When I started the Nora Neus and Julie Robine graphic novel, Renegade Girls, I was not enjoying it. Things felt too simple, romanticized, not original and terribly slow paced. I already knew the ending. Or so I thought. Granted, there was the obvious ending (if you are paying attention) but things did not take the obvious path to get there. We have a realistic look at the troubles of the factor workers and we see the ugly but it is not gratuitous. In fact, if you’re not really watching, you might miss a few things.
In the end, this is a clever historical queer romance. It is well written, if not a bit more modern toned than the actual setting would probably have as language, but the author has researched how a queer romance could be as accepted as it seemingly is. Of course, I had a few other questions (such as would people of color in New York City be as well off as many are shown? Where are all the immigrants from as Neus focuses on the Italian immigrants). But it is good for at least aged 10 (probably 12) to 15. The story is straight forward, maybe not a lot of traditional action, but we do have some “stunt girl journalism” and “hidden sources” to give an air of mystery.
And this is all shown in fun, simple, not muted but not overwhelming colored, clever illustrations. Overall, this is an interesting read. It made me think, it made me see history that I knew a little bit about but adding a few new pieces and more. It might not be WOW BEST EVER, but it is a book that makes an impression.