The design and UX isn't done, Rob and Abbie, okkurrrr! 😌
missprint_'s review
3.0
This is one of the most cohesive graphic memoirs I’ve read but it’s still messy. I appreciate that Warner acknowledges in the text both at the start and end that this kind of story is inherently navel gazing and therefore subjective and flawed. I also appreciated the dedication that acknowledges some of Beirut’s story isn’t his, an an outsider, to tell.
Good artwork and really tightly plotted. I 100% see this being from Warner’s own experience but I also wish there had been more about mental illness—like some kind of note with resources. Because that was essentially dropped as the story moved in other directions which while probably true to Warner's experience feels like a disservice to readers.
Supplemental materials included a map of Lebanon and a political timeline. Not a me book and I’m not sure who I’d recommend it too. Interesting backdrop but I didn’t know much about Lebanon/Syria before reading this and don’t feel particularly more informed after because so much of that became window dressing for an intensely personal story.
Good artwork and really tightly plotted. I 100% see this being from Warner’s own experience but I also wish there had been more about mental illness—like some kind of note with resources. Because that was essentially dropped as the story moved in other directions which while probably true to Warner's experience feels like a disservice to readers.
Supplemental materials included a map of Lebanon and a political timeline. Not a me book and I’m not sure who I’d recommend it too. Interesting backdrop but I didn’t know much about Lebanon/Syria before reading this and don’t feel particularly more informed after because so much of that became window dressing for an intensely personal story.
semiiii's review
4.0
Firstly, I commend this author for his courageous vulnerability in authoring this autobiographical piece. The moments where we delved into his instability, fear, shame, and depression were beautifully written and exceptionally drawn. While I appreciated the glimpse into conflict-ridden Beirut, those were unfortunately the times I was removed from the book. I was significantly more interested in the authors relationships, emotions, and travel stories. The conflict in Beirut did provide a strong mirror and landscape for the author’s mental state, I just personally didn’t feel like it helped the story along smoothly.
librarylapin's review
4.0
This book was full of multidimensional intensity. In the backdrop of a historical moment the author describes and intense moment of mental illness and touch of his own history. The illustrations were impactful and the layering of stories, evocative.
rosielockieeverson's review
3.0
This was a well-crafted blend of autobiography and history. I'm generally hard to please when it comes to autobio comics though, and this one was too heavy on introspection for my taste. The author's personal story was just not all that compelling and its presence in the story felt self involved. Technically speaking, it was well done, but my interest was only sustained by a fascination in the region and a desire to understand its history.