Jeff Lemire's work is always so haunting and often heartbreaking. This collected volume of Essex County focuses on several interwoven families and their complicated relationships across several generations. The rural setting and culture of isolation create a barren environment as well as painfully lonely characters. It's interesting to read this book while living in southwestern Ontario. While it is firmly situated in specific time periods, the story still feels timeless in that this area still has rural communities where (I imagine) hockey makes winter bearable, family drama still drives siblings apart, and Toronto appears as a viable escape route from the monotony of country life. Though I'm very impressed and moved by the writing, I found Essex County overall too painful to say I enjoyed it. What a great piece of work. The complete Essex County compilation of comics should really connect with everyone but especially those who have grown up in small country town or those who simply understand being isolated. The storytelling is excellent complimented by simple but beautiful illustrations. I had a moment midway through reading where I actually realised how much I was enjoying the story and how it was being told. It helps that I do have some interest in Ice Hockey despite living all the way over in Australia. Very happy to add ‘Essex County’ to my 5 star collection.
This was fantastic. For a full discussion, see Hello Hemlock on YouTube.
—Monika
A gorgeous book. Best thing I've read in months.
—silence
This was just outstanding. Really, really good.
—aremap0123
Sad and sweet and beautiful.
—sjd10161997
A great weekend read.
—samar
