CBR15Passport, Books Already OwnAlone in Space: A Collection is some of Tillie Walden’s earlier works. I am not sure if things were edited a lot after the original publications, but what we have here is some raw material. Not only are there several stories (some more fleshed out than others) but some of their comments on how their style changed over time. I am fairly certain that most of Walden’s characters are based on actual feelings, thoughts and things she was going through as they have a very personal nature to them. And there is a repeated character that feels like she might be Tillie Walden herself.
And while things are realistic, there is a surreal realism to things. The stories and images reflect the authors self-awareness, of their coming of age and their understandings. It can be deceptively simple and complex simultaneously. Some stories are straight forward, others you come at them from the side. Not all stories are for everyone, but there should be something for everyone.
Some stories I felt I could have enjoyed if I had a bit more background, such as “The End of Summer,” which had an abstractness to it that made it confusing for me. And then there was “I Love This Part,” which was almost wordless, but spoke to me. It an experience book that nobody will have the same experience with.
My coworker A is not a graphic novel person, but is now a fan of Walden due to this collection, which tosses my theory of that this book is probably not what you want to start your Walden reading with, but obviously it is a style that will appeal to some. I think Walden is, while having a signature style to their art and stories, is an author you should keep trying, as the few stories I have read are different enough to have you the reader find something. I will recommend this to people who are artistic included themselves as it is an interesting look at Walden’s progression as an artist as much as a collection of stories to read and view.