A mostly wordless graphic novel that has well placed, but almost after thoughts, text, Crushing has slight contradictions and straight forwardness mix to create a story that is part comedy and part tragedy.
Comic because it is true. Who has not had the “buns picture” sent when swiping on the dating ap? (At least he asked if she wanted the “eggplant” picture). Who has not gone to the bar and drank alone? Who has not gone to the take-out shop in their pjs? Tragic because it is true.
Sophie Burrows shows how we can be alone even in a group of people. Watch how the color of red is used in the illustrations. Even when it might not seem important it just might be (though I still do not think the lines on the flowerpots is important. But then again, maybe it is). And watch as a young woman and young man travel the ins and outs of life. From shaving legs, to jogging, to hitting the grocery shop, to finding yourself in the ER after a bike accident we see that life has some surprises around the corner for us all.
The cover gives you a good example of what is inside. There is red, but also the blue-grays and the whites of the illustrations. The color scheme is simple, but important. It sets a somber tone, yet oddly can be hopeful too. There are many almost “meet cutes” and several not so cute moments.
This was shelved in the Young Adult section of my library and in the young adult section of my store. However, this is and art book. It is meant for adults. Yet, I do not think people will look for it, you need to have a bookseller hand you it and say, “Read it! Now. (After you buy of course).”
This was either the best book ever or the worse. But it is an experience book that everyone will experience differently.