ShortBookandScribes #BookReview – Alison by Lizzy Stewart

Alison by Lizzy Stewart is published by Serpent’s Tail and is available now. I purchased my own copy.

Alison is newly married, barely twenty and struggling to find her place in the world.

A chance encounter with an older artist upturns her life and she forsakes convention and her working-class Dorset roots for the thrumming art scene of London in the late seventies.

As the thrill of bohemian romance leads inevitably to disappointment, Alison begins to find her own path – through art, friendship and love.

After enjoying The Wreck I was keen to try another of Lizzy Stewart’s graphic/illustrated novels. Alison tells the story of a young woman, already married at 18 and living with her husband in Dorset, in effect tied down before she really knows what she wants to do with her life. She starts to explore art classes and meets a much older artist who bewitches her and shows her what’s possible. Alison makes the break and goes to London to become part of the bohemian artistic world.

I really enjoyed reading Alison. It’s sort of a coming of age story as Alison grows into who she really is. I liked following the successes and failures of her life over the ensuing decades, her friendships, relationships and art. The illustrations are striking and drew me into the story very effectively, making this book a visual joy. There isn’t as much text in this one as in The Wreck, but there’s still a really nice mixture of text and illustrations, the combination making a highly satisfying reading experience. Whether you are a fan of graphic novels or, like me, have never really got on board with them before, I recommend Lizzy Stewart’s books. They won’t disappoint.