A review by wafer
Soupy Leaves Home by Cecil Castellucci

2.0

I find the ‘wise and noble hobo’ trope to be pretty kitsch - and this romanticized account of homeless wanderer life in the Depression is as saccharine as it comes. It’s enough to make David Cage blush.

Probably the most infuriating part is the ending, where Soupy inexplicably makes peace with their abusive father and grandmother. It’s honestly infuriating. I hate when stories try to convince young people that they’re *obligated* to forgive their parents no matter what.

The art and deliberate use of minimal color is charming, and easily the strongest aspect of the book. A shame it’s wasted on this story.