Crushed

by Trinidad Escobar

Trinidad was adopted when she was less than a year old and transplanted thousands of miles away from her parents and eleven brothers and sisters. She grows up in a loving home in the suburbs of California—or so she thought. She is given another name, a different birthday, and never quite feels like she fits in. Over time, strange visions and deep dark fears begin to surface in Trinidad's mind, forcing her to question everything. Maybe she has a mental illness? Finally, when she turns 25, she reunites with her long-lost family in the Philippines. The Dorognas, a fishermen family whose last name translates to "crushed," are sweet people who have nothing to give Trinidad except the clothes off their backs and countless stories about their own lives. To Trinidad, each story is a missing puzzle piece to her own life. She listens, over cheap bottles of brandy, as her family weaves together their tales of grief, laughter, killer typhoons, giants, sirenas, and the aswang. Crushed is a story about the myths from our homelands and the myths of our personal memories. It is a journey through suffering, enduring love, and the quest to build a temple of the Self. 

Genres: Comics, Graphic Novels, Graphic Novels Comics, Nonfiction

125 pages, Paperback

First published April 11, 2018

Reviews

[Maia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trinidad Escobar's gorgeous and moving graphic memoir weaves together memories and myths. She grew up knowing that her American family had adopted her as an infant from the Philippines. She was not the first baby her second parents had tried to adopt- an earlier baby had passed away and Trinidad was given that girl's birthday and name, Nicole, to speed the adoption process. Nicole was contacted by her first family as a teenager, which lead to her first visit to the Philippines at 18. This book takes place primarily during a second visit in which she is finally able to visit her first family's home, to learn stories from and cook meals with her brothers and sisters. There is exquisite beauty and deep trauma in this emotionally charged reunion. The second half of the story will be coming in book 2.

[Bryan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“May we continue to heal”

These words are written to those the book is dedicated to. For me, reading that line “hooked” me in right away and got me to emphasize for the storyteller. Also, I feel that quote is definitely one of the themes of this biomythography (love typing that in by the way).

The artwork and design of this book is fantastic. The title pages for each chapter remind me of title cards you see in old cartoons. Her characters are so well done for being cartoony especially for our main character. There’s a genuine sadness that came through for me while reading.

I love how there are some fantastical elements included regardless of the memoir format. What a brilliant idea! Personally speaking, I have an over active imagination and I’m constantly thinking my daily life would be improved by the inclusion of some fantasy.

I mentioned sadness above and there are definitely some emotional heavy moments in this book. I could relate to a couple myself which in turn helped me heal so I thank the author for this. Also, I have the upmost respect and admiration for memoirists who choose to share these personal yet painfully experiences with the reader. So thank you Trinidad Escobar!

I’m anticipating the release of the next installment.

Bonus thought/appreciation
The book includes a “comics literary” page. I love it. This is something I plan on sharing when introducing graphic novels and comics to my students.