When I read Fustuk: A Graphic Novel by Robert Mgrdich Apelian, I expected something completely different. I guess I thought there would be more fantasy, less realism. And while I was not exactly sure what that meant, or would entail, I did not expect what I got. And in the end, I think it might have been better than I thought.
The setting and use of food are unique with the coming of age and self-discovery is a comforting familiar part of the story. The illustrations could be a bit too busy, even sometimes clumsy, at times, but they are what is needed. Any other style might have tried to make things too serious or too comical. There is some comedy, with the manga and anime like images, but it also needs seriousness. The use of different colors to show “far then, then, now, and now-now” works well and helps overcome some of the image bumps (sometimes characters look the same or you’re not completely sure who the person in front of you is). And the surprise use of color at the end is worth all the issues from the beginning. It is good and fun to watch the action unfold on the pages with text and these images.
Overall, I liked this book. There is prejudice against the main cast, but some of those people are also prejudiced against the main cultural group of the village.Though, it isn’t graphic, it is there to show the emotional impact it has on the characters. It shows how culture and pride in one’s family, people and stories is important. The author bases the food and ideas on his own Armenian background, but does not make this a pure history. Honestly, except for the middle eastern look to the setting and people, it could be any displaced group of people.
There are a few themes that are intense such as the illness and potential death of the mother, the off-book death of the father, the magical and supernatural elements, the “make a deal with the devil” concept, and a few other things, but it all works out in the end. Just maybe not the way you want it to work out completely.
Recommending an age is not easy. Ages 10 to 15 could read it, but as said there are some themes and concepts that might be a bit much, so I would feel more comfortable with ages 12 and up who are stronger readers. But of course, adults as well should and can read it, too.
