I found Laura Pérez via one of my graphic novels down the rabbit hole searches, and Nocturnos came up. I got a finished copy from the library and said that that was an interesting read, let’s do Totem (translated by Andrea Rosenberg) next. Another library read and another book that is literary and artsy. Both titles have a “lofty” element but not a “talk down” to the reader element. But it is sophisticated, and therefore, it might not be for a casual reader of graphic novels, or of stories that do not have a lot of linear development.
A plus is that I love the illustrations. It is just that the story can be confusing. It is not something to read too quickly. Take your time. Because while there are pieces that go together, you are all over the place. Perez reminds me of an adult Tuesday by David Wiesner or Zoom and ReZoom by Istvan Banyai. Or any book that is a wordless read or a minimalist with the words read. You make up the story as you move along, but also there are points that have conversation. It is a “you do you” as you read, but there is a “place” the author wants to take you.
When I can, Ocultos (which looks like their last title available in the States), will also be on the reading table. They are books you experience and honestly, every time someone reads it not only will you have a different perspective from other other readers, if you read it a second time or more, you’ll have a different perspective each time. And that makes me recommend these books for at least 13 and up, but really I lean towards adult readers.
