VISITATIONS | Kirkus Reviews

Illustrator Egbert has drawn on tumultuous childhood memories to craft his first solo graphic novel.

Looking back, Corey wonders how much of his childhood was real. His family, who present white, lived in a remote, rural part of California, so his mom was his “teacher…entertainer…and partner in crime.” His dad, though loving, was more distant. Shortly after Corey’s younger sister, Sarah, was born, his maternal grandfather was arrested for child sexual abuse. A couple of years later, Corey’s parents divorced, and his mom, convinced his dad was also a predator, enlisted Corey to be his sister’s protector during court-ordered visitations. Clinging to the family’s shared faith in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, his mom became increasingly paranoid, eventually loading both kids into the car and taking off. Hungry, filthy, and afraid, the teenage Corey received a nighttime visitation from an ethereal girl who helped repair his fractured heart. The author’s note (which includes family photos) fills in background details, including more about his mother’s paranoid schizophrenia diagnosis. The emotional truth of this narrative rings out on every page. The artwork enhances readers’ understanding of Corey’s confusion about religion, sexuality, family dynamics, and his own memories, drawing the audience toward sympathy and understanding. Egbert’s softly illustrated panels are primarily executed in muted tones of peach, gray, and brown with clean, uncluttered backgrounds; this soothing palette subtly and skillfully supports the depth of emotion in the story.

Nuanced and real; impressive and valuable.

(Graphic memoir. 12-18)