Monday, November 3, 2008

Graphic Novel Monday: Escape from "Special" by Miss Lasko-Gross

Escape from "Special" by Miss Lasko-Gross. Published 2006 by Fantagraphics Books. Graphica. Memoir.

Escape from "Special" is a book that's a little tough to like, but even tougher to ignore. I say it's a little tough to like only because Lasko-Gross covers such emotionally volatile territory- the inner life of a young girl from elementary school to the beginning of high school- in such a raw and honest way, and using artwork that is both accomplished and dark.

Lasko-Gross's character, Melissa, is a troubled girl who feels alienated and different in school and at home, in the special-education classes she attends and in a family she feels doesn't understand her. She lacks interest in religion, which her parents think could provide her with a community but which she sees as boring and oppressive. Her alienation deepens as she enters adolescence and navigates the murky, difficult waters of friendships and growing up. She enters high school having found a group of outsiders like herself, but not without a certain lingering insecurity.

Escape from "Special" can be difficult reading at times, if only because Lasko-Gross is so honest about the pain of adolescence and the quiet betrayals of friends that can leave a vulnerable teenager humiliated and sad. "It takes so much energy to keep girlfriends," Melissa says, "One slip up and I'm 'weird' or we're 'in a fight.' They get offended so easily! I can't let my guard down, even for a minute." This is not a woman who's forgotten what it's like to be kid, or to feel different, or to feel let down by people she's trusted. Lasko-Gross's artwork is varied and often quite beautiful. When she focuses on Melissa she often uses a graphic style that underlines her isolation; other times, the panels are full of detail and contrast. Her panels are flexible and varied and give the story a lot of movement; Lasko-Gross uses closeups and panoramas skillfully to bring the story along and reflect its emotional content.

Lasko-Gross's book is about kids, but it's definitely not for kids, although I think some older teenagers would appreciate her emotional honesty and would be able to handle the mild profanity and sexual references. I probably would have loved to have had this book when I was fifteen or sixteen. As it is, I'm glad it's around now, for me and for anyone else who's ever felt like they needed to escape.

Rating: BUY

FTC Disclosure: I did not receive this book for review from the publisher.

3 comments:

Shana said...

Great review, Marie. I was reading this wondering if it would be appropriate for my 14 year-old, then I got to that last paragraph and you kind of answered my question - not quite yet probably.

It sounds very powerful and relevant.

Shana
Literarily

Anna said...

Wonderful review, as always. I still have yet to try a graphic novel, but I enjoy reading your posts about them. This one sounds interesting, especially the raw honesty. I can see how it would be tough to read at times.

--Anna
Diary of an Eccentric

Ali said...

Looks like this will be the next graphic novel added to my TBR pile. Thanks!