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Biscuits
Every day we pass a thousand people in the street or squash up against strangers in the underground. Like every city, London is teeming with life: diverse, beautiful, messy, incongruous life, and every face seen fleetingly in the crowd carries a story or two. Some are sad, some are funny, some are boring, but none are ever quite what you would guess.
In Biscuits (assorted), Jenny Robins takes a look at a handful of women’s stories in the city as they defy and comply with our expectations, and as they step out of the cookie cutter mould of what it means to be a woman today. What can a relentlessly positive supermarket employee, a strong-minded mother with a secret, a mistress of distraction (and oversharing) and a miss-adventurer in bi-sexual dating do in one long, hot summer? What can they learn from each other and from the colourful cast of women (and the occasional man) in this book of interweaving stories?
An extract from Biscuits (assorted) won the Myriad First Graphic Novel Competition 2018.
In Biscuits (assorted), Jenny Robins takes a look at a handful of women’s stories in the city as they defy and comply with our expectations, and as they step out of the cookie cutter mould of what it means to be a woman today. What can a relentlessly positive supermarket employee, a strong-minded mother with a secret, a mistress of distraction (and oversharing) and a miss-adventurer in bi-sexual dating do in one long, hot summer? What can they learn from each other and from the colourful cast of women (and the occasional man) in this book of interweaving stories?
An extract from Biscuits (assorted) won the Myriad First Graphic Novel Competition 2018.
288 pages, Paperback
Published November 12, 2020
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83 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 13, 2020
What's your favourite biscuit? 🍪
Biscuits Assorted is a graphic novel that dives into a whole range of women's lives in London. It brings together a variety of women from all walks of life across London and tells the story of a few of these. Some of the women's lives we delve into more deeply than others and I found myself drawn to the several stories the most.
Clara and her continuous scepticism to love. Hana and her upbeat and positive attitude in comparison to her younger sister Selma and her cynicism. And Sarah and her balancing of motherhood and illness. These women particularly stood out to me as there were lots of little complexities and difficulties in their lives that slowly unravelled across the story and drew me into their lives.
The book has a little bit of everything and has lots of women in all shapes, sizes, races, religions and identities. It felt like a really diverse and realistic selection of women's stories from London were really being brought to life. There were funny notes, sad notes, real points of hardship in some of these women's stories and it felt like a real social commentary as well as story about women's lives.
One other aspect I really enjoyed was how hefty this graphic novel is. Sometimes I feel that I can whizz through a graphic novel in a couple of hours and then feel a little disappointed I've finished it so quickly no matter how good it is. Biscuits Assorted is definitely a graphic novel for older teens to adults I would say and I definitely felt like the target market of this book which was enjoyable.
Biscuits Assorted is a collection of women's stories showing that there is no mould for the everywoman and every individual is unique. The women in this story all raise their voices in their own way to make this book feminist, fun and moving in all the right places. This was exactly the kind of read I needed whilst life has been madness so thank you to publishers for the gifted copy.
Biscuits Assorted is a graphic novel that dives into a whole range of women's lives in London. It brings together a variety of women from all walks of life across London and tells the story of a few of these. Some of the women's lives we delve into more deeply than others and I found myself drawn to the several stories the most.
Clara and her continuous scepticism to love. Hana and her upbeat and positive attitude in comparison to her younger sister Selma and her cynicism. And Sarah and her balancing of motherhood and illness. These women particularly stood out to me as there were lots of little complexities and difficulties in their lives that slowly unravelled across the story and drew me into their lives.
The book has a little bit of everything and has lots of women in all shapes, sizes, races, religions and identities. It felt like a really diverse and realistic selection of women's stories from London were really being brought to life. There were funny notes, sad notes, real points of hardship in some of these women's stories and it felt like a real social commentary as well as story about women's lives.
One other aspect I really enjoyed was how hefty this graphic novel is. Sometimes I feel that I can whizz through a graphic novel in a couple of hours and then feel a little disappointed I've finished it so quickly no matter how good it is. Biscuits Assorted is definitely a graphic novel for older teens to adults I would say and I definitely felt like the target market of this book which was enjoyable.
Biscuits Assorted is a collection of women's stories showing that there is no mould for the everywoman and every individual is unique. The women in this story all raise their voices in their own way to make this book feminist, fun and moving in all the right places. This was exactly the kind of read I needed whilst life has been madness so thank you to publishers for the gifted copy.
October 26, 2020
A warm, well-observed, wonderfully illustrated lens on contemporary London life. Jenny's attention to detail lends this graphic novel an authenticity and energy which set it apart.
I felt uncomfortable, elated and irritated via the dips in and out of the characters' lives; all of which is a testament to Jenny's writing and art-working.
Clara was a personal favourite character, yet whilst eager to gobble up her story, I did not feel the need to rush forward, past other characters to continue along. Each narrative is well crafted, funny and poignant in lively pops.
Highly recommended as a real-world alternative to Marvel!
I felt uncomfortable, elated and irritated via the dips in and out of the characters' lives; all of which is a testament to Jenny's writing and art-working.
Clara was a personal favourite character, yet whilst eager to gobble up her story, I did not feel the need to rush forward, past other characters to continue along. Each narrative is well crafted, funny and poignant in lively pops.
Highly recommended as a real-world alternative to Marvel!
December 29, 2025
I didn't get on with this one sadly. I didn't like the structure at all and found it very difficult to follow. The range of characters and storylines was impressive however I would have preferred fewer in more depth as none of the stories had much of an arc or an ending. However the illustration and level of detail was incredible and I loved the people-watching and eavesdropping quality of the artwork.
September 8, 2025
Picked this up at Zinezilla and then read it in less than 24 hours - very enjoyable! I think I should read more graphic novels because I always really enjoy them
November 22, 2020
Biscuits (Assorted) is a beautifully illustrated graphic novel that explores the lives of a wide variety of women who live in London. We are given short and snappy vignettes into their lives, and we see how their stories are so unique and yet still somehow connected. We meet some wonderful women along the way; some in more depth, and some for a fleeting visit. We meet Hana, who always stays positive even when faced with prejudice. Sarah, who is juggling motherhood and illness. Clara, who is struggling to find a date for her friend’s wedding. One of my favourites, Maya, an over sharer on public transport, and so many more.
One of my favourite things to do in London is to ‘people watch’ and try to work out something about that person. What do they do for a job, what have they got in that Costa cup, who are they meeting here? Not a single person I see is the same as another; everyone has their own lives, their own stories. They all just happen to be embarking on this journey in London at the exact same time as someone else.
The overall idea and title for the graphic novel is amazing; this cookie cutter shape, this mould that we are meant to fit doesn’t work because the ‘perfect’ woman doesn’t exist. We are all unique and our differences should be celebrated. This way no two people live the same lives and experience the same things, no two biscuits are exactly the same. And London is full of a very wide variety of biscuits.
One of my favourite things to do in London is to ‘people watch’ and try to work out something about that person. What do they do for a job, what have they got in that Costa cup, who are they meeting here? Not a single person I see is the same as another; everyone has their own lives, their own stories. They all just happen to be embarking on this journey in London at the exact same time as someone else.
The overall idea and title for the graphic novel is amazing; this cookie cutter shape, this mould that we are meant to fit doesn’t work because the ‘perfect’ woman doesn’t exist. We are all unique and our differences should be celebrated. This way no two people live the same lives and experience the same things, no two biscuits are exactly the same. And London is full of a very wide variety of biscuits.
January 6, 2021
Insightful, acerbic, poignant, silly, super duper creative. A delight!!
January 2, 2022
I really enjoyed this. I picked it up randomly at the cartoon museum shop, as I liked the premise of the different stories and women in London. And I wasn't disappointed, I liked the short snappy sections and how some of the stories were interwoven. I liked the reality of it and the different cultures and lives represented. It was an enjoyable read and one I know I will re-read.
November 7, 2020
Jenny Robins won the Myriad First Graphic Novel competition back in 2018 with an extract from Biscuits (assorted) and has been diligently working on it ever since. That work went right through the early 2020 lockdown, as is reflected by aspects of the story. But it’s not just this contemporary reference that makes it feel relevant – it manages to do it through its vastly varied and captivating cast of characters too.
Biscuits (assorted) is told through a multitude of vignettes, each a tiny sliver of a particular woman’s life as they go about their daily routines in London. Like many capital cities, London draws people to it, from the towns and villages across the nation, and from other countries too, and naturally, these people’s paths intersect as a result. What Biscuits (assorted) sets out to do is chart a course through many of the women that live in the city, and see how their lives affect one another. Regardless of background, those interactions are many, and fascinating as the tale progresses.
Characters include Maya who has precious little social awareness, broadcasting the details of her life to all and sundry as she chats on her phone in public spaces. There’s Clara who just might have her finger on her own self-destruct button. There’s also Hana, a warm-hearted people-person who works in a supermarket and just loves to talk. And so many more.
With all these characters it could have easily failed as a narrative, but Robins uses her skills as an illustrator to reinforce her storytelling. Not only does she manage to give each character a distinct visual look, but she further shapes their personality with snippets about their preferences, traits, worries, and joys. These in turn can reflect how that character’s story is told visually, so what emerges are rounded characters with depth that the reader wants to know more about. In life no person is a blank slate, and it’s the small defining details that make us who we are and that other people respond to. Robins uses that understanding to drive the story onwards, which ultimately rewards the reader as the characters’ lives begin to increasingly overlap.
Character development is an essential element of any creative fiction, and often takes too long to engage the reader (and with minor characters it may not happen at all). Biscuits (assorted) has no such problems, sinking its claws in within a page of each new character introduction, and drip-feeding you revelations and relationships that build a bigger picture as the pages turn. And you’ll want to keep turning those pages. Not because of some imminent danger or pulse-racing chase scene, but because you want to know just how far Sarah is pushing herself with her illness and whether Jess will find out who Deb is.
As a first graphic novel this is a remarkable piece of work. Complex, thoughtful, daring, and at times funny. It’s a stark reminder that wherever we come from, we are all so alike, sharing the same hopes and fears, and a desire for companionship. If this book has a legacy then it should be to give people pause, and consider those around them, to serve as a reminder that they’re not all that different from you.
Biscuits (assorted) is told through a multitude of vignettes, each a tiny sliver of a particular woman’s life as they go about their daily routines in London. Like many capital cities, London draws people to it, from the towns and villages across the nation, and from other countries too, and naturally, these people’s paths intersect as a result. What Biscuits (assorted) sets out to do is chart a course through many of the women that live in the city, and see how their lives affect one another. Regardless of background, those interactions are many, and fascinating as the tale progresses.
Characters include Maya who has precious little social awareness, broadcasting the details of her life to all and sundry as she chats on her phone in public spaces. There’s Clara who just might have her finger on her own self-destruct button. There’s also Hana, a warm-hearted people-person who works in a supermarket and just loves to talk. And so many more.
With all these characters it could have easily failed as a narrative, but Robins uses her skills as an illustrator to reinforce her storytelling. Not only does she manage to give each character a distinct visual look, but she further shapes their personality with snippets about their preferences, traits, worries, and joys. These in turn can reflect how that character’s story is told visually, so what emerges are rounded characters with depth that the reader wants to know more about. In life no person is a blank slate, and it’s the small defining details that make us who we are and that other people respond to. Robins uses that understanding to drive the story onwards, which ultimately rewards the reader as the characters’ lives begin to increasingly overlap.
Character development is an essential element of any creative fiction, and often takes too long to engage the reader (and with minor characters it may not happen at all). Biscuits (assorted) has no such problems, sinking its claws in within a page of each new character introduction, and drip-feeding you revelations and relationships that build a bigger picture as the pages turn. And you’ll want to keep turning those pages. Not because of some imminent danger or pulse-racing chase scene, but because you want to know just how far Sarah is pushing herself with her illness and whether Jess will find out who Deb is.
As a first graphic novel this is a remarkable piece of work. Complex, thoughtful, daring, and at times funny. It’s a stark reminder that wherever we come from, we are all so alike, sharing the same hopes and fears, and a desire for companionship. If this book has a legacy then it should be to give people pause, and consider those around them, to serve as a reminder that they’re not all that different from you.
November 26, 2020
A very engaging read. It made my heart ache in different periods of reading the graphic novel too. I am left in awe.
November 18, 2020
*Longer review coming soon*
I LOVE this graphic novel. Jenny's style is such an excellent blend of collage and realism, she's really mastered her voice when it comes to visuals as well as dialogue. This really made me giggle, almost cry a few times, and smile A BUNCH. I can't wait to read it again and watch my friends enjoy it as much as I did.
I LOVE this graphic novel. Jenny's style is such an excellent blend of collage and realism, she's really mastered her voice when it comes to visuals as well as dialogue. This really made me giggle, almost cry a few times, and smile A BUNCH. I can't wait to read it again and watch my friends enjoy it as much as I did.
November 12, 2020
An amazing story of the interconnected lives of a group of women across the UK - from your local pharmacist, the cashier at the grocery store, or that woman you've spotted a few times while swiping through tinder. Robins expertly gives us the fully formed personalities of these amazing women and shows us the awesome power of womanhood. The story moves back and forth through various characters' lives, successes, and failures, and ever so gently she starts to bring each into each other's stories. My favorite was the Bus Woman - never assume you know someone's motivations!
February 23, 2021
Reading this feel like traversing London during rush hour, catching snatches of gossip, banter and personal tragedy. I enjoyed tracing the connections between the women, and there are one or two really enjoyable characters, like Hana, the doggedly optimistic shop assistant. However, most of the characters float in and out inconsequentially; Robins creates an overstimulating collage of personalities which is fun and moreish but ultimately a bit unsatisfying. I guess that's why she called it Biscuits.
August 10, 2023
This is a quick, nice read. The art is nice, but not spectacular. It makes it clear, most of the time, what’s going on, though I did occasionally get characters mixed up. That may be down to there being so very many characters, because I read it too fast in one sitting, or my lack of visual intelligence. Mostly, though, I was able to follow the through story threads even though they zipped about a lot.
The story follows a diverse cast of mostly female characters living in London, connecting them sporadically, but sometimes just keeping them separate. Some appear briefly just as character sketches, but most have satisfying, if generally brief, story arcs. None of the stories were the obvious cliche ones either.
The story follows a diverse cast of mostly female characters living in London, connecting them sporadically, but sometimes just keeping them separate. Some appear briefly just as character sketches, but most have satisfying, if generally brief, story arcs. None of the stories were the obvious cliche ones either.
February 6, 2021
A unique graphic non-fiction about a diverse range of women from across London. I loved the personality in this collection and the variety of experiences. I found Hana and Clara most interesting, but Maya's bus conversations cracked me up. It's rare to find something that feels completely 'real' (whatever that means) - everyone was relatable in some way, and there weren't any cookie-cutter (sorry) images of stereotypical womanhood, they were just all who they were. Highly recommend!
Thank you so much to Myriad for providing me with a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
Thank you so much to Myriad for providing me with a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
March 26, 2022
A very beautiful graphic novel about labels and identity.
We follow glimpses of womens' lives in London, their struggles, their relationships and experiences. It emphasises the importance of accepting others for who they are, no matter where they're from, what they look like, who they love, and that we can't fit anybody into a mould, so we shouldn't put ourselves into a mould either.
Do what you want to do, because everyone's different and there's no right was to EXIST!
We follow glimpses of womens' lives in London, their struggles, their relationships and experiences. It emphasises the importance of accepting others for who they are, no matter where they're from, what they look like, who they love, and that we can't fit anybody into a mould, so we shouldn't put ourselves into a mould either.
Do what you want to do, because everyone's different and there's no right was to EXIST!
March 27, 2023
An entertaining look at life and London through the eyes of many different women who live there.
The pieces are quite short and there are a lot of characters but they are well realised and all have interesting aspects to their lives.
The art is very detailed with some lovely backgrounds and the cookie cutter story splash pages are alovely touch.
The pieces are quite short and there are a lot of characters but they are well realised and all have interesting aspects to their lives.
The art is very detailed with some lovely backgrounds and the cookie cutter story splash pages are alovely touch.
October 9, 2022
Easily the best graphic novel I've ever read, and instantly catapulted into my favourite handful of books in my life. A perfect mix of funny and poignant, captures the reality of modern life and London like nothing else. Also it's beautiful! Clara needs to have her own TV show immediately.
July 7, 2021
Excellent characters - loved this
March 20, 2024
Brilliant. One of the best books I've read this year. Brilliant layered characters that all interweave with each other - had me cackling.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews