Our Little Secret

Our Little Secret is a memoir about trauma and writing yourself to a place of healing. Emily is a teenage girl living in the Maritimes with her eccentric dad, who offers to lend a hand. Twenty-five years later, Emily is adrift and depressed when she spots her neighbor again on a ferry. Carrington's debut is a testament to survival and the importance of telling your story your way.

Format: Hardback
Length: 240 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2022
Publisher: Drawn and Quarterly

At the age of fifteen, Emily, a typical teenage girl residing in the Maritimes, leads a relatively ordinary life. She shares her home with her eccentric father, who is diligently working on constructing a log cabin. Emily finds solace in her beloved horse and cherishes the opportunity to immerse herself in the fresh air. However, despite the seemingly idyllic setting, there are certain challenges that Emily faces. The winters in the region are harsh, and her father's place lacks warmth and comfort.

One fateful day, Emily's life takes an unexpected turn when she encounters her neighbor, who recognizes her need and extends a helping hand. Three simple words, "Our Little Secret," seal Emily's fate, and she is drawn into a web of secrets and deceit.

Twenty-five years later, Emily finds herself adrift and struggling with depression when she once again crosses paths with her neighbor on a ferry. The memories of that long-ago winter resurface, forcing her to confront the past head-on. Determined to seek justice and reveal her secret, Emily embarks on a journey that is filled with obstacles and setbacks. Inept lawyers, exorbitant therapy costs, and a broken justice system seem to stand in her way, preventing her from finding peace.

However, it is when Emily rediscovers her youthful artistic talent by putting pen to paper that she glimpses a path to healing. Through her writing, she is able to express her emotions and experiences in a way that had been previously impossible. It is a form of therapy that allows her to confront her trauma and work towards closure.

Now in her fifties, Carrington has crafted a captivating debut that showcases her remarkable command of the comics medium. "Our Little Secret" is a testament to survival and the profound importance of telling one's story in a way that resonates with oneself.

The story follows Emily's journey as she navigates the complexities of her past and present, seeking justice and closure. Along the way, she encounters various characters who play significant roles in her life. There is her father, who remains a mystery to her even after all these years. There is her neighbor, who remains a source of both fear and fascination. And there is the young girl who was the catalyst for Emily's trauma, a girl who has long since disappeared.

Through her writing, Emily is able to piece together the fragments of her past and confront the truth about her experiences. She realizes that her trauma has shaped her into the person she is today, but it does not define her. She is capable of healing and moving forward, and she is determined to do so.

"Our Little Secret" is a powerful exploration of trauma, resilience, and the power of storytelling. It is a testament to the human spirit.

Dimension: 229 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781770465466