First off, this graphic novel for adults is beautifully done. I’m relatively new to the genre, so although Peter Kruper likely has a big name in the biz, he’s new to me. But I loved his artwork in Ruins, my introduction to him, and his pacing and style really kept me engaged. Secondly, though, the story ultimately left me with a sickly feeling, so I’m not sure that I’d be up for delving so deeply into other fascinating novels that have such a differing worldview from my own. But a little more about the book before I get into all that.

Although I’ve visited Mexico in the past, it’s not really been a country on my reading radar of late. Still, I loved the idea of following this couple in their travels below the border, and the eye-popping watercolors that I saw in my quick perusal at the library really made the book stand out. What really drew me in, though, was the butterfly on the cover and the sketched insects inside the front and back covers. I’m an amateur naturalist myself (and if I can call myself an amateur lepidopterist, then I will!), so anything that fictionalizes the world of these delightful creatures appeals to me. Most recently, such books included Hope for the Flowers (1972) and Danny Dunn and the Smallifying Machine (1971). Kuper’s book blends the migration of a monarch butterfly from the Northern USA to Oaxaca, Mexico, with the story of George and Samantha and their sabbatical in the same Mexican town.

I loved Kuper’s artistic style of watercolors and sketches. Although the characters are almost caricatures in style, there’s such realism in the backgrounds and details of the setting that it really invites the reader to study the pages rather than simply skimming the text. Also, faithful to its Mexican setting, this book is an explosion of color, something that drew my kids to peruse it as well as it lay on the table. When I noticed that at least one page showed the characters enjoying themselves in bed, I had to pull it away and put it aside! And that leads me to the content of the book.

Knowing that this book was in the adult section of the library certainly prepared me for some adult situations and scenes. There’s some vulgarity in the conversations as can be expected, but there’s also many layers of adult relationships that disturbed me the more I read. Anger, betrayal, infidelity, etc. It all just compounded itself into this growing sense of…ugh. And the fact that it ended the way it did, I don’t know. Life doesn’t always enjoy happy endings with every loose end tied up, so novelizations of life needn’t require it either, but I certainly would have preferred reconciliation as part of the resolution, not this sense of: We’re happier when we remain selfish.

Also involved in the plot of this book is an historically accurate teachers’ strike against the governor of the region which leads to riots, killings, and a general sense of unrest. Kuper writes in the tail end of the book that he has based these scenes on true history and some of his own experiences living in Oaxaca with his family. I loved these instances of truth mixed in with this dramatic story of a couple headed to ruin, and it’s definitely part of why I kept reading.

It’s hard to judge this book based on the feelings it gave me, both pleasure in the story and Kuper’s artwork and disappointment with its conclusion. Still, I’m glad to have read it and for the opportunity to confront these sickening realities of life. I may grab another of his books if I see it, but I’m sure there’s a great many more artistic authors to explore as well.

©2023 E.T.