purple, and a shared sense of outsiderness. Their joyful, intense friendship evolved through the years—until Charlotte died in 2018 following a long struggle with depression.
Now, Emilia assembles her memories into a graphic memoir reflecting on the bond they shared and the ways it shaped them. As they pass in and out of each other’s lives, teenage ideals collide with adult realities, prompting reflections about the meaning of friendship.
But You Have Friends is a tender tribute to an irreplaceable friend and a sharply observed, personal account of the aftermath of loss. It is also a humorous, candid memorial that will resonate with anyone who has ever loved.
Emilia first met Charlotte in their school locker room in the late '90s. They quickly bonded over indie music, feminist literature, a love of purple, and a shared sense of outsiderness. Their joyful, intense friendship evolved through the years—until Charlotte died in 2018 following a long struggle with depression.
Now, Emilia assembles her memories into a graphic memoir reflecting on the bond they shared and the ways it shaped them. As they pass in and out of each other’s lives, teenage ideals collide with adult realities, prompting reflections about the meaning of friendship.
But You Have Friends is a tender tribute to an irreplaceable friend and a sharply observed, personal account of the aftermath of loss. It is also a humorous, candid memorial that will resonate with anyone who has ever loved.
116 pages, Paperback
Published August 8, 2023
6 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 120 reviews
September 2, 2024
In 2018 Emilia McKenzie lost her best friend Charlotte to suicide. With But You Have Friends McKenzie shares the story of their friendship, from when they met as teenagers through to adulthood. They clicked from the beginning and quickly became inseparable—but it's rare that life circumstances don't separate even the best of friends, and as adults McKenzie and C (as McKenzie refers to Charlotte throughout this sequential-art tribute) took different paths. McKenzie hit all the milestones one expects a successful adult to hit. This wasn't the case for C, however. As if a switch had been flipped, she went from a teenager who seemed fine and on track to do well to a twentysomething suddenly struggling with severe mental illness.
This is a no-frills work of sequential art. McKenzie's illustrations lack color and aren't especially remarkable, in keeping with the somber theme. Rather than an involved story, But You Have Friends is a chronologically ordered series of vignettes highlighting the more important moments in their lives. Unfortunately, the story has limits and can only go so far in shedding light on where things went wrong for C. It's told from the point of view of McKenzie, a readily obvious limitation, but another limitation concerns McKenzie's knowledge of her friend's struggles. C never went deep when discussing her problems, in part because they were a mystery even to her, so portrayal of her hardships also doesn't go deep. McKenzie said she created this book for herself, to record her memories of her friend and of their special bond, and this is exactly what the book is—a record that acts as a coming-to-terms with her shock and grief.
What the book does best is convey what it's like to watch a friend unravel while feeling powerless to stop the unraveling. Her friend called and cried to her a lot, but all McKenzie could do was offer some words of comfort, which never felt adequate. Later, C was hospitalized multiple times in a psychiatric ward far from McKenzie's home, so visiting her was difficult to fit into her busy schedule. After C's death, McKenzie brooded, unable to let go of guilt over not visiting her friend often and of not doing more to help her, even though C's illness was too severe for friends to make much of a difference.
I wondered about the emotional toll C's needs took on McKenzie. Friends can be a support, but they shouldn't become therapists. From the depiction, it looks like C expected a lot of McKenzie and her other friends, and they were left feeling anxious, helpless, and frightened for her after the many troubling interactions. Such a dynamic can slip into a codependency situation, which is never healthy. But even though McKenzie has the chance here to really share her feelings, she doesn't discuss feeling burdened by C. Maybe she truly didn't feel burdened, but the many pages showing a distressed C reaching out to her friends seem to indicate otherwise. McKenzie's later struggle with overwhelming guilt strengthens that impression.
But You Have Friends is yet another illustrated memoir with a dual mission: catharsis for author and aid to anyone in a similar situation. Those left behind after a loved one dies are dropped into a special kind of hell, only worsened if the death was sudden. This book shows that and the feelings of helplessness when one doesn't know how to, or can't, remedy a serious problem. It's a poignant read about a hard fact of life.
This is a no-frills work of sequential art. McKenzie's illustrations lack color and aren't especially remarkable, in keeping with the somber theme. Rather than an involved story, But You Have Friends is a chronologically ordered series of vignettes highlighting the more important moments in their lives. Unfortunately, the story has limits and can only go so far in shedding light on where things went wrong for C. It's told from the point of view of McKenzie, a readily obvious limitation, but another limitation concerns McKenzie's knowledge of her friend's struggles. C never went deep when discussing her problems, in part because they were a mystery even to her, so portrayal of her hardships also doesn't go deep. McKenzie said she created this book for herself, to record her memories of her friend and of their special bond, and this is exactly what the book is—a record that acts as a coming-to-terms with her shock and grief.
What the book does best is convey what it's like to watch a friend unravel while feeling powerless to stop the unraveling. Her friend called and cried to her a lot, but all McKenzie could do was offer some words of comfort, which never felt adequate. Later, C was hospitalized multiple times in a psychiatric ward far from McKenzie's home, so visiting her was difficult to fit into her busy schedule. After C's death, McKenzie brooded, unable to let go of guilt over not visiting her friend often and of not doing more to help her, even though C's illness was too severe for friends to make much of a difference.
I wondered about the emotional toll C's needs took on McKenzie. Friends can be a support, but they shouldn't become therapists. From the depiction, it looks like C expected a lot of McKenzie and her other friends, and they were left feeling anxious, helpless, and frightened for her after the many troubling interactions. Such a dynamic can slip into a codependency situation, which is never healthy. But even though McKenzie has the chance here to really share her feelings, she doesn't discuss feeling burdened by C. Maybe she truly didn't feel burdened, but the many pages showing a distressed C reaching out to her friends seem to indicate otherwise. McKenzie's later struggle with overwhelming guilt strengthens that impression.
But You Have Friends is yet another illustrated memoir with a dual mission: catharsis for author and aid to anyone in a similar situation. Those left behind after a loved one dies are dropped into a special kind of hell, only worsened if the death was sudden. This book shows that and the feelings of helplessness when one doesn't know how to, or can't, remedy a serious problem. It's a poignant read about a hard fact of life.
May 15, 2023
But You Have Friends is a story--memoir--written from a unique perspective: The point of view of a woman--the author--whose close friend commits suicide. The point in this story is not the depression or even the suicide itself, but the friendship Emilia shared for many years with her friend. As usually happens, the two eventually developed separate lives, and Emilia didn't take seriously enough what is clear to her and us now, that her friend was seriously intending to end her life. She just thought it was something she would "get over with," and that they would be friends forever. But we readers do see her attempts to end her life as serious trouble, I think.
So we need books about suicide, how to watch for signs, how to support suicidal people, and this book does speak to us about all that, but it more so speaks to the great loss from the death of a friend, and the guilt, shame, anguish--and for a long, long time, the grief--of a loss through suicide. We see this process for Emilia. Survivor's guilt. But also just not havimg her around to be friends anymore. I found the book simple in a way, drawn in an understated, reflective way, not too ambitious in scope, and ultimately moving. And positive, about friendship, though cautionary in some ways, too.
PS: I thought a lot about that title, which I take now to be sadly ironic. With the cover illustration, it is as if to say, you have friends, isn't that enough? A sentiment Emilia painfully knows now is not enough. But it's a sweet sad story of close friendship and loss. I liked it a lot.
Thanks to NetGalley, TopShelf, and the author, Emilia McKenzie, for a preview of this book.
So we need books about suicide, how to watch for signs, how to support suicidal people, and this book does speak to us about all that, but it more so speaks to the great loss from the death of a friend, and the guilt, shame, anguish--and for a long, long time, the grief--of a loss through suicide. We see this process for Emilia. Survivor's guilt. But also just not havimg her around to be friends anymore. I found the book simple in a way, drawn in an understated, reflective way, not too ambitious in scope, and ultimately moving. And positive, about friendship, though cautionary in some ways, too.
PS: I thought a lot about that title, which I take now to be sadly ironic. With the cover illustration, it is as if to say, you have friends, isn't that enough? A sentiment Emilia painfully knows now is not enough. But it's a sweet sad story of close friendship and loss. I liked it a lot.
Thanks to NetGalley, TopShelf, and the author, Emilia McKenzie, for a preview of this book.
January 6, 2024
In a tribute to a friend who died by suicide, the author profiles their twenty-year friendship that started at the age of 13 and her ongoing grief.
Simple, straightforward, heartfelt.
Simple, straightforward, heartfelt.
April 2, 2024
This book made me cry and realize I need to apperciate my friends more, the guy the author married in this book I think isn't the right person for the situation she was going through he was unsupportive and when she was talking to him about cs death he gave her a basic response, if I ever committed suicide this is how I'd like to be remembered a comic about all the good and the memories of course mention some bad too. This book will open your eyes about topics you probably didn't realize need to be talked about more, this also inspired me to to to rallys and protests for Charlotte. If you are struggling please reach out
March 4, 2023
Wow. I absolutely tore through this book. I just couldn’t put it down.
As a 23 year old who had exactly that kind of intense friendship that Emilia and C had at school, and whose best friend has now moved to another country, so much of this really hit home for me. I was searching for myself in Emilia’s words, even as I know I didn’t want to find myself there. I also tore the nail off my middle finger nervously nibbling away.
This book was so beautiful and such a gorgeous tribute to so many things, not only Charlotte’s life. It’s a homage to female friendship, changing relationships, the distance mental health puts between you and the closeness it brings. It would be wrong to say I enjoyed this book, but it touched me deeply. And it made me remember how special those teenagehood friendships were, how powerful and formative and enduring. A gorgeous novel in memory of the kind of mate everyone needs.
As a 23 year old who had exactly that kind of intense friendship that Emilia and C had at school, and whose best friend has now moved to another country, so much of this really hit home for me. I was searching for myself in Emilia’s words, even as I know I didn’t want to find myself there. I also tore the nail off my middle finger nervously nibbling away.
This book was so beautiful and such a gorgeous tribute to so many things, not only Charlotte’s life. It’s a homage to female friendship, changing relationships, the distance mental health puts between you and the closeness it brings. It would be wrong to say I enjoyed this book, but it touched me deeply. And it made me remember how special those teenagehood friendships were, how powerful and formative and enduring. A gorgeous novel in memory of the kind of mate everyone needs.
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March 10, 2023رغم أنها قصة مؤسفة، إلّا أني وللأسف ما حسيت أني مرتبطة بأي شخصية. كذلك أسلوب الرسم وطريقة عرض القصة ماناسبوني… أعتقد ممكن تكون أفضل كقصة مكتوبة بدل قصة مصورة؟
December 5, 2023
This was incredibly moving and I love that comics have become such a unique and powerful way to memoir or be intimate about one’s own life. This is a great example of how this medium serves a story so personal
July 25, 2023
ENG
But you have friends made me want to have a Charlotte in my life.
tw: grief and suicide.
This book, as Emilia says, is about friendship and the loss of it. We will not explore the reason for Charlotte's decisions, but rather it will be a perspective of Emilia, where she will capture everything that her friend meant to her.
It is a graphic novel that young people aged 16+ could read, however, I feel that it will be adults who will identify a little more with its content.
In general, I liked the story. Although the design is simple, it manages to convey emotions well. What I would have liked is that it had more pages, sometimes I feel that we ran a little in the story and that I needed more background about the author and her friend.
My rating follows the CAWPILE system.
Thanks to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own👀
ESP
But you have friends hizo que quisiera tener a una Charlotte en mi vida.
tw: grief and suicide.
Este libro, como dice Emilia, trata sobre la amistad y la pérdida de esta. No exploraremos el por qué de las decisiones de Charlotte sino que será una perspectiva de Emilia, donde nos plasmará todo lo que su amiga significaba para ella.
Es una novela gráfica que podrían leer jóvenes de +16 años, sin embargo, siento que seran los adultos quienes se identificarán un poco más con su contenido.
En líneas generales, la historia me gustó. Aunque el diseño es sencillo logra transmitir bien las emociones. Lo que si me habría gustado es que tuviese más páginas, a veces siento que corríamos un poco en la historia y que me faltaba más background sobre la autora y su amiga.
Mi calificación sigue el sistema CAWPILE.
Muchas gracias a NetGalley e IDW Publishing por enviarme esta copia. Mi opinión es propia y sincera 👀
But you have friends made me want to have a Charlotte in my life.
tw: grief and suicide.
This book, as Emilia says, is about friendship and the loss of it. We will not explore the reason for Charlotte's decisions, but rather it will be a perspective of Emilia, where she will capture everything that her friend meant to her.
It is a graphic novel that young people aged 16+ could read, however, I feel that it will be adults who will identify a little more with its content.
In general, I liked the story. Although the design is simple, it manages to convey emotions well. What I would have liked is that it had more pages, sometimes I feel that we ran a little in the story and that I needed more background about the author and her friend.
My rating follows the CAWPILE system.
Thanks to NetGalley and IDW Publishing for sending this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own👀
ESP
But you have friends hizo que quisiera tener a una Charlotte en mi vida.
tw: grief and suicide.
Este libro, como dice Emilia, trata sobre la amistad y la pérdida de esta. No exploraremos el por qué de las decisiones de Charlotte sino que será una perspectiva de Emilia, donde nos plasmará todo lo que su amiga significaba para ella.
Es una novela gráfica que podrían leer jóvenes de +16 años, sin embargo, siento que seran los adultos quienes se identificarán un poco más con su contenido.
En líneas generales, la historia me gustó. Aunque el diseño es sencillo logra transmitir bien las emociones. Lo que si me habría gustado es que tuviese más páginas, a veces siento que corríamos un poco en la historia y que me faltaba más background sobre la autora y su amiga.
Mi calificación sigue el sistema CAWPILE.
Muchas gracias a NetGalley e IDW Publishing por enviarme esta copia. Mi opinión es propia y sincera 👀
March 4, 2023
The beautiful and heartbreaking story of a friendship that was cut short by a battle with mental illness.
This book is so full of love, it is impossible not to care about the characters.
It is short and sweet and honest, and sad, but it isn't heavy; it's the celebration of a person's life and the relationship the author had with them.
An emotional and lovely read.
Thank you NetGalley and IDW Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.
This book is so full of love, it is impossible not to care about the characters.
It is short and sweet and honest, and sad, but it isn't heavy; it's the celebration of a person's life and the relationship the author had with them.
An emotional and lovely read.
Thank you NetGalley and IDW Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.
June 22, 2023
Thank you Netgalley and publisher for letting me read this ARC in exchange for an unbiased review!
Imagine my ecstatic surprise when I realized this was a graphic novel! I totally skipped that in the description. Not only are graphic novels quicker, but they’re also just really creative/artistic. So I was very excited about this.
The beginning part of this book kinda felt like when someone’s showing you all the photos in their phone gallery and explaining them all. Sweet at first but eventually gets a bit repetitive. I guess what I mean is that, despite it providing context on how they met, much of the beginning of this book lacked detail that moved the story forward. And the writing itself didn’t make up for the lack of detail.
Part of what makes memoirs, especially surrounding memory and childhood, is the reflections we make that we would’ve never made back then. Our adult selves can find slivers of beauty and reflection that our childhood selves were not sophisticated or sentimental enough to. The book eventually certainly got there. And when it did, it was extremely heartfelt, relatable, tender, and even tense at times. The speaker/author was incredibly honest and spoke on things so many face alone out of shame. And that's very admirable. The first about half of the book though had moments that could’ve been expanded to point out some progression, reflection, or lesson. The trip they took together, for example, felt as if it was building to something only for us to move on very quickly. I just think the story of their friendship GROWING is just as important as how they lost each other.
While the illustration does portray the awkwardness of adolescence, there are maybe about three facial expressions: neutral, anger, worry. It just feels stiff and almost wholly reliant on the subtitles/text. I definitely think this art style could appeal to many! It's just not my favorite.
All of this to say though, this is really sweet and heartbreaking. It's an important story to tell. So many people go through these things and struggle is nothing to be ashamed of. And I think it's really important to preface that criticism to storytelling is not criticism of the story itself. This was a very beautiful exploration of someone's life and how the loss affected those who loved them. It needed to be written and I applaud the author for writing it. I wish I could give them the biggest hug.
Imagine my ecstatic surprise when I realized this was a graphic novel! I totally skipped that in the description. Not only are graphic novels quicker, but they’re also just really creative/artistic. So I was very excited about this.
The beginning part of this book kinda felt like when someone’s showing you all the photos in their phone gallery and explaining them all. Sweet at first but eventually gets a bit repetitive. I guess what I mean is that, despite it providing context on how they met, much of the beginning of this book lacked detail that moved the story forward. And the writing itself didn’t make up for the lack of detail.
Part of what makes memoirs, especially surrounding memory and childhood, is the reflections we make that we would’ve never made back then. Our adult selves can find slivers of beauty and reflection that our childhood selves were not sophisticated or sentimental enough to. The book eventually certainly got there. And when it did, it was extremely heartfelt, relatable, tender, and even tense at times. The speaker/author was incredibly honest and spoke on things so many face alone out of shame. And that's very admirable. The first about half of the book though had moments that could’ve been expanded to point out some progression, reflection, or lesson. The trip they took together, for example, felt as if it was building to something only for us to move on very quickly. I just think the story of their friendship GROWING is just as important as how they lost each other.
While the illustration does portray the awkwardness of adolescence, there are maybe about three facial expressions: neutral, anger, worry. It just feels stiff and almost wholly reliant on the subtitles/text. I definitely think this art style could appeal to many! It's just not my favorite.
All of this to say though, this is really sweet and heartbreaking. It's an important story to tell. So many people go through these things and struggle is nothing to be ashamed of. And I think it's really important to preface that criticism to storytelling is not criticism of the story itself. This was a very beautiful exploration of someone's life and how the loss affected those who loved them. It needed to be written and I applaud the author for writing it. I wish I could give them the biggest hug.
December 30, 2023
4.5/5
Graphic memoir will always be one of my favorite genres.
“But You Have Friends” is a touching ode to those special friends we have in our lives.
I finished this in a single sitting, and I hope many more people get the chance to spend time with this little book.
Graphic memoir will always be one of my favorite genres.
“But You Have Friends” is a touching ode to those special friends we have in our lives.
I finished this in a single sitting, and I hope many more people get the chance to spend time with this little book.
June 11, 2024
As someone who lost a best friend, this book gutted me. I’d describe it as a meditation on the life of a friendship, and the loss of someone—a rare someone—whose loss makes the world feel a lot lonelier.
August 13, 2023
One of the best books I’ve ever read about friendship and grief. Amazingly honest and moving.
March 30, 2023
Must be special for the author but I guess it was ok. I’m not judging their friendship but the overall book. Since she has decided to share this story with the world I had this idea in my mind that the author would share the ways that worked for her while she recovers from the loss but there wasn’t anything like that. It’s a short read with less than 120 pages but it wasn’t an easy journey. So please check the trigger warnings before you start reading.
February 21, 2025
Mooie, korte graphic novel over vriendschap en haar evolutie over de jaren heen, over zelfdoding en verlies.
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June 27, 2024I'm not giving a rating to this memoir.
I would recommend this work for those who have lost someone too soon, particularly from suicide or long-term illness. It reminds readers that you exist in others' personal worlds outside your own.
While I personally didn't enjoy the reading experience nor did I think it was the most effective way to relate the story of these two friends and Charlotte's impact on Emilia to readers, at he end of the day, I think the author did what she set out to do.
I disagree with some critiques of the artwork-- I immediately found this to be inspired by Roz Chast, as the author ends up mentioning in the book. I think the art was meant to be more a glimpse at the big-picture the author wanted to convey while the text was the main mode of communication to the reader; the feelings some found lacking in the faces were stated in the textual recollections.
I felt the attention given to the various characters to be unequal (as to be expected in a memoir; the author IS the legitimate main character, even if the events also focus around something or someone else) and there were a few moments where scenes felt disconnected from the overall story, which I think is a natural issue of memoir; there are things the author intimately knows, the context of which is lost on those who are not involved (aka strangers who pick up said book) and who may not see the importance or logic in what is or is not included.
I felt the author portrayed mental illness with tact, never coming off as "preachy" or saccharine.
I read this work very soon after a loss in my own life and I think that contributed to my lack of connection to this work; although it takes us through the immediacy of the death, it felt retrospective and somewhat detached to me. I don't know quite what it was I expected out of this work that it did not give me, but there was something.
I would recommend this work for those who have lost someone too soon, particularly from suicide or long-term illness. It reminds readers that you exist in others' personal worlds outside your own.
While I personally didn't enjoy the reading experience nor did I think it was the most effective way to relate the story of these two friends and Charlotte's impact on Emilia to readers, at he end of the day, I think the author did what she set out to do.
I disagree with some critiques of the artwork-- I immediately found this to be inspired by Roz Chast, as the author ends up mentioning in the book. I think the art was meant to be more a glimpse at the big-picture the author wanted to convey while the text was the main mode of communication to the reader; the feelings some found lacking in the faces were stated in the textual recollections.
I felt the attention given to the various characters to be unequal (as to be expected in a memoir; the author IS the legitimate main character, even if the events also focus around something or someone else) and there were a few moments where scenes felt disconnected from the overall story, which I think is a natural issue of memoir; there are things the author intimately knows, the context of which is lost on those who are not involved (aka strangers who pick up said book) and who may not see the importance or logic in what is or is not included.
I felt the author portrayed mental illness with tact, never coming off as "preachy" or saccharine.
I read this work very soon after a loss in my own life and I think that contributed to my lack of connection to this work; although it takes us through the immediacy of the death, it felt retrospective and somewhat detached to me. I don't know quite what it was I expected out of this work that it did not give me, but there was something.
November 9, 2023
This book kicked me right in the feels. McKenzie does a great job of portraying little moments-coupled with earnest reflections--to demonstrate the meaning and importance of her friendship. The art style reminds me of Roz Chast and really contributes well to the story's themes; I liked how it often portrayed simple things or actions with serious thoughts. If you pick this up, be sure you read it where you can cry freely.
Content warnings for suicide and mental health, alcohol drinking
Content warnings for suicide and mental health, alcohol drinking
March 18, 2024
Beautiful nonfiction graphic novel about the grieving that comes from suicide -- the author says in the beginning the book is more about a celebration of friendship than suicide or suicide prevention, and that comes through in the book. I feel like I've been mourning a lot lately, and this book rings true, doesn't take the topic lightly, and will hopefully help people heal.
August 7, 2025
The author is right, it’s a book about their experiences with their friend. It’s personal in a way it keeps me out as a reader. I observed while I read through but I wasn’t connected to the people or the story.
There is, even if not intended, a benefit of talking and reading about mental health that could be useful and impactful to other readers.
There is, even if not intended, a benefit of talking and reading about mental health that could be useful and impactful to other readers.
September 19, 2023
This wrecked me.
December 5, 2023
This was such a sad graphic novel but one that I wont' forget. Emi's friend Charlotte struggles with mental illness and eventually passes away. This book is a tribute to Emilia's friend's life and the friendship they shared, as well as the aftermath. It is very heartfelt and honest and I really enjoyed reading it. The book was a quick read; I read it in under an hour but it was a powerful one.
January 27, 2024
Graphic novel in shades of purple chronicling the author's friendship with C, who she lost to suicide, and subsequent dealings with grief.
April 30, 2024
This was not what I thought it was going to be about. 😅
August 27, 2024
Really good. The author tells the story of her friendship with Charlotte, which ended too soon from suicide. Beautiful, funny, sad, cathartic.
May 28, 2025
i knew this would be sad going into it, but it truly was written in a way that was so real and so loving toward the friend the author had lost that the sadness was 10x more than i expected. she wrote about charlotte so fondly and encapsulated their friendship during her lifetime and the grief and regret that came afterward beautifully.
October 12, 2024
Erinnerungen einer Frau an ihre Freundin, die sich selbst umgebracht hat. War mir zu wenig... einfühlsam? Irgendwie kamen bei mir die Emotionen nicht richtig an.
December 7, 2023
A fantastic memoir of a friendship with “the cool girl” that ends too soon by suicide. This was quite riveting and real, as it’s hard to know sometimes how serious someone’s mental health struggles are, boundaries, the busyness of life… and hindsight being 20/20. This is one part nostalgia for those who also discovered Tori Amos and Jeff Buckley in their youth, and one part the grief process when you don’t get to grow old with someone you loved because they ended their life. It’s a story about suicide that isn’t all sadness and isn’t all guilt, but there’s a lot of it here too.
December 3, 2023
A thoughtful and poignant eulogy for a friend who tragically passed too soon. The inky art is flighty and quirky, reminiscent of Roz Chast. (In fact-comic geek side note-I thought from page 1 that this one looked Roz Chast-ian, but then figured that was because I just read Roz’ latest two days ago. But! Blow me down! Good friend Charlotte encourages and inspires Emilia to draw like Roz on page 20. 🤓<—comic geek).
An ode to our oldest friendships as well. One is silver, one is gold as they say. As life goes on, you can’t always be with your oldest and dearest friends when they need you like you were in childhood, and it breaks your heart; when you’re not there for the big moments, it feels like a broken promise. I hope that Emilia finds solace she seeks in the fact that this book might help others in the same situation.
An ode to our oldest friendships as well. One is silver, one is gold as they say. As life goes on, you can’t always be with your oldest and dearest friends when they need you like you were in childhood, and it breaks your heart; when you’re not there for the big moments, it feels like a broken promise. I hope that Emilia finds solace she seeks in the fact that this book might help others in the same situation.
August 4, 2023
*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this title. Receiving said copy in no way influenced my review of this title and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
This graphic novel memoir tells Emilia's side of events in the years leading up to and after her friends suicide. Reading the blurb of this story I assumed she would write about her experience, how to made her feel, and how she coped with everything happening. This novel was a short 120 pages and a very quick read. The digital copy I received unfortunately cut off the bottom 1/4 of every single page, so there was a little bit of text I missed, but I mostly got the full story, and I guess I just don't understand the point of writing this? I understand the point of getting her thoughts and feelings out on paper and sharing her experience that way- but I don't see why this experience needed to be shared with the rest of the world? Nothing profound happened. It's not like Emilia stopped Charlotte or got her the help she needed, Emilia was barely even around during these though times. Sure Charlotte was her best friend, but they weren't close, Emilia essentially had no idea what was going on with Charlotte. Not to mention, who even are Emilia and Charlotte? I feel if either of them were known to any degree, sharing the story would make sense then too. But they aren't. And the necessity behind sharing this story is just nonexistent? I also hated the ending of literally writing "I'm just going to end our story here because I really don't have anything else to add"???? are you kidding me? That should've been your first clue this story needed some work before sharing with the world. This was overall just a very disappointing read.
This graphic novel memoir tells Emilia's side of events in the years leading up to and after her friends suicide. Reading the blurb of this story I assumed she would write about her experience, how to made her feel, and how she coped with everything happening. This novel was a short 120 pages and a very quick read. The digital copy I received unfortunately cut off the bottom 1/4 of every single page, so there was a little bit of text I missed, but I mostly got the full story, and I guess I just don't understand the point of writing this? I understand the point of getting her thoughts and feelings out on paper and sharing her experience that way- but I don't see why this experience needed to be shared with the rest of the world? Nothing profound happened. It's not like Emilia stopped Charlotte or got her the help she needed, Emilia was barely even around during these though times. Sure Charlotte was her best friend, but they weren't close, Emilia essentially had no idea what was going on with Charlotte. Not to mention, who even are Emilia and Charlotte? I feel if either of them were known to any degree, sharing the story would make sense then too. But they aren't. And the necessity behind sharing this story is just nonexistent? I also hated the ending of literally writing "I'm just going to end our story here because I really don't have anything else to add"???? are you kidding me? That should've been your first clue this story needed some work before sharing with the world. This was overall just a very disappointing read.
March 5, 2023
Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC in exchange for honest review.
3.5 stars
My favorite book niche is graphic memoirs. I am glad to see the trend in recent years in addressing difficult life topics through this medium. This book fits that description to a T.
One of my criticisms of this genre type, and it applies here, is if there’s no color being used, it is extremely important to differentiate characters. Sometimes it is hard to tell who exactly is being depicted in a frame. Is this a new person or a person we already know who has slightly changed appearance over time or is making a face we haven’t seen them do yet? Especially if they’re minor characters, err on the side of not introducing too many which adds to the confusion.
I would love to know more about C. She sounds like she was an incredibly compassionate person and just the right kind of friend.
3.5 stars
My favorite book niche is graphic memoirs. I am glad to see the trend in recent years in addressing difficult life topics through this medium. This book fits that description to a T.
One of my criticisms of this genre type, and it applies here, is if there’s no color being used, it is extremely important to differentiate characters. Sometimes it is hard to tell who exactly is being depicted in a frame. Is this a new person or a person we already know who has slightly changed appearance over time or is making a face we haven’t seen them do yet? Especially if they’re minor characters, err on the side of not introducing too many which adds to the confusion.
I would love to know more about C. She sounds like she was an incredibly compassionate person and just the right kind of friend.
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