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A review by booklywookly
La Perdida by Jessica Abel
2.0
Review by Prateek - @BooklyWookly on Instagram
"La Perdida" by Jessica Abel is a graphic novel that delves into the life of Carla, a young American woman who embarks on a soul-searching adventure to Mexico, seeking her cultural roots and identity. Think of it as an exploration of the complexities of belonging and the clash between cultures, and the consequences of naiveté in a foreign land.
"La Perdida" by Jessica Abel is a graphic novel that delves into the life of Carla, a young American woman who embarks on a soul-searching adventure to Mexico, seeking her cultural roots and identity. Think of it as an exploration of the complexities of belonging and the clash between cultures, and the consequences of naiveté in a foreign land.
Carla’s character development is both relatable and profound, as she grapples with her own misconceptions and the harsh realities of Mexican life. Abel doesn’t shy away from addressing the challenges and prejudices that Carla faces as an outsider in Mexico. The novel delves into themes of identity, privilege, and cultural appropriation, making it a thought-provoking and timely read.
Carla’s journey of self-discovery in Mexico is an intriguing premise. Yet, the character development is shallow, and Carla’s transformation feels rushed and at times, forced. Also, pretty clear that Carla is just plain stupid and anyone can make a fool of her. And everyone did. The supporting cast also lacks depth, and their actions are often inconsistent, making it challenging to empathize with their experiences. Some may say even very “stereotypical Mexican from white person’s eyes”. That could be problematic.
The pacing of the story is uneven, with some parts feeling rushed while others drag on, leading to an inconsistent reading experience. The use of Spanish phrases and cultural references, while authentic, may alienate readers who are not familiar with the language and culture, creating a barrier to understanding.
Jessica Abel is the writer as well as the drawing artist, and I rarely see such combo anymore as usually they are two different people. I wanted to love it but the colorless drawing and blunt pencil strokes is just, meh. The cover is gorgeous though.
Anyway, the story’s execution leaves much to be desired. A could have been good graphic novel that missed its opportunity to delve deeper into the themes it introduces. While it touches on important subjects like cultural appropriation and privilege, it fails to explore them comprehensively.