Layers: A Memoir

Pénélope Bagieu's graphic memoir, Layers, is based on her actual diaries and explores childhood, teen years, friendship, love, grief, and adulthood.

Format: Hardback
Length: 144 pages
Publication date: 16 October 2023
Publisher: St Martin's Press

Pénélope Bagieu never thought she'd create a graphic memoir. But when she dusted off her old diaries (yes, really - this book is based on her actual diaries!), she found cringe-worthy, hilarious, and heartbreaking stories begging to be drawn. In Layers, Bagieu reflects on her childhood and teen years with her characteristic wit and unflinching honesty. The result is fifteen short stories about friendship, love, grief, and those awkward first steps toward adulthood.

Growing up in the suburbs of Paris, Bagieu had a typical childhood filled with friends, toys, and endless adventures. But beneath the surface, she was hiding a secret that would shape her adult life. As a teenager, Bagieu struggled with anxiety and depression, and her diaries became a refuge for her thoughts and feelings. She poured her heart out onto the pages, documenting her struggles and triumphs with raw honesty and humor.

One of the most memorable stories in Layers is about a summer trip to the beach with her best friend, Marie. They were inseparable, and their friendship was the envy of all their classmates. But as they grew older, their paths diverged, and their friendship began to unravel. Bagieu's portrayal of Marie is nuanced and sympathetic, showing her vulnerability and her longing for connection.

Another standout story is about Bagieu's relationship with her father, who was a distant and authoritarian figure. She often felt like she was walking on eggshells around him, trying to please him and avoid his disapproval. But as she grew older, Bagieu began to confront her father's past and the impact it had on their relationship. Through her writing, she was able to heal some of the wounds that had been left by their strained relationship.

Layers is not just a memoir; it's also a celebration of the power of storytelling. Bagieu's illustrations bring her stories to life, adding depth and emotion to her words. Her characters are relatable and flawed, and their journeys are filled with ups and downs, making them all the more compelling.

In conclusion, Pénélope Bagieu's Layers is a must-read for anyone who loves memoirs, graphic novels, or just a good story. It's a raw and honest portrayal of a young woman's journey through adolescence and adulthood, and it will leave you feeling inspired and uplifted.

Weight: 368g
Dimension: 156 x 224 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781250873736