Book Review: A Glance Backward

Book: A Glance Backward by Pierre Paquet with illustration and color by Tony Sandoval

Source: Borrowed from Publisher/NetGalley for an honest review

Publication: Available now

Publisher: Magnetic Press

Description:

Eleven-year-old Joey's world turns inside-out when he finds himself pulled inside the walls of his own home, seemingly trapped in a strange and surreal place. As he searches for a way out, he discovers a myriad of strange, intriguing, and frightening characters, who ultimately lead him to complete the greatest journey of them all: growing up.

A fantastical trip through a strange landscape that explores the changing perspective of a young boy facing adulthood. As surreal as Alice in Wonderland, with a powerful truth underneath it all. This beautifully illustrated, watercolored tale will make readers long for the simplicity of youth while embracing the wonderful complexities of adulthood: RESPONSIBILITY, LOVE, CONSEQUENCE, and ultimately the shocking, inevitable realities of LIFE and DEATH. Written by Pierre Paquet, this honest portrayal of a moment from his own life will take readers to a land of contemplation and adventure.


Rating: 3 stars

Review:

This starts out in a fun and cheerful way with Joey going to buy fireworks. Then it turned really strange and not in a fun and interesting way like Alice in Wonderland but in a dark and weird way. The description made this seem as if it was going to be a whimsical fun adventure instead the story follows 11 years old Joey who accidently found himself trapped in the walls in his house. He wandered around going to different places/worlds constantly trying to find his way home but never finding it. Nearly every place that Joey went to was scary and there appeared to be a monster chasing him.

It wasn't until you get to the end of the story that you realize what it was really about. It did make me go back and read it again. But I always feel that a story shouldn't have to make the reader wait until the end to find out what it's about yet, it did do a good job of making everything clear and understandable.

I found the way that most of the adults were drawn were either grotesque or creepy. There were a few moments where the art was clear and beautiful but in general the artwork mirrored this dark story.

This is not a book for children, it's very dark and there are some scary and violent scenes.