Oakville Reads discussion

Through The Woods, written and illustrated by Canada’s own Emily Carroll, is a collection of five stories all involving the woods. It’s a simple concept and a simple summary but there is nothing more deceiving than something simple. Don't let it fool you.

I’ve read a fair amount of horror stories and seen more than my fair share of horror films so it takes a lot to creep me out. This book creeps me out. It creeps me out in the same way that stories told around a campfire creep me out. Despite the fact that this is a graphic novel, these stories beg to be told around a campfire in the dead of night. Perhaps even in the woods. They have that familiar, folk tale, quality to them despite being nothing (obviously anyway) of the kind.

Each story stands on its own but the woods, whether the woods themselves or something coming out or going in, is the main threat. It’s the villain of the story as much as the real villains. The dark being a close second. Whether it’s a terrible act, such as the possible fratricide depicted in “His Face All Red,” a father’s edict or a woman’s escape such as in “Our Neighbour’s House” or “A Lady’s Hands Are Cold,” the woods are scary, dark, and fraught with danger.

These tales are terrifying and they prey on such basic fears. Outside of the dark in the woods we’re looking at marriage (both one’s own or a loved one’s), an absence (whether by death or disappearance), change, being discovered to be a fraud, and so many other things. Simple things that we face in one way or another for good or ill every single day in one form or another. Carroll really gets to the core of these fears and the timeless nature of them while at the same time making you forget you've ever seen this topic or type of story done before.

As much as I say that this screams to be told aloud and around a campfire, the artwork really drives the stories home. The colours used are kept fairly tame or even bleak but then a burst of something like red blood, white words, or blue ghosts will make the story pop all the more. This is especially evident in the final story “The Nesting Place” where your nightmares can’t conjure up what is depicted on the page for you. In contrast other stories, notably “Our Neighbour’s House” is really a masterclass in letting the reader’s imagination run wild and never actually showing what the main characters see.

This is a great book to read during this time of year but it’s also a great but of spine tingling fun at any time of year. If you like creepy stories, fantastic artwork, or both I highly recommend checking this book out. Happy Halloween!

I loved this graphic novel - creepier than I expected and the art is so beautiful. Definitely spooky and perfect for this time of year! Your review made me want to re-read it sometime soon :)

Sounds very creepy, Kate! For what age group is it appropriate?

Jaime wrote: "I loved this graphic novel - creepier than I expected and the art is so beautiful. Definitely spooky and perfect for this time of year! Your review made me want to re-read it sometime soon :)"

It really was so much creepier than I expected! Still holds up on a repeat reading, I'm pleased to report!

Susan wrote: "Sounds very creepy, Kate! For what age group is it appropriate?"

Appropriate for teens and up! I'd say likely a bit too creepy for young kids.

The limited palette, the tone of the oral tradition, the setting of the forest, and each story's individual content all gave me the chills! Totally agree with your thorough analysis!