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Nineteen
“[Ancco’s] stories liberate us to be what we are: friends, artists, monsters, mothers, human beings."— The Globe and Mail
At nineteen, the idea that you have your whole life ahead of you with endless possibilities can leave you terrifyingly stiff. Throwing mobility to the wind, you dull yourself with booze. The grown-ups around you are stunted by their own failures so they act out—with alcohol, too, sometimes with violence. What was once the hope of youth quickly spirals into powerlessness and malaise as the days trickle by. Ancco expertly renders the moment of suspension between the desire to grow up and the fear that accompanies it.
Autobiography blends with fiction in these coming-of-age stories about people reckoning with their place in their community and women coming to terms with other women. A boy living with HIV tries to decide how he’s going to tell his parents—or whether he should tell them at all. A mother puts pressure on her daughter to pass her exams, and the stress drives them both to drink, fueling a toxic relationship with a lot of care just below the ugly surface. Another girl keeps getting bruises, but who’s inflicting the damage—herself or a loved one? And dogs—seemingly the only ones capable of unconditional love—offer some reprieve.
In Nineteen, Ancco delivers a cutting panorama of contemporary Korean society that’s much darker than one might expect, while also brimming with life and the vitality of youth.
At nineteen, the idea that you have your whole life ahead of you with endless possibilities can leave you terrifyingly stiff. Throwing mobility to the wind, you dull yourself with booze. The grown-ups around you are stunted by their own failures so they act out—with alcohol, too, sometimes with violence. What was once the hope of youth quickly spirals into powerlessness and malaise as the days trickle by. Ancco expertly renders the moment of suspension between the desire to grow up and the fear that accompanies it.
Autobiography blends with fiction in these coming-of-age stories about people reckoning with their place in their community and women coming to terms with other women. A boy living with HIV tries to decide how he’s going to tell his parents—or whether he should tell them at all. A mother puts pressure on her daughter to pass her exams, and the stress drives them both to drink, fueling a toxic relationship with a lot of care just below the ugly surface. Another girl keeps getting bruises, but who’s inflicting the damage—herself or a loved one? And dogs—seemingly the only ones capable of unconditional love—offer some reprieve.
In Nineteen, Ancco delivers a cutting panorama of contemporary Korean society that’s much darker than one might expect, while also brimming with life and the vitality of youth.
191 pages, Paperback
Published September 22, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
September 4, 2022
This book is introduced as being mostly "diary comics" written when the author was in her early twenties, reflecting on her younger self. Some of the pieces are about her relationship with her grandmother; while others are more about drinking, partying, and conflict with friends.
I'd forgotten reading a previous book by Ancco (Bad Friends), where I was shocked at the level of violence, and that it was normalized. The same is true here — a schoolgirl slapped across the face by a teacher (the girl boasted to her friends that she was only hit once), friends belting each other, and one girl is beaten bloody by her father. This level of violence is not questioned by victims or bystanders.
There is one piece about the interior life of a dog, which is mostly sweet, and is the favourite of some reviewers here, but even that story is brutish and unsentimental in its frank realism.
So much drinking and smoking. So much loneliness and disconnection. So much unresolved yearning. The black and white art is strong and simple, and the uncomfortable realism elevates the work. And that poor old neglected grandmother — after a life on the farm, feeling so out of place in an urban suburb.
I'd forgotten reading a previous book by Ancco (Bad Friends), where I was shocked at the level of violence, and that it was normalized. The same is true here — a schoolgirl slapped across the face by a teacher (the girl boasted to her friends that she was only hit once), friends belting each other, and one girl is beaten bloody by her father. This level of violence is not questioned by victims or bystanders.
There is one piece about the interior life of a dog, which is mostly sweet, and is the favourite of some reviewers here, but even that story is brutish and unsentimental in its frank realism.
So much drinking and smoking. So much loneliness and disconnection. So much unresolved yearning. The black and white art is strong and simple, and the uncomfortable realism elevates the work. And that poor old neglected grandmother — after a life on the farm, feeling so out of place in an urban suburb.
January 11, 2023
Better than her previous book 'Bad Friends'. Tackles many of the same issues. Fictionalized coming-of-age memoir set in Korea. I knew nothing about Korea... but I sure have been reading a lot of these Korean translations D+Q have been doing recently, so I'm learning!
October 11, 2020
This book is so mundane it hurts. I love it. The stories here are all steeped in melancholy. Actually that’s not true. A few are very goofy. There’s one from the POV of a dog that had me laughing a lot. I loved it. I want more of these types of comics in my life atm. Comics just about people living where the writer both takes their lives seriously as material but also doesn’t try to impose some broader narrative about lessons or growth. Things are shit right now and it’s groovy to be with an author that sees that and sits with it not in self pity but in a frankness about that being life
March 6, 2021
A depressing collection of short diary comics, autobiographical vignettes, and other stories by a Korean cartoonist centering around a family life full of drunkenness, domestic violence, and corporal punishment in schools. The artwork is scratchy and the heads on characters are often disproportionately large for their bodies.
September 12, 2025
Watch my review on YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHdwo...
Read my review on Substack here - https://open.substack.com/pub/barrywe...
KBS Korea 24 @KBSKorea24
“On #KoreaBookClub, @BarryPWelsh shares the #graphicnovel "Nineteen" by #Ancco, translated by @JanetHong333, published by @DandQ. Hear how this #memoir addresses the experiences, relationships, and challenges that young people face as they transition into adulthood. #열아홉 #앙꼬”
#KBSWORLDRadio #KBS월드라디오 #Korea24 #코리아24 #책추천 #bookstagram #북스타그램 #책스타그램 #KoreanLiterature #한국문학
19:10-20:00 KST, Mon-Fri on KBS WORLD Radio.
Download the KBS Kong / KBS WORLD Radio Mobile apps
or subscribe to the Korea 24 podcast for your daily updates!
(https://lnkd.in/gxkU6aW) #book #reading
Read my review on Substack here - https://open.substack.com/pub/barrywe...
KBS Korea 24 @KBSKorea24
“On #KoreaBookClub, @BarryPWelsh shares the #graphicnovel "Nineteen" by #Ancco, translated by @JanetHong333, published by @DandQ. Hear how this #memoir addresses the experiences, relationships, and challenges that young people face as they transition into adulthood. #열아홉 #앙꼬”
#KBSWORLDRadio #KBS월드라디오 #Korea24 #코리아24 #책추천 #bookstagram #북스타그램 #책스타그램 #KoreanLiterature #한국문학
19:10-20:00 KST, Mon-Fri on KBS WORLD Radio.
Download the KBS Kong / KBS WORLD Radio Mobile apps
or subscribe to the Korea 24 podcast for your daily updates!
(https://lnkd.in/gxkU6aW) #book #reading
March 27, 2025
الكتاب هو عبارة ع diary comics .. فيه شغل كتير والرسم حلو اوي
ده تاني كتاب اقرأه للرسامة/الكاتبة وبرضوا ف ضرب وعنف وشرب ف من الواضح ان حياتها فعلًا كانت كده وهي صغيرة ولما كبرت طلعت ده ف الأبداع ورسم
هصور الكتاب من جوا ع انستجرام لو حد مهتم 👇
https://www.instagram.com/mai.designer92
ده تاني كتاب اقرأه للرسامة/الكاتبة وبرضوا ف ضرب وعنف وشرب ف من الواضح ان حياتها فعلًا كانت كده وهي صغيرة ولما كبرت طلعت ده ف الأبداع ورسم
هصور الكتاب من جوا ع انستجرام لو حد مهتم 👇
https://www.instagram.com/mai.designer92
October 27, 2020
My long-form review of this book of short, mostly autobiographical comics is now up on Solrad:
https://bit.ly/2HyCFVD
https://bit.ly/2HyCFVD
November 12, 2020
This black and white graphic novel is a collection of stories about what it’s like to be nineteen in 1990’s South Korea. Some are autobiographical, some are fictional, one is from the point of view of a dog, and one from the point of view of a suicidal kid who’s gay and has HIV. There is angst, drama, drinking to the point of blacking out, and domestic violence. But luckily there are also dogs and flowers! For American readers, there are many points to identify with, as well as a view into the way families function in South Korea. The art is quirky and arresting, with details and textures created through etching-like cross-hatching, in a blend of caricature and realism. The tone is dark, and the drinking is a bit disturbing, but it feels in keeping with the extremes of emotion at this time of life.
August 9, 2024
Beautifully capturing the pain and joy of life. A fine example of graphic literature communicating to the reader in a unique way.
July 18, 2021
I enjoyed Ancco's Bad Friends, so I was excited to give Nineteen a try. Nineteen is a volume of collected stories that Ancco created about her grandmother and her early twenties. Though her drawing style at this point is excitingly fluid (one story told from the perspective of a dog is done in thick brush and ink, and many others are told through pen and ink, some heavily shaded and some more outlined), the consistency of her work lies in her ability to transform all of life: the mundane, the tragic, the sweet, the horrifying, the quiet, into carefully observed panels which vibrate with emotional intensity and pathos. Even at this early stage in her practice, Ancco is in complete command of her stories' pacing, narrative flow, and dialogue/narration (here, we must commend the exceptional translation of Janet Hong, which always feels natural).
These stories are charged with both the universal pain of growing up and specific awareness of the artist's context in South Korea. One story is inspired by a post Ancco saw on an anonymous online forum, of a young gay man sharing about his struggles with AIDS. Another, the introductory story, touches upon Korean drinking culture and the tense push and pull between a mother and daughter. Later in the book, after a number of stories about tumultuous teenage years, the author depicts the loving relationship she has with a group of stray dogs she cares for. I left this book with both an immense heaviness from the social truths Ancco reveals, as well as warmth for her knowledge that it is sometimes through our greatest pain that we come to know ourselves and learn to be gentle to others. 5/5 stars. An outstanding graphic novel.
These stories are charged with both the universal pain of growing up and specific awareness of the artist's context in South Korea. One story is inspired by a post Ancco saw on an anonymous online forum, of a young gay man sharing about his struggles with AIDS. Another, the introductory story, touches upon Korean drinking culture and the tense push and pull between a mother and daughter. Later in the book, after a number of stories about tumultuous teenage years, the author depicts the loving relationship she has with a group of stray dogs she cares for. I left this book with both an immense heaviness from the social truths Ancco reveals, as well as warmth for her knowledge that it is sometimes through our greatest pain that we come to know ourselves and learn to be gentle to others. 5/5 stars. An outstanding graphic novel.
May 10, 2021
Stark. The author bares uncomfortable truths, the things society prefers not to acknowledge. Honest. This is a rally against social norms. Brave. There's a strength in following your own path, even if it is ugly or difficult. Applause for Ancco. Not easy to recommend but still worth spending some time with this book. Difficult subject matter, recommend for fans of graphic novels, teens +.
April 14, 2021
A collection of bleak comics about life in Korea from multiple perspectives. The stories are not going to bring much joy but very competently told. some might be disappointed that they don't always resolve nicely but who said that life always resolves neatly.
July 5, 2021
Was a bit weird, didn’t really click, might have to read it again at some point
May 20, 2024
Growing up is a journey of twists and turns, where uncertainty clouds the path to self-discovery. Reflecting on mistakes and milestones shapes one's identity. "I hope readers see themselves in these stories," the writer mused.
Watching my daughter, a recent graduate, I feel the weight of her hidden fears. Navigating adulthood's complexities is daunting, amid conflicting expectations and choices.
In moments of contemplation, I see shadows of uncertainty cross her face. Will she find her passion amidst the sea of possibilities? My heart aches with pride and apprehension, knowing I must release her into the world to shape her own destiny.
I tell my daughter, embrace uncertainty, for within it lies self-discovery. As you journey, remember I stand by you, cheering with unwavering faith. Life's challenges are opportunities for growth; embrace them with courage.
Life wasn't easy for her. Mistakes and regrets are universal. Parents, too, carry their burdens of "what ifs." Embracing imperfections, we find growth and strength in the journey of self-discovery.
Parents, as bridges across generations, empathize with their children by delving into their world through books. This understanding fosters closeness and connection, bridging worlds like a bridge unites shores.
Watching my daughter, a recent graduate, I feel the weight of her hidden fears. Navigating adulthood's complexities is daunting, amid conflicting expectations and choices.
In moments of contemplation, I see shadows of uncertainty cross her face. Will she find her passion amidst the sea of possibilities? My heart aches with pride and apprehension, knowing I must release her into the world to shape her own destiny.
I tell my daughter, embrace uncertainty, for within it lies self-discovery. As you journey, remember I stand by you, cheering with unwavering faith. Life's challenges are opportunities for growth; embrace them with courage.
Life wasn't easy for her. Mistakes and regrets are universal. Parents, too, carry their burdens of "what ifs." Embracing imperfections, we find growth and strength in the journey of self-discovery.
Parents, as bridges across generations, empathize with their children by delving into their world through books. This understanding fosters closeness and connection, bridging worlds like a bridge unites shores.
March 13, 2022
Other reviews have dismissed the scratchy art style but I find it utterly appropriate to the subject matter. Ancco’s drawings seem to come out like a prisoner’s scratches... honest... unapologetic... a spiderweb of scars. Every culture needs artists that skillfully expose the underbelly of that particular culture to the light. Whatever the culture is too embarrassed or unskilled to talk about, these artists stake as the territory of their work. I appreciated deeply the feeling of grim hopelessness that suffused these pages, the tenor of a life lived not for joy but for glimpses of a closeness knit with base survival. Read for dirty realism... problems that have no answers...
June 1, 2021
Another one where I wish I'd realized this was a short story and diary comic collection instead of a longer form narrative. The stories were all so short and reading it in one sitting was a lot of jumping around and left me feeling unmoored. My favorite comic was a very spot-on little diary comic about aging and the feeling of not being able to believe you've already gotten to each stage of your life.
April 11, 2023
This is my first time reading any of Ancco's work, and it made a great impression on me.
This collection of stories contains experiences with both her mother and her grandmother, but the ones with her grandmother just speak out to me more, for various reasons.
Ancco is able to capture a remorse and grief that is unique yet relatable, and their drawings create a both haunting and vivid capture of these emotions.
Really liked it.
This collection of stories contains experiences with both her mother and her grandmother, but the ones with her grandmother just speak out to me more, for various reasons.
Ancco is able to capture a remorse and grief that is unique yet relatable, and their drawings create a both haunting and vivid capture of these emotions.
Really liked it.
March 11, 2023
Some of us get moments of despair whereas Ancco presents lives brimming with desolation and misery. The book is not written for the purpose of sympathy, just the presentation of shared reality. I had hoped that the last story would be sweet but even that had fangs of disappointment.
I applaud Ancco for her perseverance.
I applaud Ancco for her perseverance.
August 5, 2021
This book was bought for me on my nineteenth birthday. It grew on me to the very last page. I hope to read more of this in the future.
It left me sadness of the things that came but hopeful for what is yet to happen.
It left me sadness of the things that came but hopeful for what is yet to happen.
January 9, 2022
A high 2.5. I was a bit disappointed with this book because I was super excited for it. There were some stories that I really liked, and probably will go back to, but as a whole collection it left much to be desired. And also… wtf was that dog story???
July 13, 2022
Really enjoyed this man-wha. A young woman's autobiographical shorts about her life in South Korea. It felt at times that it was only her youth that was pushing her forward through a world that she doesn't quite understand, and sometimes copes with badly.
February 8, 2024
Overall there were some really impactful movements but I think there was something missing.
It’s possible this was a translation error or some of the scans being lost ( the author talks about this in their note). Regardless, interesting art and stories.
It’s possible this was a translation error or some of the scans being lost ( the author talks about this in their note). Regardless, interesting art and stories.
February 28, 2021
The art style wasn't my cup of tea but the storytelling is immaculate
March 19, 2021
2.5 stars. well. that was kinda depressing.
April 8, 2021
3.5 - love her drawing style.
September 15, 2021
didn't really know what was going on most of the time... but the art was unique & pretty in its own way~
October 5, 2021
Young adult slice of
Life. Trauma and addiction
within the mundane.
Life. Trauma and addiction
within the mundane.
December 23, 2021
Some interesting little ditties but a bit repetitive.
January 14, 2022
Very messy/ugly art and the storytelling didn’t speak to me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews