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Henni
In a fantastical world where old traditions and religion dominate every aspect of life, lives a girl named Henni. Unlike most in her village, Henni questions and wonders what the world is like as she comes of age. Striking out on her own, Henni goes out in search of truth, adventure, and more!
Written and drawn by Miss Lasko-Gross (A Mess of Everything and Escape From Special), Henni is a commentary on religion, coming of age and being yourself.
Written and drawn by Miss Lasko-Gross (A Mess of Everything and Escape From Special), Henni is a commentary on religion, coming of age and being yourself.
168 pages, Paperback
First published January 20, 2015
About the author
Miss Lasko-Gross
17 books45 followersBorn Boston Massachusetts 1977
B.F.A in Communication Design, Pratt Institute
Books
Fantagraphics Books: Escape From "Special" nominated for YALSA's 2008 Great Graphic Novels.
Fantagraphics Books: A Mess Of Everything
Comixology: Miss Lasko-Gross Some Short Stories 1994-2014 (http://cmxl.gy/1jRExGt)
Z2:HENNI nominated for YALSA 2015 Great Graphic Novels for Teens.
Contributions / shows
Smith Magazine: Next Door Neighbor series
New Museum of Contemporary Art Alt.Youth.Media show
CBGB's Gallery
Indie spinner Rack: Awesome 2 Awesomer
Screw Magazine
House of Twelve #3, #4 & #5
True Porn 2
Mauled
Friends of LuLu: Girl's Guide to Guys Stuff
Friends of LuLu: Broad Appeal
House of Twelve: Heavy Metal
House of Twelve: Roshomon
Forbidden Zone
Cow
Don't Shoot it's Only Comics
The Blank Collective
Series'
Cryptic press' Aim Comics 1993-2001
Minis
Red (cover) 2006
Lefty 2004
Nine hours to Durham 2005
B.F.A in Communication Design, Pratt Institute
Books
Fantagraphics Books: Escape From "Special" nominated for YALSA's 2008 Great Graphic Novels.
Fantagraphics Books: A Mess Of Everything
Comixology: Miss Lasko-Gross Some Short Stories 1994-2014 (http://cmxl.gy/1jRExGt)
Z2:HENNI nominated for YALSA 2015 Great Graphic Novels for Teens.
Contributions / shows
Smith Magazine: Next Door Neighbor series
New Museum of Contemporary Art Alt.Youth.Media show
CBGB's Gallery
Indie spinner Rack: Awesome 2 Awesomer
Screw Magazine
House of Twelve #3, #4 & #5
True Porn 2
Mauled
Friends of LuLu: Girl's Guide to Guys Stuff
Friends of LuLu: Broad Appeal
House of Twelve: Heavy Metal
House of Twelve: Roshomon
Forbidden Zone
Cow
Don't Shoot it's Only Comics
The Blank Collective
Series'
Cryptic press' Aim Comics 1993-2001
Minis
Red (cover) 2006
Lefty 2004
Nine hours to Durham 2005
Ratings & Reviews
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 78 reviews
June 18, 2020
these photos were taken from a physical arc, and don't do any justice to the actual illustrations and color palette, which is more like this
this book is one of those graphic novels that uses anthropomorphized creatures to address real-world situations. but unlike The Complete Maus, in this one the cat gets to be our heroine. and i am on board with catgirls as heroines.
i'm pretty sure this is intended for a young adult audience, as it concerns the typical YA theme of "the journey of self-discovery." it follows the experiences of a young catgirl named henni, an inquisitive soul born into a constraining society, as she enters the wider world for the first time, ripping the veils away from everything she has been taught along the way. it's about toppling superstitions, unmasking corrupt spiritual leaders, art used as revolution, religion misused as crowd control, the socially imposed limitations of gender, strength in the face of injustice and choosing one's own path.
henni starts out the book as a young and carefree creature, shown joyfully chasing a dragonfly, innocent enough to be genuinely shocked by her father's lie to her mother that they were going to temple, when he was really going to talk to some guy. in a mere five panels, her illusions of marriage are shattered.
shortly after arriving home, her father is sold out by her mother, stuffed in a bag by cruel men, and mutilated. henni is told by her mother: Don't you dare cry. He brought this on himself.
years pass, but henni retains her curiosity and her spirit. she has always been a high-spirited catgirl; always questioning, always having difficulty with the "obedience" part of her role as a woman. she is told that it was a waste for her father to have taught a mere girl to write, told that she should just be quiet and obedient, told that the elders would make all decisions for her, through divine guidance.
she is apprehensive about her upcoming arranged marriage, and mistrusts the unfair traditions she has been told to obey.
henni begins her solitary quest away from her homeland after seeing something she shouldn't have seen and subsequently doing something she shouldn't have done. she meets an unexpected ally who saves her from punishment and sets her on her path, which first takes her to another village much like her own (except with rounded rather than pointy rooftops), but steeped in the same hypocritical and self-serving leadership
the scoffing of the "primitive" by the "civilized"
and the unfair treatment of women.
henni's stubborn resistance to blind subservience lands her in trouble again, but this time, she is resourceful and clever enough to talk her way out of punishment on her own, using the leaders' own xenophobia against them.
but she hasn't become wicked, she has just learned how to play the game.
the final part of this book involves henni's meeting the rebel known as "the disruptor" who teaches her that there's a difference between obeying and agreeing and gives her a gift - a special and personal item that fills her with hope and purpose, her adventure presumably to be continued in another volume.
it's a charming and occasionally very dark little book. its themes are treated a little shallowly for the adult reader, but henni's transformation from questioning being to acting being is well-handled, and there is one scene in particular where she is balancing her impulse to help someone against her instinct for self-preservation and her respect for the traditions of others that is very effective.
i would be interested in seeing where the rest of the story goes.
come to my blog!
November 12, 2014
Henni is a cat-like young girl living in a theocratic society. As she starts to mature, she questions the religion that instructs her every action and so begins her journey of growing up and finding her own individual identity, whether the world accepts her or not.
Miss Lasko-Gross’s surreal coming-of-age fairy tale is a continuation of her theme of liberation from societal norms like her book, Escape from Special. But while Henni looks at outdated tradition and corrupt religion and its effects on the subjugation of women, as well as the importance of free thought and the role of art, it’s a fairly simplistic examination that puts me in mind that Henni is aimed at younger readers.
It’s not a bad story: we see Henni being ostracised from her own society for not being a mindless servant, and travelling into another more “enlightened” society that has its own contradictions and issues. Henni is a fine main character and a good role model for younger readers to identify with – she’s thoughtful, open-minded and quick-witted who becomes more resilient in the face of oppression.
The Disruptor was my favourite character, an artist whose uncompromising stance led to his eyes being removed. But he still produces art, outside of society, making forays into town and putting up his art before its destroyed by the town’s guards. Artists should be fearless and follow their creative instincts like he does here, and art does have a very significant role in any culture.
Lasko-Gross’s art is surreal and dream-like while grounded in a semblance of reality. It’s our world for the most part at less developed stages, though Henni herself has an oddly animalistic appearance. This might be a continuation of Maurice Sendak’s Max character from Where the Wild Things Are; Max wore a wolf costume and the story is an expression of his frustration of the world. Lasko-Gross’s Henni is an older character but resembles a human cat; the story is equally a look at the anger and frustration she feels at the world around her but explored in a more measured way. Like Sendak’s story, Henni is also a fairy tale.
The unsubtle commentary on the importance of individuality, freedom of expression, independent thought and equality for women, was the only part of the book that brought it down. Younger readers are more likely to get more out of this charming comic but it’s still an enjoyable book for older readers. It may falter in the face of incorporating plenty of substance into its narrative but that it aimed to include numerous worthy ideas is laudable.
Miss Lasko-Gross’s surreal coming-of-age fairy tale is a continuation of her theme of liberation from societal norms like her book, Escape from Special. But while Henni looks at outdated tradition and corrupt religion and its effects on the subjugation of women, as well as the importance of free thought and the role of art, it’s a fairly simplistic examination that puts me in mind that Henni is aimed at younger readers.
It’s not a bad story: we see Henni being ostracised from her own society for not being a mindless servant, and travelling into another more “enlightened” society that has its own contradictions and issues. Henni is a fine main character and a good role model for younger readers to identify with – she’s thoughtful, open-minded and quick-witted who becomes more resilient in the face of oppression.
The Disruptor was my favourite character, an artist whose uncompromising stance led to his eyes being removed. But he still produces art, outside of society, making forays into town and putting up his art before its destroyed by the town’s guards. Artists should be fearless and follow their creative instincts like he does here, and art does have a very significant role in any culture.
Lasko-Gross’s art is surreal and dream-like while grounded in a semblance of reality. It’s our world for the most part at less developed stages, though Henni herself has an oddly animalistic appearance. This might be a continuation of Maurice Sendak’s Max character from Where the Wild Things Are; Max wore a wolf costume and the story is an expression of his frustration of the world. Lasko-Gross’s Henni is an older character but resembles a human cat; the story is equally a look at the anger and frustration she feels at the world around her but explored in a more measured way. Like Sendak’s story, Henni is also a fairy tale.
The unsubtle commentary on the importance of individuality, freedom of expression, independent thought and equality for women, was the only part of the book that brought it down. Younger readers are more likely to get more out of this charming comic but it’s still an enjoyable book for older readers. It may falter in the face of incorporating plenty of substance into its narrative but that it aimed to include numerous worthy ideas is laudable.
October 9, 2015
Bullet Review:
It was a bit heavy-handed in places (like being clubbed with a house of bricks), but I loved the artwork and the story. That ending though! Where is volume 2?! There will be a volume 2, right???
It was a bit heavy-handed in places (like being clubbed with a house of bricks), but I loved the artwork and the story. That ending though! Where is volume 2?! There will be a volume 2, right???
August 13, 2015
I just wrote a longish review of this that Goodreads did not save, so I am a little peeved, but I will try not to take it out on the book.
Henni is a cat-like girl who lives in what would seem to be a medieval time, oppressed by her ultra-religious society who matches girls with boys for marriage. So this is a fantasy, a fable, with allegorical echoes of our Tea Party (as with many global religions and societies) oppression of women, making choices about their bodies. Henni is rebellious, she asks questions. The themes of freedom and equality are not subtle here, but they are fantasy, and YA, or for maybe even younger readers, too. I think of all the dystopian YA with strog girl main characters out there, Hunger Games, Divergent, where girls must be strong to fight The Power, stand up The Man. I think of Matched by Aly Condie and Delirium by Lauren Oliver where the same matches are proposed for young girls.
Henni gets out only to encounter an equally oppressive society, where she meets The Disruptor, an artist who is blinded for his art and political stances. Henni aligns herself with him. He is Lasko-Gross, both doing and modeling what artists must do to resist oppression.
Will Henni find a community of like-minded equality-l and arts-loving peaceniks? Will she find her father? It would appear that this is a series, as these questions remain. We'll see. I liked it; I mean, it's simplistic as most of the above YA stories are, and its a fable, so you have to read it as allegory, as didactic, for younger people. Maybe it's not quite a 4.0 for me, but I rounded up thanks to The Disruptor. And the blue and purple muted watercolor washed drawings, her best art yet.
Henni is a cat-like girl who lives in what would seem to be a medieval time, oppressed by her ultra-religious society who matches girls with boys for marriage. So this is a fantasy, a fable, with allegorical echoes of our Tea Party (as with many global religions and societies) oppression of women, making choices about their bodies. Henni is rebellious, she asks questions. The themes of freedom and equality are not subtle here, but they are fantasy, and YA, or for maybe even younger readers, too. I think of all the dystopian YA with strog girl main characters out there, Hunger Games, Divergent, where girls must be strong to fight The Power, stand up The Man. I think of Matched by Aly Condie and Delirium by Lauren Oliver where the same matches are proposed for young girls.
Henni gets out only to encounter an equally oppressive society, where she meets The Disruptor, an artist who is blinded for his art and political stances. Henni aligns herself with him. He is Lasko-Gross, both doing and modeling what artists must do to resist oppression.
Will Henni find a community of like-minded equality-l and arts-loving peaceniks? Will she find her father? It would appear that this is a series, as these questions remain. We'll see. I liked it; I mean, it's simplistic as most of the above YA stories are, and its a fable, so you have to read it as allegory, as didactic, for younger people. Maybe it's not quite a 4.0 for me, but I rounded up thanks to The Disruptor. And the blue and purple muted watercolor washed drawings, her best art yet.
May 29, 2016
A cute graphic novel that teaches teens not to blindly follow authority figures. Use your brain- figure it out for yourself. That's a powerful message.
The art itself is not that impressive to me. I had trouble telling some of the characters apart, especially at the beginning when Henni was among her peer group. Further on in the book, that was no longer a problem.
I'd recommend ages 13+ on this one for some disturbing moments of violence. It's not too graphic, but it's in there. A read alike, for the younger set: Princeless by Jeremy Whitley or, for 13+, Nimona by Noelle Stevenson.
The art itself is not that impressive to me. I had trouble telling some of the characters apart, especially at the beginning when Henni was among her peer group. Further on in the book, that was no longer a problem.
I'd recommend ages 13+ on this one for some disturbing moments of violence. It's not too graphic, but it's in there. A read alike, for the younger set: Princeless by Jeremy Whitley or, for 13+, Nimona by Noelle Stevenson.
November 9, 2014
I received a digital copy of this title from the publisher via Netgalley.
Ten second synopsis:
Henni lives in a society controlled by religious zealots. Her natural curiosity and the legacy of her father push her to seek for deeper answers, starting her on a dangerous road to finding herself.
Let me start by saying the monochrome tones and stunning artwork make this tale a visual feast. I really enjoyed the combination of thoughtful philosophical and religious debate and the graphic novel form. Henni's journey is reasonably short in printed terms (my usual complaint for graphic novels - I wanted more!) but there's plenty to consider and chew over along the way. I found it interesting that Henni's escape from her home led her to a society with different beliefs but similar control over its people. Lasso-Gross raises gender issues throughout in subtle ways which is something I appreciate in any tale. In fact there's a lot of subtlety in the way that the author raises various issues through minor characters.
This is no doubt going to appeal to those who enjoyed other graphic novels that broach serious social issues, such as Maus, and it would be a great text for raising discussion about religious freedom and differing belief systems in the secondary classroom.
Recommended.
Ten second synopsis:
Henni lives in a society controlled by religious zealots. Her natural curiosity and the legacy of her father push her to seek for deeper answers, starting her on a dangerous road to finding herself.
Let me start by saying the monochrome tones and stunning artwork make this tale a visual feast. I really enjoyed the combination of thoughtful philosophical and religious debate and the graphic novel form. Henni's journey is reasonably short in printed terms (my usual complaint for graphic novels - I wanted more!) but there's plenty to consider and chew over along the way. I found it interesting that Henni's escape from her home led her to a society with different beliefs but similar control over its people. Lasso-Gross raises gender issues throughout in subtle ways which is something I appreciate in any tale. In fact there's a lot of subtlety in the way that the author raises various issues through minor characters.
This is no doubt going to appeal to those who enjoyed other graphic novels that broach serious social issues, such as Maus, and it would be a great text for raising discussion about religious freedom and differing belief systems in the secondary classroom.
Recommended.
November 17, 2014
I received a free digital ARC of this book via NetGalley to review.
Henni is an animal-like (in physical appearance) teenage girl who lives in a society that uses religion to control citizens and dominate women, not unlike our recent past (and in some ways present) on Earth. Corruption and a secret rebellion lead Henni out of her city to search for a more meaningful life.
From the first panel, we are introduced to a free-spirited child who embraces the beauty and excitement in life. Henni is easily lovable as she is very resilient, kind, and brave and I quickly became outraged at the injustice she and other characters face. The artwork is very subtle but very beautiful and blends with the story rather than overpowering it. There's a little bit of every theme in this too-short story, from freedom to the benefits of art to the power of one individual doing the right thing.
I assume there will be a second volume as there was a bit of an abrupt ending that left me wanting so much more. I definitely recommend this graphic novel to all, especially people who grate at sexism and religious oppression as badly as I do...it's a frustrating but rewarding read!
Henni is an animal-like (in physical appearance) teenage girl who lives in a society that uses religion to control citizens and dominate women, not unlike our recent past (and in some ways present) on Earth. Corruption and a secret rebellion lead Henni out of her city to search for a more meaningful life.
From the first panel, we are introduced to a free-spirited child who embraces the beauty and excitement in life. Henni is easily lovable as she is very resilient, kind, and brave and I quickly became outraged at the injustice she and other characters face. The artwork is very subtle but very beautiful and blends with the story rather than overpowering it. There's a little bit of every theme in this too-short story, from freedom to the benefits of art to the power of one individual doing the right thing.
I assume there will be a second volume as there was a bit of an abrupt ending that left me wanting so much more. I definitely recommend this graphic novel to all, especially people who grate at sexism and religious oppression as badly as I do...it's a frustrating but rewarding read!
May 26, 2016
Beyond incredible! Loved every frame.
Miss Lasko-Gross's strength lies in her ability to take on big themes. Her subject matter - the power of society and religion over the individual - was a tricky thing to take on. Her message could easily have been preachy, but Henni's feel was so general and non-specific that it's message made its mark thoroughly without being over-the-top.
Easy read, great illustration - big message!
Miss Lasko-Gross's strength lies in her ability to take on big themes. Her subject matter - the power of society and religion over the individual - was a tricky thing to take on. Her message could easily have been preachy, but Henni's feel was so general and non-specific that it's message made its mark thoroughly without being over-the-top.
Easy read, great illustration - big message!
December 7, 2014
*NetGalley book for review*
OMG... I loved this.
Henni is adorably cute.
Sweet coming of age story.
Very nice graphic art work done through out.
OMG... I loved this.
Henni is adorably cute.
Sweet coming of age story.
Very nice graphic art work done through out.
February 25, 2020
I was loaned/provided this DRC e-Copy for an honest review by NetGalley
This is kinda a YA graphic novel about a girl called Henni who lives in a world of Cat-people. Using cat-people the author has drawn a wonderful world which tells the story about two societies. One where Henni grows up is filled is religious zealots and when she grows up run away from her village she reaches another village which is filled with cat-people who are ruled by fear and forced in submission and agreeing with their wish. This graphic novel tells us about Henni's continuous journey to different villages.
This time we cover two of them and promise of continuous story. Very nice and different presentation. Very good read for all. Will wait for next installments and like most I will post full review once the book is published.
I have always loved comics, and I hope that I will always love them. Even though I grew up reading local Indian comics like Raj Comics or Diamond Comics or even Manoj Comics, now's the time to catch up on the international and classic comics and Graphic novels. I am on my quest to read as many comics as I can. I Love comics to bit, may comics never leave my side. I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
This is kinda a YA graphic novel about a girl called Henni who lives in a world of Cat-people. Using cat-people the author has drawn a wonderful world which tells the story about two societies. One where Henni grows up is filled is religious zealots and when she grows up run away from her village she reaches another village which is filled with cat-people who are ruled by fear and forced in submission and agreeing with their wish. This graphic novel tells us about Henni's continuous journey to different villages.
This time we cover two of them and promise of continuous story. Very nice and different presentation. Very good read for all. Will wait for next installments and like most I will post full review once the book is published.
I have always loved comics, and I hope that I will always love them. Even though I grew up reading local Indian comics like Raj Comics or Diamond Comics or even Manoj Comics, now's the time to catch up on the international and classic comics and Graphic novels. I am on my quest to read as many comics as I can. I Love comics to bit, may comics never leave my side. I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
July 23, 2017
READ THE ORIGINAL REVIEW ON MY BLOG: http://thebookaddictsblog.blogspot.pt...
The first thing that needs to be mentioned about Henni is the art, the illustrations, the color-scheme. Everything was so fascinating and completely set the tone for the entire story.
This was certainly a very engaging read, and to me it felt very personal. I connected with the main character, Henni, immmediately... she starts questioning everything, if what she is taught to believe is really all there is, and then leaves on a journey to find out the truth about the world and herself.
All through the story we get valuable life lessons. We can't help but wonder what we truly believe in, what is the right thing, and if it is our right to impose it on everyone else.
This touches very real and present themes that still exist all around us, in our so called 'modern society', in a very philosophical yet simple and understandable way.
I found this to be a genuinely inspirational journey about staying true to your beliefs and fighting for what you think is fair and right.
I definitely recommend this, especially for younger readers, particularly young girls starting to question their place in society.
The first thing that needs to be mentioned about Henni is the art, the illustrations, the color-scheme. Everything was so fascinating and completely set the tone for the entire story.
This was certainly a very engaging read, and to me it felt very personal. I connected with the main character, Henni, immmediately... she starts questioning everything, if what she is taught to believe is really all there is, and then leaves on a journey to find out the truth about the world and herself.
All through the story we get valuable life lessons. We can't help but wonder what we truly believe in, what is the right thing, and if it is our right to impose it on everyone else.
This touches very real and present themes that still exist all around us, in our so called 'modern society', in a very philosophical yet simple and understandable way.
I found this to be a genuinely inspirational journey about staying true to your beliefs and fighting for what you think is fair and right.
I definitely recommend this, especially for younger readers, particularly young girls starting to question their place in society.
February 4, 2016
Despite being shorter than I would've liked, this story is a beautifully written story of finding yourself, and standing by what you believe in when the world around you is determined to fight you every step of the way. I really enjoyed this story as a whole, and it's commentary on religion, society and sexism are, sadly, still extremely accurate and relevant today.
These topics were almost satirical; as if you could laugh at how ridiculous it all is, but I definitely appreciate the (not so) subtle, and consistent way that gender issues were raised.
It definitely would've been more enjoyable if it covered more ground, or even if I could just see where the characters go from here. Henni herself, and The Disruptor, are such interesting, complex characters, and it would be really interesting to see more of their past and future put onto the page.
These topics were almost satirical; as if you could laugh at how ridiculous it all is, but I definitely appreciate the (not so) subtle, and consistent way that gender issues were raised.
It definitely would've been more enjoyable if it covered more ground, or even if I could just see where the characters go from here. Henni herself, and The Disruptor, are such interesting, complex characters, and it would be really interesting to see more of their past and future put onto the page.
June 2, 2016
Slightly weird and surreal fable. Humanoid creatures with cat ears, racism, art-hating, self-exploration. It feels like an allegory about someone's real-world experience going from a repressed, patriarchal society to a theoretically more enlightened group that looks down them as an individual because they are from the previous group. I'm picturing someone who's going from a conservative amerikan existence to a more "progressive" community, but maybe I'm just projecting. :)
Ultimately pretty forgettable, tho. Even flipping through the pages a few weeks later, I had a hard time remembering what happens.
The color work here might be the most notable thing - touches of blue and purple, probably in poignant places, though I didn't notice on a single read.
Ultimately pretty forgettable, tho. Even flipping through the pages a few weeks later, I had a hard time remembering what happens.
The color work here might be the most notable thing - touches of blue and purple, probably in poignant places, though I didn't notice on a single read.
March 5, 2016
I am a novice in the realm of graphic novels, so Henni was a delight for me. The storyline is solid: about breaking away from oppression and mindless obedience and learning to be your true self. Henni grows up in a culture of following the proscribed religion without question, until she is banished and must find her way out in the wide world.
The graphics are gorgeous. Wonderfully drawn and subtle shadings of cool, beautiful colors.
The ending left it open for a series, and I look forward to reading more about Henni and what life holds in store for her.
The graphics are gorgeous. Wonderfully drawn and subtle shadings of cool, beautiful colors.
The ending left it open for a series, and I look forward to reading more about Henni and what life holds in store for her.
November 11, 2014
Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review.
There was a lot to think about from this story which follows Henni a young woman who constantly questions everything and seeks to find the truth. She doesn't fit in with the people of her town who see her as odd.
After an incident happened with one of the town's artifacts she had to flee and found herself in a town that was far worse than hers ever was despite how sophisticated the townspeople were.
This was smart yet humorous story that teaches Henni to be herself.
There was a lot to think about from this story which follows Henni a young woman who constantly questions everything and seeks to find the truth. She doesn't fit in with the people of her town who see her as odd.
After an incident happened with one of the town's artifacts she had to flee and found herself in a town that was far worse than hers ever was despite how sophisticated the townspeople were.
This was smart yet humorous story that teaches Henni to be herself.
January 20, 2015
Bizarre, anti-religion parable of a weird cat-monkey creature who questions and escapes from the theocratic, patriarchal society she grew up in. A germ of an interesting idea for a fantastical graphic novel, but this was not well realized in this strange, boring little story. Terrible art style and quality in my opinion. I read this because it came in free at work. It seems to be geared for a young adult audience. The story ends abruptly in a manner that makes me think it's the first in a planned series, but I won't be following up with the story if that proves to be the case.
April 20, 2015
This is billed as a fairy tale, but it could just as easily be a parable or an allegory. Henni is a young female cat person or something like that. She lives in a village ruled by the priests of the temple. Her curiosity and intelligence lead to her becoming an outcast who must learn to live elsewhere. Individualism is a strong theme in this book, as well as female empowerment. By using distinctly non-human characters, Miss Lasko-Gross heightens the surreal nature of the book, and helps the themes to stand out.
September 7, 2016
Teens just starting to question authority will identify with catlike Henni who challenges her mother and ultimately her society after she notices that bribes are making her world go round. However, when she strikes out on her own, what she finds is not necessarily better. The artwork is expressive and dark, though playful enough to pair with this unique work.
November 8, 2014
I received an e-galley of this title from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Z2 Comics and NetGalley!
Review to come closer to publication date.
Review to come closer to publication date.
November 15, 2014
I wish this had been longer, because I really enjoyed the story despite the weirdo character design of the strange looking sorta-monkey people.
December 12, 2021
Talk about strong world-building! Henni opens silently with a young Henni playing/chasing a butterfly in the ruins outside her town. On page 3 we see her father meeting (arguing?) with someone clandestinely... On page 4 we learn that Henni's parents are in a loveless marriage... And by page 7 we have all that information come together to see Henni's father being taken away as a heretic & dissident...
By page 11, Henni is "grown-up" and ready to have her own marriage arranged with all the other young women (cats?) in her village. But Henni remembers her parents' loveless marriage and how her father was taken from her at a young age ... So, the idea that the religious leaders of Henni's town receive divine guidance to "perfectly" arrange marriages (that were "written among the stars, long before your birth") is for shit.
Henni asks questions & isn't content with pious non-answers, such as "the mouse who peeks in the viper pit is eaten", and "quiet obedience is the very source of our unity"... (And of course, Henni knows how to write and read, which just shows she has a poisoned mind...)
Henni is a short & well-done coming-of-age (cat) book. Henni pushes the boundaries of the hypocritical societies she lives in and by the end learns an important lesson in survival: Obeying is not the same as agreeing. The book ends on a literal cliffhanger, and I am disappointed to see there isn't a book 2.
I don't know if the series is meant to continue on at some point, but I'm going to count this book as part of an "unfinished" series, and swallow my disappointment. :(
This book gets a 4 star rating & the open ending gets a 3.
Total: 3.5 stars.
P.s. I also like the whimsical but also kind of plain art. The faces are very expressive & the black and white (and purple) are very striking.
By page 11, Henni is "grown-up" and ready to have her own marriage arranged with all the other young women (cats?) in her village. But Henni remembers her parents' loveless marriage and how her father was taken from her at a young age ... So, the idea that the religious leaders of Henni's town receive divine guidance to "perfectly" arrange marriages (that were "written among the stars, long before your birth") is for shit.
Henni asks questions & isn't content with pious non-answers, such as "the mouse who peeks in the viper pit is eaten", and "quiet obedience is the very source of our unity"... (And of course, Henni knows how to write and read, which just shows she has a poisoned mind...)
Henni is a short & well-done coming-of-age (cat) book. Henni pushes the boundaries of the hypocritical societies she lives in and by the end learns an important lesson in survival: Obeying is not the same as agreeing. The book ends on a literal cliffhanger, and I am disappointed to see there isn't a book 2.
I don't know if the series is meant to continue on at some point, but I'm going to count this book as part of an "unfinished" series, and swallow my disappointment. :(
This book gets a 4 star rating & the open ending gets a 3.
Total: 3.5 stars.
P.s. I also like the whimsical but also kind of plain art. The faces are very expressive & the black and white (and purple) are very striking.
August 14, 2020
I have no idea why this book made it to a wish list or to be read list. I do know I always thought the cover illustration was interesting, and I’m still intrigued by the authors persona. Is their first name really Miss? Or is that some kind of pseudonym that is meaningful to them?
Anyway, back to this book. The art is interesting. The main character and her little sister appear to be cat people. One has pointy ears, the other has rounded ears. Why? No clue. Anyway, pointy earred Henni questions everything - she’s the kid who says “Wait! The Emperor is naked!” She questions the rules and stories of the temple men. Don’t examine her hands closely. Miss needs to work on those kind of details. Otherwise though, the art is interesting. Like I said.
Any more and this review would be a spoiler. And I think y’all should want to read this. I enjoyed it enough to be glad I got it from the bargain shelf - it was well worth the bargain price. In fact I went looking for a sequel because the ending is more like just stopping. WTH, Miss? There’s no sequel I can search bargain racks for?
Anyway, back to this book. The art is interesting. The main character and her little sister appear to be cat people. One has pointy ears, the other has rounded ears. Why? No clue. Anyway, pointy earred Henni questions everything - she’s the kid who says “Wait! The Emperor is naked!” She questions the rules and stories of the temple men. Don’t examine her hands closely. Miss needs to work on those kind of details. Otherwise though, the art is interesting. Like I said.
Any more and this review would be a spoiler. And I think y’all should want to read this. I enjoyed it enough to be glad I got it from the bargain shelf - it was well worth the bargain price. In fact I went looking for a sequel because the ending is more like just stopping. WTH, Miss? There’s no sequel I can search bargain racks for?
February 20, 2025
This was wonderful. A brave girl trapped in a suffocating religion. She seeks knowledge and understanding of the world around her. Even when everyone she knows is content to sit idly and obey. She escapes her situation only to find herself in another. Even worse. When she escapes once again, with more knowledge than ever before, she is met with kindred Spirit who helps her find her path in life. This was a beautiful tale of individuality in a cruel world. Reminding me that it's okay to be yourself. To go against the grain. And the art was wonderful too. Making beautiful usage of light and dark to convey different emotions. Great book. Highly recommend!
October 10, 2021
Henni is a coming-of-age tale filled with the search for identity and individuality. Through beautiful illustrations we see that Henni is part of a world comprised of cat-like creatures. As she approaches her marriage day, Henni questions her community's strict, flawed religion and sets out on a journey of self-discovery, seeking the necessary knowledge to understand her world and her place in it. The simplistic prose only adds to the captivating art work.
December 10, 2020
This book has some underlying message about the underdog triumphing when it (?) sticks to its principles. Weird cat characters.
I didn't dwell too long on the message, just enjoyed reading it quickly before a medical appointment. (It's somewhat ironic that this book too a whole lot of effort to draw, write, publish and then I devoured it in 20 minutes. Next!)
I didn't dwell too long on the message, just enjoyed reading it quickly before a medical appointment. (It's somewhat ironic that this book too a whole lot of effort to draw, write, publish and then I devoured it in 20 minutes. Next!)
February 2, 2019
I liked it, didn’t love it. Darker than I expected, while still not as deep as I was hoping for. Still, I related a lot to the character of Henni and her determination to seek out the truth. It made me curious enough to want to read more from this author and more of this story.
September 20, 2019
The art is fantastic.
The story isn't incomplete but begs to continue...
The story isn't incomplete but begs to continue...
February 18, 2021
I loved this book - so interesting. I loved the illustrations.
March 17, 2017
A little heavy handed with the push to think creatively and critically about what other people tell you (especially those in authority), but with all the doublespeak and "alternative facts" out there now, that's not necessarily a bad thing.
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