
Anya could really use a friend. But her new BFF isn’t kidding about the “Forever” part . . .
Of all the things Anya expected to find at the bottom of an old well, a new friend was not one of them. Especially not a new friend who’s been dead for a century.
Falling down a well is bad enough, but Anya’s normal life might actually be worse. She’s embarrassed by her family, self-conscious about her body, and she’s pretty much given up on fitting in at school. A new friend—even a ghost—is just what she needs.
Or so she thinks.
Spooky, sardonic, and secretly sincere, Anya’s Ghost is a wonderfully entertaining debut from author/artist Vera Brosgol.
You know the rule from Ghostbusters where “If someone asks if you’re a god, you say, ‘Yes!’”? Well, when Neil Gaiman claims that something is a masterpiece, I run out and buy a copy right away. I’d pre-ordered Anya’s Ghost this summer and after sticking it in my box of books to go to school, I was pretty excited that my new book club picked it for a group read. Although Anya’s Ghost was beautiful, well-plotted and captivating in so many ways, it left me wanting more in a bad way.
I loved the artwork in Anya’s Ghost. Not only is the book nicely laid out but every single image was filled with emotion and story. Anya is a fantastic main character because she struggles with her desire to fit in versus what makes her Anya, which is something that I think nearly everyone confronts at some point.
Once the plotline of Anya’s Ghost took off, I couldn’t put the book down. I had to know how the story ended. As I turned the final pages of Anya’s Ghost, I found myself saying, “But I wanted more!” Sometimes leaving a reader with this feeling is a sign of an amazing book, and while I think Brosgol has talent, I actually felt like I didn’t get enough. Brosgol tied up the plot nicely, and all of her characters were unique and well developed. However, I almost felt as though she could’ve given a few of her characters a little bit more show time, but didn’t because she wanted to avoid having her ghost story labeled as a paranormal romance. Then again, maybe I'm reading too much into it.
My one complaint was not enough to stop me from enjoying this story. If anyone asked me for a good graphic novel, I’d recommend Anya’s Ghost in a heartbeat. I hope Brosgol continues to publish graphic novels, because I am hungry for more of her artwork and stories.
Disclosure: I purchased a copy of this book.
I just finished reading this one, too. I totally fell in love with it, but I see what you mean about wanting more. I could have used some more. I think maybe it the story had some more detail or even was just drawn out some more, it would have added to the overall experience.
ReplyDeleteI feel exactly the same way as you about Neil Gaiman. His blurbs are gold to me.
ReplyDeleteI loved the art work too, I thought it was really pleasing to the eye.
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ReplyDeleteIt's a fantastic read and I can't say enough good things about it. I highly recommend it to all and I look forward to seeing what Vera does next.
ReplyDeleteJasmine
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