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Brittle Joints
An evocative and heartfelt graphic memoir about the challenges of living with a progressive disability.
When Maria Sweeney was young, she kept count of her broken bones. As she grew older, she stopped. Living with Bruck syndrome, a rare progressive condition that gives her very brittle bones and joint abnormalities, meant that those numbers climbed and climbed.
Today, she struggles every day, living in an often-inaccessible world. As an ambulatory wheelchair user, ordinary actions like entering a building, sitting at a café, or holding a cup of tea can be drastically different for her than for others.
With lush illustrations, Maria tells the story of her lifelong struggle to obtain care in an increasingly complicated and disinterested US healthcare system. But for every step that presents a struggle, there's also beauty, friendship, art, and growth. She documents the relief she's found in alternative therapies, particularly medical marijuana; in loving community and chosen family; and in nature and her creative practice. A powerfully understated critique of our modern world, Brittle Joints offers a generous, expansive look at how to live and love amidst the challenges of survival.
When Maria Sweeney was young, she kept count of her broken bones. As she grew older, she stopped. Living with Bruck syndrome, a rare progressive condition that gives her very brittle bones and joint abnormalities, meant that those numbers climbed and climbed.
Today, she struggles every day, living in an often-inaccessible world. As an ambulatory wheelchair user, ordinary actions like entering a building, sitting at a café, or holding a cup of tea can be drastically different for her than for others.
With lush illustrations, Maria tells the story of her lifelong struggle to obtain care in an increasingly complicated and disinterested US healthcare system. But for every step that presents a struggle, there's also beauty, friendship, art, and growth. She documents the relief she's found in alternative therapies, particularly medical marijuana; in loving community and chosen family; and in nature and her creative practice. A powerfully understated critique of our modern world, Brittle Joints offers a generous, expansive look at how to live and love amidst the challenges of survival.
160 pages, Paperback
First published June 25, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
August 6, 2024
I'll be honest, I was interested in reading Brittle Joints before I even knew what it was about because the cover is absolutely stunning. A woman in a wheelchair, smoking, surrounded by beautiful foliage? It's gorgeous. Learning that it's a graphic memoir written by a woman with Bruck syndrome guaranteed I would read this though. I don't have Bruck syndrome, but I'm disabled and deal with chronic muscle and joint pain (ankylosing spondylitis and fibromyalgia are two of my main issues). I'm constantly interested in stories about disabled people that are by disabled people, stories that actually reflect our realities and aren't intended to serve as inspiration porn or trauma porn. This book more than delivered.
This short graphic memoir is broken up into chapters that reflect different aspects of Sweeney's life. Some of them go back to her childhood or early adult years, where others are more recent. Some of them deal with coping with her symptoms and the grief that comes with your body changing in ways that can be painful and upsetting. Some of them are about dealing with a medical system that is really not set up to help people at all, and certainly not to help people with complex medical situations. Some of them are about dealing with casual ableism from everyone from strangers to medical professionals. And some of them are about how important an understanding support system can be to your physical and mental wellbeing.
Brittle Joints is an incredibly relatable book. I may not share her condition, but we have many similar struggles, and I felt so seen reading this. Dealing with chronic pain, flares that mean different levels of assistive devices are needed, consuming weed regularly as an alternative to opiates, the cruelty and absurdity of randoms commenting on your real lived experiences. I also deal with occasional pain and numbness as a result of ulnar nerve issues. Honestly, the relatability was overwhelming and surprising because, again, I have completely different diagnoses. I felt so seen by this though.
It also serves as a great introduction to Bruck syndrome, and a lot of the medical issues she faces and procedures she has done. It's very informative in that regard.
Sweeney also touches on her experience as an international adoptee, born in Moldova and adopted by USAmerican parents.
The interior art is as gorgeous as the cover art honestly. The floral designs especially are stunning, and I love the detail included on the cane and wheelchair, something I feel like we don't usually get as much detail on in comics.
This is a must read for my fellow chronically ill and disabled peeps. It made me feel a part of a larger disability community and experience. Physically healthy people would probably do well to read this one too, to get a look at a lot of what disabled people have to deal with from society, as well as a personalised look into the experience of what complex and rare medical conditions can do to your body.
This short graphic memoir is broken up into chapters that reflect different aspects of Sweeney's life. Some of them go back to her childhood or early adult years, where others are more recent. Some of them deal with coping with her symptoms and the grief that comes with your body changing in ways that can be painful and upsetting. Some of them are about dealing with a medical system that is really not set up to help people at all, and certainly not to help people with complex medical situations. Some of them are about dealing with casual ableism from everyone from strangers to medical professionals. And some of them are about how important an understanding support system can be to your physical and mental wellbeing.
Brittle Joints is an incredibly relatable book. I may not share her condition, but we have many similar struggles, and I felt so seen reading this. Dealing with chronic pain, flares that mean different levels of assistive devices are needed, consuming weed regularly as an alternative to opiates, the cruelty and absurdity of randoms commenting on your real lived experiences. I also deal with occasional pain and numbness as a result of ulnar nerve issues. Honestly, the relatability was overwhelming and surprising because, again, I have completely different diagnoses. I felt so seen by this though.
It also serves as a great introduction to Bruck syndrome, and a lot of the medical issues she faces and procedures she has done. It's very informative in that regard.
Sweeney also touches on her experience as an international adoptee, born in Moldova and adopted by USAmerican parents.
The interior art is as gorgeous as the cover art honestly. The floral designs especially are stunning, and I love the detail included on the cane and wheelchair, something I feel like we don't usually get as much detail on in comics.
This is a must read for my fellow chronically ill and disabled peeps. It made me feel a part of a larger disability community and experience. Physically healthy people would probably do well to read this one too, to get a look at a lot of what disabled people have to deal with from society, as well as a personalised look into the experience of what complex and rare medical conditions can do to your body.
June 26, 2024
I pre-ordered this book because my four year old has Bruck Syndrome. I wanted to hear from an adult with Bruck Syndrome what it was like growing up with the condition and how they are navigating adulthood with it. I've been following Maria on Instagram for a couple of years now and her art is excellent. I'm happy to have such a large collection of it. This book helped give me a realistic though still beautiful view of what challenges my son will face as he hopefully seeks to live independently from us as an adult. It also paints a clear picture of how much further we as a society have to go in order to be truly accessible.
March 27, 2026
Maria Sweeney shares moments from her lifetime of coping with Bruck syndrome, a condition that causes causes joint problems and brittle bones. An ambulatory wheelchair user, she smokes marijuana to alleviate chronic pain due to multiple fractures and pinched nerves.
In addition to the physical details of her condition, she delves into the emotional turmoil she feels due to her mobility challenges, her frustration with the medical establishment, the ableism she is constantly forced to endure, and the stress of just trying to date and have a romantic relationship.
Story-wise, there isn't much of an arc to the book and some of the vignettes are less useful than others. The art is good, though some pages have flow problems with the panels and text.
I learned a lot even as I recognized some of the points Sweeney raises from talking with a person I know who has struggled with long COVID. Even though Sweeney's condition is rare, I think many will appreciate the universality and relatability of her experience.
In addition to the physical details of her condition, she delves into the emotional turmoil she feels due to her mobility challenges, her frustration with the medical establishment, the ableism she is constantly forced to endure, and the stress of just trying to date and have a romantic relationship.
Story-wise, there isn't much of an arc to the book and some of the vignettes are less useful than others. The art is good, though some pages have flow problems with the panels and text.
I learned a lot even as I recognized some of the points Sweeney raises from talking with a person I know who has struggled with long COVID. Even though Sweeney's condition is rare, I think many will appreciate the universality and relatability of her experience.
August 22, 2024
Incredible and gorgeous illustrations tell us the story of a young woman with a rare syndrome that causes chronic pain and disability. BRITTLE JOINTS is an important look into the everyday life of a person with a disability--both the bad and the good. It is also an important lesson for non-disabled individuals to check their behavior and privilege--and a wake-up call about how unfriendly our cities, structures, and general society are for those with compromised mobility.
October 2, 2024
Blurb: A graphic memoir about the challenges of living with a progressive disability.
Beautifully illustrated and thought provoking.
Beautifully illustrated and thought provoking.
February 23, 2025
Full of stuff I wish everyone without longterm pain and physical limitations understood.
A lot of the everyday elements were very resonant for me - the difficulties forcing every step between rest places in public, on top of navigating barriers and people’s reactions eg to ambulatory wheelchair use. Or just the misery of every dehumanising comment and inaccessible element of a hospital visit, while everything is physically such a painful struggle and sensory nightmare.
But whether or not you’ve experienced any of the specifics here yourself, they’re so telling in a broader sense - the parts I don’t relate to myself all feel vital and vulnerable, and particularly vivid and real through comics. The medium gets so much depth of experience across in a way few others could - I’d really recommend to anyone.
A lot of the everyday elements were very resonant for me - the difficulties forcing every step between rest places in public, on top of navigating barriers and people’s reactions eg to ambulatory wheelchair use. Or just the misery of every dehumanising comment and inaccessible element of a hospital visit, while everything is physically such a painful struggle and sensory nightmare.
But whether or not you’ve experienced any of the specifics here yourself, they’re so telling in a broader sense - the parts I don’t relate to myself all feel vital and vulnerable, and particularly vivid and real through comics. The medium gets so much depth of experience across in a way few others could - I’d really recommend to anyone.
August 4, 2025
I have a newfound perspective of how living with a chronic disability can influence one’s perception of time and relationship with nature. This really struck and moved me. I also appreciated Maria sharing her experiences with grief and identity through the lens of/interplay with her disability. This memoir also served as a painful reminder of how those who are trained to support disabled people fail them again and again.
I found many artistic and story pacing choices to be evocative of the experience of being disabled. Just beautifully done and illustrated.
I found many artistic and story pacing choices to be evocative of the experience of being disabled. Just beautifully done and illustrated.
July 22, 2024
A first hand account of finding moments of warmth in your life.
I adored this memoir from, what I've just learnt, is a local author. The art is gorgeous, each panel lovingly rendered in a sketchy style which gives the piece a lot of movement. The coloring is also beautiful. Honestly, this is so easy on the eyes that sometimes I saw through the styling and was absorbed in the story - and I don't mean that as an insult. Sweeney has a real knack for hands, and the close-ups of the face in a way that makes some scenes seem... tangible? I could feel them through the page.
The memoir is also beautifully crafted, never lingering on one scene. We follow Sweeney as she recounts various episodes in her life: the first time an adult relieves her of the guilt for her health, a first date, pushing herself a little more than her body can handle, and a never-ending parade of stupid from various healthcare professionals.
I've had some experience with this - although nothing really comparable - over the past year with an ongoing nerve/muscular issue that no one can quite pin down. And everything she mentioned: the slights, the unprofessionalism, the mental load of keeping track of history and anxiety at not communicating it properly all ring true.
I really enjoyed this book and I hope Sweeney continues to publish in this format.
I adored this memoir from, what I've just learnt, is a local author. The art is gorgeous, each panel lovingly rendered in a sketchy style which gives the piece a lot of movement. The coloring is also beautiful. Honestly, this is so easy on the eyes that sometimes I saw through the styling and was absorbed in the story - and I don't mean that as an insult. Sweeney has a real knack for hands, and the close-ups of the face in a way that makes some scenes seem... tangible? I could feel them through the page.
The memoir is also beautifully crafted, never lingering on one scene. We follow Sweeney as she recounts various episodes in her life: the first time an adult relieves her of the guilt for her health, a first date, pushing herself a little more than her body can handle, and a never-ending parade of stupid from various healthcare professionals.
I've had some experience with this - although nothing really comparable - over the past year with an ongoing nerve/muscular issue that no one can quite pin down. And everything she mentioned: the slights, the unprofessionalism, the mental load of keeping track of history and anxiety at not communicating it properly all ring true.
I really enjoyed this book and I hope Sweeney continues to publish in this format.
Read
September 19, 2025Graded By: Mandy C.
Cover Story: Into the Woods
BFF Charm: Yay
Swoonworthy Scale: 5
Talky Talk: Pain and Pleasure
Arty Art: Moody
Bonus Factor: Loyal Pet
Anti-Bonus Factor: The US Healthcare System
Relationship Status: Can I Hug You?
Read the full book report here.
Cover Story: Into the Woods
BFF Charm: Yay
Swoonworthy Scale: 5
Talky Talk: Pain and Pleasure
Arty Art: Moody
Bonus Factor: Loyal Pet
Anti-Bonus Factor: The US Healthcare System
Relationship Status: Can I Hug You?
Read the full book report here.
September 12, 2026
An intimate graphic memoir about disability and the author’s experience with progressive chronic pain. I enjoyed so much about this, I really should read more graphic novels.
November 16, 2025
We have a long way to go to make the world an accessible place! It was so well done, even though most people can’t relate to the authors struggles in some ways, she made it so you can relate to the baseline experiences of the world and nature, which makes it stick with you! As well as highlighting the many fuxked and dehumanising systems of healthcare etc The illustrations are so gooooood 🥹
December 14, 2024
A gorgeously illustrated and thought provoking graphic memoir about navigating an ableist society and a personal look into living with a disability. As someone who is able bodied I found it eye opening.
January 20, 2026
“Brittle Joints” was an insightful look into the daily life of a disabled woman and the many challenges she faces. Overall though I felt like this was a pretty underwhelming graphic novel.
The art left me fairly conflicted. I really enjoyed the nature illustrations and close up panels in particular. But any time we see a full or partial body shot in a panel, the anatomy always looks awkward and stiff. And it’s all people, not just Sweeney trying to convey how strange she feels in her own body. The colors were also very muddy for the most part except during close up panels.
The writing throughout was also a let down for me. It’s very blunt and unemotional. There’s a very passive voice throughout which doesn’t make sense considering she’s talking about how angry and lonely she can get from her disability’s progression. To me it just felt like it wasn’t effective writing as opposed to an intentional choice to write that way.
If you want to read a memoir about what life is like for a chronically ill woman going through life, you should give this a shot. I imagine for people who are in similar situations, it will be very comforting to see that you’re not alone in your struggles and triumphs.
Date Read: 01/19/26
The art left me fairly conflicted. I really enjoyed the nature illustrations and close up panels in particular. But any time we see a full or partial body shot in a panel, the anatomy always looks awkward and stiff. And it’s all people, not just Sweeney trying to convey how strange she feels in her own body. The colors were also very muddy for the most part except during close up panels.
The writing throughout was also a let down for me. It’s very blunt and unemotional. There’s a very passive voice throughout which doesn’t make sense considering she’s talking about how angry and lonely she can get from her disability’s progression. To me it just felt like it wasn’t effective writing as opposed to an intentional choice to write that way.
If you want to read a memoir about what life is like for a chronically ill woman going through life, you should give this a shot. I imagine for people who are in similar situations, it will be very comforting to see that you’re not alone in your struggles and triumphs.
Date Read: 01/19/26
April 16, 2025
This is a gorgeous graphic memoir of the disability experience. Maria Sweeney has a rare progressive condition called Bruck Syndrome. Her bones are brittle and break easily, and she's had numerous surgeries. She lives with chronic pain. This memoir is about what living in the world with constant pain and surgeries is like: the assumptions people make, the disregard medical professionals show, how hard it is to ask for help, the expenses.
Sweeney's illustrations are just stunning—rich and warm. I immediately thought, "I hope she illustrates children's books one day, too" and indeed she has! And I've already read it! The Scooter Twins is a delightful picture book. I also hope she writes/illustrates more graphic memoirs or graphic novels! Definitely want to check out all of her future work.
Sweeney's illustrations are just stunning—rich and warm. I immediately thought, "I hope she illustrates children's books one day, too" and indeed she has! And I've already read it! The Scooter Twins is a delightful picture book. I also hope she writes/illustrates more graphic memoirs or graphic novels! Definitely want to check out all of her future work.
March 15, 2025
A bit clunky at times, but I loved the art so much. Graphic memoirs are 50% art and 50% story, but I think the amazing colors, shading, linework, and emotion captured made up for the lackluster plot at times. Overall, it was a good work and I would like to read more by the artist if she releases more like it!
April 26, 2026
A heart-wrenching memoir that has changed my perspective on the world, accessibility, my privilege as an able-bodied person, and more. I hope I continue to view the world with this awareness and consideration.
I can't thank Maria Sweeney enough for sharing her story through honest vulnerability and strength :')
I can't thank Maria Sweeney enough for sharing her story through honest vulnerability and strength :')
December 28, 2024
Beautifully illustrated and thoughtfully crafted from the crucial perspective of a disabled life in America
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March 26, 2025Honest, vulnerable, & raw. The illustrations were beautiful.
April 29, 2025
Loved the art style! So different compared to other GN I’ve read.
October 10, 2025
great memoir, gorgeous art. very evocative.
January 2, 2026
Gorgeous and empathetic in its realization of a disabled experience. Very moving.
Read
June 25, 2026a memoir about a chronic condition where doctors try to gaslight you into how you’re feeling was a little too relatable.
March 8, 2026
Beautiful illustrations. Disability topics explored in a real way, without sugarcoating. Thought-provoking. Bonus points for NJ setting.
July 24, 2026
This was my first graphic & I think this was a great one to be my first. Maria Sweeney created a great piece of work by not only highlighting a rare disability that many may not know about, but she also mastered telling her story and sharing with expressive words and Art. This was an incredible read!
January 10, 2025
A graphic novel memoir about the authors life with a progressive, chronic illness. I like the little vignettes of her life - going in and out from childhood to college to adulthood. She did a fantastic job at capturing the mental anguish of a chronic health condition, the failing US healthcare system, and how you can feel both grief and joy simultaneously.
October 1, 2025
Maria Sweeney’s graphic novel, Brittle Joints, is truly a must-read. It’s short, honest, and perfectly captures the reality of life with chronic pain. I think the author did a brilliant job conveying the everyday reality of chronic illness—the constant fatigue, the small negotiations, and the invisible tax on simple tasks like making a cup of tea. It successfully avoids melodrama and feels intensely real. The delicate art style perfectly suits the subject, making this a tender and essential read.
August 13, 2024
Transparency: I was unable to finish this book. I started it and LOVE the art. I LOVE the way the author set up the story. But, for a book about disabilities, I struggled with each and every text to get through reading it as a person with vision challenges. I pushed through a few sections but finally had to give up because of the headache I was getting from the text choice, the background color choices, and the size of the text.
November 20, 2025
The author has a disabling disease that affects her mobility and is very painful. In this book, she shows the problems and joys in her life. It's more like vignettes than a story, and it works very well, though I thought it ended abruptly. The art is not comic book style. It must have taken a long time to draw and color each panel, and it's beautiful.
July 9, 2025
holy shit this was great — beautiful art, crazy syndrome
Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews