Today, I received my copy of 'Everything We Miss', by Luke Pearson. This is the first graphic novella I've ever purchased, and I wasn't disappointed. I bought it on pre-order, and Nobrow included two free postcards as well as the free poster.
What immediately drew me to it was the preview - seven pages that portrayed many emotional points of view. The main story of Everything We Miss - a failing relationship going through its final stage with paranoia, nisunderstanding and disagreements contrasts vividly with the many abstract, fantastical and often childish happenings around the couple as they remain absorbed in the other and the crushing reality. The contrast is really charming and, although quite dark, often comforting.
The two 'settings' (reality and the fantastical) aren't the only thing that contrasts - the white, black, and various shades of orange are bold and stark. The cartooniness and simplicity of the art style lends itself to the fantasy element, but the characters' believable expressions and the strength of the lines compliment the element of reality. It fits together nicely, and expresses the confusion and restless emotions surrounding a newly broken relationship.
The conversations between the two throughout the book are incredibly human - you can imagine their tone of voice, their moods, their reactions and poses as if the interaction was taking place in the room you're sitting in. I found it very difficult to not be moved by them, and see both sides of the story (and how olive branches extended by the other are easily missed). The instances where we see glimpses of the stories of other people around them living life are also very easy to relate to. "Everything We Miss", to me, has two different meanings - the little details we just don't see in life, as we're too busy with our own issues and goings-on, and how a couple going through a rough patch or a breakup pine for the idyllic days of the 'honeymoon period' in their relationship. I won't give away the ending, but the last panel really sums up the title of the book and is a fitting ending to a sad, and very moving story.
All in all, this was a well-written, wonderfully illustrated read. If you get the chance to pick it up (see below for the link to Nobrow's shop), do so - I recommend it.
"Everything We Miss" is available to order here.
Luke Pearson's website (with regular blog updates) is here.
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