Lost Soul, Be at Peace is not an easy read. This time, Maggie Thrash has created a graphic novel that is more fantastical than Honor Girl was. Instead of dealing with the issues camp, friends and coming to terms with one’s sexuality in a realistic and relatable way, she has created something that deals with the past and ghosts. Even the living ones. How can there be a living ghost? That is the plot point.
Based on Thrash’s own experiences, this time our character Maggie wishes she could take back the events of the pass almost two years. She has fallen into a deep depression, her brother (while not close was at least someone there) has left, her parents are wrapped up in their own things, she is flunking her classes and is considered a bigger freak than usual at school. But after her cat disappears (someplace in the house), nightmare filled nights and a ghost that has some unusual familiarity that Maggie cannot place, Maggie learns of an important piece of the past and one very large family secret. One that might not help her parents healing, but just might help Maggie.
The illustrations are realistic and gorgeously colored. While not abstract, they are not completely realistic either. The entire book feels as if it is a teenagers’ drawing book/diary. Yet, we see everything in Maggie’s voice, but from outside the story. This is a book you read and experience on your own level. You can find layers, or just a straight forward story of growing up and coming of age. It is not for the young or causal reader of graphic novels or young adult. At least 12 and up, but arguments could be made 14 to adult.