Emil Ferris' wonderful debut book weaves together a crime mystery,
the history of the 20th century and a tale about growing up and
discovering the realities of adulthood. Heavy themes of outsiderness,
death, sexuality, religion, art, love, loyalty and oppression are
treated in the most direct yet delicate way; the book takes the form
of a young girl's journal on ruled paper. Wonderful illustrations,
done in ballpoint pen, mix with straightforward observations,
reflections and questions. I love how the book jumps effortlessly
between the high and the low, the beautiful and the grotesque,
strength and weakness. It's all a tribute to the individual and the
power and the freedom of the imagination.
