Graphic Novel Review – Generations by Flavia Biondi (4/5 stars)
Reading Level: Adult
Genre: Graphic Novel/Contemporary Fiction
Length: 144 pages
Publisher: Lion Forge
Release Date: October 24, 2017
ISBN-13: 978-1941302507
Stand Alone or Series: Stand Alone
Source: Amazon Vine
Rating: 4/5 stars
“After three years in Milan, Matteo returns home to the provincial country town where he was born and from which he had fled. Coming out as a young gay man in a provincial country town had led to ugly clashes with his conservative father, and the urban metropolis of Milan had been a welcome change from the stifling small town life of his childhood and the anger and bewilderment of some members of his family. But now, Matteo finds himself with little choice but to return home, with no money, no job, and an uncertain future, like so many other young people of his millennial generation.
Afraid of encountering his estranged father, he instead takes refuge with his extended family, at a house shared by his grandmother, three aunts, and his very pregnant cousin. As he tries to rebuild his life, reconnecting with the women of his family and old hometown friends, he warily confronts a few truths about the other generations of his family―from their bigotry to their love, and tolerance, and acceptance―and a few truths about himself, including his fears of confrontation and commitment.”
I got this through the Amazon Vine program to review. I actually really enjoyed this graphic novel about a young gay man who returns to his small town home. It’s really a coming of age story and a story about the rash decisions some people make to prove themselves.
Matteo does not start out as a likable guy. He returns home after having issues with his boyfriend, he hasn’t worked in a long time, and is pretty much a clingy deadbeat. Ends up he’s kind of a runner; he ran from home when his dad didn’t like the fact he was gay, and now he’s running back home after having personal issues with his boyfriend.
As the book progresses Matteo finally gets to know his aunts and family better and realizes that in the scheme of things his problems aren’t all that unique or as consuming as he thinks they are. He starts to take care of his aging grandmother and finally starts to figure out what he actually wants to do with his life. Through it all he finds out some interesting truths about the past generations of his family and how they’ve influenced everyone.
The illustration style isn’t my favorite; but it was well done and easy to follow. The story was also easy to follow and very engaging. I found myself completely sucked into Matteo’s life and struggles and loving his crazy family.
Overall I would definitely recommend this graphic novel; I enjoyed it. It’s a great coming-of-age story and an interesting discussion on how the decisions of generations of ancestors has influenced your current family and the path you life has taken.