This was excellent but a REALLY hard read with graphic depictions of extreme child abuse and spousal/partner abuse that really stays with you.

This story was well-told and engaging throughout. I think it will definitely find its right audience and continue to inspire.

A difficult and poignant novel about a lady named Brenda whose childhood is marred by hardship and abuse. I found myself having to pause every so often, due to the nature of the abuse in the novel, but I was happy to read that she was able to process her trauma through therapy and get herself on the path to healing. I highly recommend this novel, but would recommend caution if you are triggered by child abuse.

Little Mama by Halim Mahmouidi is a book that is not intended to be "enjoyed" in the sense of gaining pleasure from reading. For some, that makes this a book to avoid. For those who understand that stories can help all of us to better understand the ugly aspects of life, this is a very powerful story. So, if you read just to be entertained, avoid this. if you read to also learn and gain understanding, this might be right up your alley.

First, just in case you've already read some other comments about the book, the therapist does not say the things within the context that some readers have taken it. And he absolutely did not place blame on Brenda, those comments from readers are the result of reading comprehension issues and not what this book actually says. To that end, if you take every word literally without regard for context or the surrounding sentences, this graphic novel may be over your head. This takes some effort on the reader's part.

With that out of the way, the power of this novel is not simple to describe. Yes, it is in part from actually seeing the ugliness of domestic violence and child abuse. It is also from hearing how the children shift responsibility around as a way of survival both physically and emotionally. Unfortunately, the emotional survival is at a very great cost to that child for the rest of her life. The therapist also plays a role in the power of the novel, making comments that encourage Brenda to reassess what she thinks she needs to do and how she had still been rationalizing so much of her abuse. This is where some readers seem to get confused. Words and phrases are used, turned on their ear, and offered from a different perspective. That is largely what therapists do, re-frame previous perspectives so that they can be better understood without turning away from them.

The artwork is, I think, very effective. Very little color and what there is is muted. While there are jumps from therapy sessions back to Brenda's childhood, these are often most easily distinguished through visual clues rather than clear cut verbal clues.

If you're concerned with triggers, then you might have to avoid this. Otherwise, I highly recommend this to anyone who cares at all about child abuse. A friend of mine who experienced very violent abuse found this to be very realistic and definitely reminded her of that time in her life. She had to take breaks from reading to catch her breath. She also found it very positive and hopes that this will help others to better understand when and how they can help. So not all survivors need to avoid this book, she actually found it empowering to be able to essentially revisit that time and know she came through. Everyone is different, so I won't make a blanket statement eliminating any group of potential readers. You know what you can handle far better than I do.

Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via Edelweiss.

So I actually read this graphic novel in it’s entirety, but I don’t have a whole lot to say about it and thought it best to include here. Mostly because of all of the books I’ve read this year, I should’ve DNF this one.

Every graphic novel I read I try to share some art from it as they’re a big part of enjoying the piece. But I wanted this one to be over as quickly as possible I didn’t attempt to gather any images to share.

I really should’ve known I was going to struggle reading this when I saw Destiny’s review as I added it to my “currently reading” shelf, but apparently I shrugged it off and decided no, Graphic Novel Read-a-thon month is worth it.
Content Warnings: Child Abuse, Spousal Abuse, Alcohol Abuse, Pet Murder, Self Harm, and more

Little Mama is a very heavy story, the synopsis really isn’t lying. This doesn’t make it a bad story though.

We follow Brenda as she explores her own child abuse, and her mother’s spousal abuse through the lens of a child. It is brutal.

It starts off trying to minimise the damage inflicted, the way a child might see the love in what their mother puts them through. But as the story progresses you can see her loosing that innocence and knowing what’s happening is wrong.

There’s also talk of alcohol abuse, self harm, and wanting to die.

I only kept reading it because I needed a happy ending. I was thinking to myself there’s no way this story exists without a very happy ending.

Yeah there kind of was one. Do I nesecarily believe this was worth my time even rush reading through it? No.

I didn’t need to excpereince it. I only have myself to blame.

Dark and compelling graphic novel.
Enjoyed reading this.
Looking forward to owning a physical copy.

Be prepared for darkness when reading this book. It's an exploration of the complex relationship one has with an abusive parent. The love, hate, and fear. The protagonist can't help but take care of her mother, living for those moments when she is appreciated. This is the journey out of the cycle and towards wholeness. THe presentation is a bit odd but not unreadable.

'Little Mama' by Hakim is a difficult graphic novel to get through. It deals with a harsh subject in a pretty harsh way.

Little Brenda was born to a teenage mother who is pretty bad at being a mother (or even a grown up). Little Brenda takes the brunt of her mother's anger. People outside the home take notice, but Brenda learns to cover things up for her mother's sake. She also takes care of things at home, earning her the nickname of Little Mama. When her mother gets a new boyfriend, and becomes pregnant again, things get worse for Brenda until she does what she has to do.

The art is good. The story is just so gruesomely dark. There is a lot of honestly raw emotion, and I don't know that I could recommend this to victims of abuse, because it shows a broken system, and a child that has to live in a broken home for years. This may be the case for real victims, but it feels like the framing story treats things too lightly and doesn't offer much in the way of advice, and the glimmer of hope it does offer seems too simple.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Lion Forge and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

A heartbreaking story of strength in times of adversity, <em style="color: var(--color-text);">Little Mama </em><span style="color: var(--color-text);">by Halim Mahmouidi boldly addresses the rather disturbing and horrifying subject of childhood abuse. Readers follow young Brenda through the uncomfortable truths of her childhood as she relays them to her therapist, watching her grow from birth but also from her state as a toddler as she sits upon the couch and recalls and confronts the awful moments of her past she had once run from. Now pregnant, this is the story of Brenda's resilience and fears regarding both her past and her future. </span>

In so many ways, this was a difficult read for me. The graphic levels to which the abuse is portrayed were startling, at times, and as Brenda's mother begins with a teenage pregnancy similar to that of the one my sister had--with even similar attitudes--it nearly hit close to home. Fortunately, the outcome was different as my sister never married an abusive man as Brenda's mother does. In so many ways, Brenda made to grow up early, earning herself the nickname <em>Little Mama</em> as she not only cares for her mother, but her little brother as well.

She grows up in an incredibly difficult situation with a mother who is almost never ready or qualified to be a parent. Brenda's maturity at a young age is in stark contrast to the lack of it in her own mother. I must admit that was immeasurably impressed with how the author portrayed Brenda's experiences by having her depiction in the therapists office begin with her looking like a toddler, mirroring her feelings as an adult while she revisited each of the troublesome and traumatic experiences of her childhood. By the end of the story we are left with Brenda, grown, and truly ready to face her past and future.

Dark and disturbing as this graphic novel is, the unfortunate truth about it is that the story is in fact, true. There are a great many--far too many--young children who are subjected to the traumas of such situations, who subsequently have to work through the horrifying events of their childhood as they grow into adulthood. It is a life no one should have to experience, and yet it is something that exists within our society. While difficult to read and emotionally harrowing, Brenda's tale is an important one.

Gorgeous artwork accompanies the traumatic tale, creating a viscerally uncomfortable read as a result. And in its own way, this itself is extremely important. While this book is sure to distress readers that, I think, is precisely the point. We should not feel comfortable with the events of this story. We should not feel apathetic. We should feel horrified, angry even. That this is still prevalent in the world is something that we should not shy ourselves away from simply because it upsets us.

Brenda's story is a strong one, both in her own healing and in how much it imparts truths on its readers. Though no one should suffer what this young woman had to suffer, it is forever amazing to know how resilient a human can be against the barrage of a storm.

<em>I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.</em>

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This book is not perfect. The writing is a bit choppy and broken in places. However, the courage to even put such a story to page is to be commended. Not all stories are resolved or tidy and neat and this makes this story even more real and powerful.

I'm not really sure why anyone would want to read this. It's a horrific tale of abuse, both mental and physical. There's no justice, no resolution. It's just lets watch this girl get abused throughout her life. The story telling is very disjointed as well. There's numerous passages where I wasn't sure what was happening or how it fit in with the rest of the story.

Little Mama is the story of Brenda a girl who has to grow up too fast and care for her mother due to her mother's neglect and abuse. The heartbreak I felt while reading this graphic novel was real. IT is truly a tale of survival in the face of the mounting odds. I was so proud of the author for showing us Brenda's quest for love, forgiveness and healing by going to her therapist and even reaching out to her mother after so many years. Keep the tissues handy and be ready to face that not every family can function well. Great novel.

A dark, bleak graphic novel about the cycle of child abuse and the damage it does to children. The drawing style matches the storyline. This book might give a better understanding of what it's like to live in this world, especially single parents without a positive support network.

Someone with an abusive childhood, might want to skip this one, especially if you are older, have grown children or don't want children.

Told in flashbacks, Little Mama is a harrowing story of a pregnant woman in therapy to confront her abusive childhood at the hands of her mother and stepfather.

The stark black and white artwork complimented the story incredibly well, and highlighted the more brutal moments of the book in a devastating fashion. Little Mama is an intensely raw and powerful story that makes for a difficult read, more so as it does not hold back in any way shape or form. This isn't a book for anyone looking for a light and easy read.

While I'm not sure I could go so far as to say I found it an enjoyable read, its realistic portrayal of family abuse, systematic failures within authority is too important not to appreciate it at the very least

3.5 stars

I find it incredibly poignant when graphic novels delve into some of the most difficult and heartbreaking personal narratives - there is just something about the juxtaposition of a medium that is steeped in my childhood used to depict moments of humanity's pain and anguish.

<i>Little Mama</i> is definitely on of those graphic novels. It's a veritable punch to the solar plexus. Trigger warnings abound for this novel as it is one full of abuse and the failure of those in the know and in power to stop the cycle of abuse. Told from the perspective of an adult, Brenda (aka Little Mama - the nickname given to her due to her parentalizing through her abuse), in therapy recounting the horrific abuse received at the hands of her mother and her mother's boyfriend. It is brutal in parts. I am pretty good at handling this kind of material and there was one point, in particular, that really threw me off-kilter. And, the blind and negligent eye of the system is rage-inducing.

The sad thing is that there is a lot of truth in what is depicted. Still, the story is one of survival and inherent strength of the narrator in refusing to continue the cycle of abuse. The illustrations are great. In particular, the cover illustration is absolutely exquisite and what brought me to the novel in the first place. The story wanders a bit too much. however, drawing focus away from the story of Brenda.

Not for the faint of heart but one that is worth a look if one can deal with the subject matter.

Thank you netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.

A young woman is receiving therapy and tells a harrowing story of child abuse and neglect at the hands of her mother. That abuse continues as she gets older and worsens when her mother finds a partner who is also abusive.

The woman is nicked named 'Little Mama' because she tries to take care of her abusive mother even as a child. It is a shocking story but told in a way that is powerful. Eventually the young woman who is called Brenda manages to break away from her abusive mother and form a life of her own. The therapy she receives enables her to confront the abuse and to eventually reach out to her estranged mother.

The story also explores the failings of the authorities to prevent the abuse. It is a hard and disturbing story told through some really good artwork. The story finishes on a hopeful note. Although it was hard to read I really appreciated the artwork and the thought that must hve gone into telling such a harrowing story in such a powerful way.

Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

This graphic novel tells us the story of Brenda, who has had an abusive childhood. This was a harsh graphic novel to read since it deals with difficult yet very real topics. It deals with teen pregnancy, child abuse and toxic relationships to name a few. I think it did a really good job in bringing awareness to all of these harsh topics. Nevertheless, it also gave us a realistic “happy ending” (is you can call it that). Even though Brenda has suffered she seeks not to repeat the pattern and goes to therapy and talks about her pains and forgives. And even though Brenda’s mom wasn’t the best mom, I’m glad she in the end (though a little late) defended her children and acknowledged her mistakes. As for the color scheme and the illustration style, I really liked them but separately. Since there were only three colors used and then illustration style was more on the “messy” style, it at times was difficult to identify faces or objects on the panels. Nevertheless, it wasn’t too bad, and it didn’t hinder my reading experience. Besides that, it was a really solid graphic novel, and I would totally recommend it.

I was attracted to this because of the gorgeous cover, but I didn't expect it to be so brutal and honest and gut wrenching. My mind is still trying to process. An amazing read for people who are able to give it a shot.

This one I felt right in the heart. With it's dark and sometimes telling artwork this book shows a little girl growing up in an abusive home, neglected and punished and still trying to look after her family. I read it in one sitting, with my heart in my throat most of the time. Most horrible was it to see how the social services apparently wouldn't or couldn't do anything to help the poor child and I think about all the children in the world, probably in my own city, never getting the help they need.

The story is told through flashbacks during Brenda's, Little mama, sessions with a psychologist. I think the way her maturing was portrayed was strong and moving.

Needless to say, this book made thoughts spin and I think it ended just as it should - openly and honestly. This isn't a book to read if you don't want anything intense and raw. There are explicit pictures of violence and child
abuse that you should be aware of. It's not only talked of.

A fantastic book, really. Thank you Netgalley and the published for letting me have the opportunity to read this! The thoughts here are entirely my own reactions to reading the book.

/ Denise

It’s not every day I start a book and can’t put it down. But that is precisely what happened when I decided to start reading Little Mama one night. I have said numerous times that the art form of a comic book can tell any story, and with this book, that idea is cemented down. Little Mama is an authentic, harsh look at the life of a little girl who endured abuse, neglect, and more, raising herself and looking out for her family like, well, like a little mama.

From Magnetic Press, an imprint of Lion Forge and Polarity, Little Mama is from writer/artist Halim Mahmouidi, and it tells a story that will shake you to your core. The story follows Brenda, from being a small child to a single mother herself. She has a young mother who wasn’t ready to be a mom, one that beats her and mistreats her. But things get worse when Brenda’s mom brings home her new live-in boyfriend, Vincent. When Brenda gets a little brother, the story takes the young life of Brenda and shows you just how horrible humanity can be.

The book, done in a black, white and teal color palette, is so raw, so unforgiving, it will open your eyes to the world of abuse, and the strength a little girl has to change her life. I was in awe more than one, and I couldn’t put this over 190-page book down until I finished it. Mahmouidi crafts a tale that pulls no punches, but neither does abuse, right? I really appreciate the hard look at Brenda’s life, and I hope it wakes up the readers to the world around them. Because, sadly, abuse is helping all around use. The humiliation and neglect Brenda endures is something that children are going through right now.

Another theme in the book is the question of whether there is an innate, natural language instilled in humanity, naturally, since birth. By the end of the book, we get an answer, an answer that answers it all. The story is told in a flashback manner as Brenda visits a psychologist while she is an adult with a child. We literally see Brenda mature through the sessions, as she is presented as a child when she is in her sessions, and as she opens up, we see her grow older until she reaches her present age at the end of the book. It’s an amazing way to tell this story of tragedy and triumph.

Little Mama might be the most important graphic novel to hit shelves this year, and that isn’t an overstatement. Magnetic Press, Lion Forge, and Polarity have brought a masterpiece to the U.S. comic book world, and I encourage you to give this a read. It is an insightful, emotional, mature readers book that deserves your attention. It has mine.