Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands

Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands is a graphic novel by Alison Bechdel that tells the story of Katie Beaton, a young woman who moves to Fort McMurray to work in the oil sands. It explores the harsh reality of life in the oil sands, where trauma is an everyday occurrence, and the exploitation of both the land and the people. Bechdel's natural cartooning prowess is on full display, and the novel sheds light on the untold story of Canada.

Format: Hardback
Length: 436 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Vintage Publishing

Winner of the Eisner Awards for Best Memoir and Best Writer/Artist




A vast and intricate tapestry that vividly portrays the essence of human nature, this remarkable work shines with an unparalleled grace. Authored by Alison Bechdel, the acclaimed author of Fun Home, this captivating narrative weaves together a rich and complex web of stories that explore the depths of human experience.


Before the rise of Kate Beaton, the New York Times bestselling cartoonist known for her iconic Hark A Vagrant series, there existed another talented artist named Katie Beaton. Hailing from the picturesque Cape Breton Beatons, a close-knit seaside community, Katie embarked on a journey that would take her far beyond her hometown. After completing her university education, Katie decided to venture west, driven by the allure of Alberta's oil rush, a tradition shared by many East Coast Canadians who sought employment opportunities elsewhere when they couldn't find them in their beloved homeland.


Her primary motivation was to alleviate the burden of her student loans, but the true cost of her journey would be far more profound than she could have imagined. Arriving in Fort McMurray, Katie secured employment in the lucrative camps owned and operated by some of the world's largest oil companies. The cultural shock she experienced was palpable, especially as she became one of the few women amidst thousands of men. It wasn't until she relocated to a spartan, isolated worksite for higher pay that the harsh realities of life in the oil sands began to unfold before her eyes.


In this desolate environment, trauma became an all-too-familiar aspect of daily life, yet it was seldom openly discussed. For young Katie, the wounds she sustained seemed to have a lasting impact, leaving a lasting scar on her psyche. Bechdel's exceptional cartooning prowess is on full display throughout this captivating graphic narrative. Her intricate drawings bring colossal machinery and mammoth vehicles to life, set against the awe-inspiring backdrop of Alberta's breathtaking wildlife, the mesmerizing Northern Lights, and the majestic Rocky Mountains.


Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands is Bechdel's first full-length graphic narrative, and it offers a unique and untold perspective on Canada. This country, renowned for its egalitarian ethos and natural beauty, paradoxically exploits both the riches of its land and the humanity of its people. Through her poignant storytelling, Bechdel sheds light on the complex dynamics that shape the lives of those who inhabit the oil sands, revealing the profound impact of this industry on both the environment and the human spirit.


This powerful and thought-provoking work serves as a testament to Bechdel's exceptional talent and her ability to capture the complexities of human experience with honesty, empathy, and a touch of humor. It invites readers to reflect on the ethical implications of our choices and the impact they have on the world around us. Whether you are a fan of graphic novels or simply seeking a thought-provoking and immersive reading experience, Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands is a must-read that will leave a lasting impression on your mind and heart.

Weight: 1264g
Dimension: 185 x 236 x 44 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781787330139