IT'S LONELY AT THE CENTRE OF THE EARTH - Zoe Thorogood

Zoe Thorogood is an artist, author, creator and one of her main means of output is the graphic novel.  But Zoe has some severe issues with self confidence. Over the course of six months, Zoe battles severe depression, the terrifying fear of interacting with others - or worse, opening up to someone - and the only thing that keeps her going is her artwork - even though she's feeling very insecure about it!

I knew nothing about Zoe Thorogood before going into this book, but the idea of an autobiographical graphic novel was really interesting to me.  What I didn't know was that it was going to be so depressing. 

I don't feel as though this book shares any great perspective on the issues (depression or self-imaging) and is much more a cathartic release for Ms Thorogood.  That's great for her, but what does it do for us?

Perhaps readers who are facing similar issues will find this relatable.  Sometimes just knowing that someone else has gone through this can be helpful.

The story is incredibly simple.  Zoe is depressed. Look how depressed.  What can she do about her depression?

The artwork is ... chaotic. There are a few panels within that show that Thorogood is capable of producing graphic novel-worthy work.  Look at the cover, for instance. This looks like a style that I would appreciate. But what's inside the covers here is a topsy-turvy mishmash of ideas and styles.

I get it.  I really do.  It's a strong visualization of what's going on in her head and what's going on in her head is depressing and confusing and not very realistic.  But ... wow.  Do I need to be subjected to this? (The answer is, "No.  I do not.")

Once again, I know people - generally high schoolers - who might totally geek out on this, feeling like Zoe has totally captured what they are feeling.  But as an older reader who enjoys a good graphic novel, this is absolutely not for me. I don't think this does a very good service for Ms Thorogood.  I'm likely to be skeptical if I see her name on a book.

Looking for a good book? It's Lonely at the Centre of the Earth is an autobiographical graphic novel by Zoe Thorogood that will depress you if you aren't already depressed and possibly confuse you if you are. 

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher, through Netgalley, in exchange for an honest review.

2 stars

* * * * * *

It's Lonely at the Centre of the Earth

author: Zoe Thorogood

artist: Zoe Thorogood

publisher: Image Comics

ISBN: 9781534323865

paperback, 120 pages

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