Feelings: A Story in Seasons is promoted as both a poetry book and as a graphic novel. However, it is more than that. It is also a picture book with its sensual and heavy illustrations. It is a book about emotions and the depression that changes them during the different seasons the author, Manjit Thapp, faces.
This book is a poetic look at how depression is the season we are reading about. It is presented to us as a chapter, Summer, Fall, Winter, Monsoon, and finally Spring, then explored by the feelings, emotions and mind set of the author when those days go by. The good and bad are equally shown, and honestly given. The seasons are alive, while the protagonist tries to find the balance between life and living. The biggest thing I came away with is that we are not alone. Each of us deals with the depression in different ways, but we are all affected by the same feelings: alone, lost, blue, consumed, tired, forced to smile. Yet, of course, there is the sun and the light days/feelings as well. The second thing I came away with was that this book is felt, not only read.
If I was to say what season our narrator reminds me of, it is Spring. But they are also nature itself. They are always growing, changing and while spring is beautiful, there are still hints of old winter, that sometimes will not let go. Like the depression of our main person.
Poetically shown illustrations are both colorful and an odd “mutedness” but not “lacking in color” or are faded. They are artistic and simple without being simplistic. Yet, the basic details and elements are presented to show you the story.
I gave this book a five not because I LOVED it, but because there is much to love, it is powerful and something people should be aware of. Also, I put the toy turkey with the book, not to make light of the theme, but to put something there that makes me happy.
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