Book Review: Juliette or, the Ghosts Retune in the Spring by Camille Jourdy

April 15, 2024

I picked this book up because it has become apparent to me that more “adult” graphic novels are illustrated in a way that feels rather angry and harsh. I am not sure why or how all of them have ended up so harsh looking, but here we are.

I really enjoyed the illustrations, they are watercolor and quite springy, but the story felt a little aimless. I think that was the point, to capture moments that aren’t necessarily good or fantastic, but just life. We follow the story of a woman named Juliette coming back home for a little bit to find that her sister, who is married with children, is having an affair; her father, who lives alone and is rather sleep deprived, cares more than he is really able to put into words; her grandmother, who they are putting into a home due to her memory loss, still believes that her mother is alive and coming to get her; and her mother, who has a new boyfriend every week, has become a budding abstract artist. She is anxious and fragile, but she is learning about herself and finding new relationships.

While I am not sure I would suggest this book for its story, I did enjoy the illustrations enough to suggest it. I could take it or leave it, if I am being honest.