I feel like graphic novels often get a bad rap, but I love them. They’re good for getting reluctant readers into books and a great for adults who want to read, but are too tired or weary to concentrate for terribly long (me today).
I loved the premise of this book, but having never read a graphic novel on my kindle before I almost passed this up. I then decided to bite the bullet and give it a try. While the formatting was wonky, it was easy enough to follow and was a beautiful story.
Steeped with Buddhist culture this follows a college aged young woman named Kit on the 49 day journey the deceased go on after dying, ending with reincarnation. On this journey we watch Kit struggle with grieving the life she lost and fondly thinking of memories throughout her life. We also see her family going through the traditional Buddhist mourning process. The way Agnes Lee has woven these two story lines together is truly remarkable.
Because of a curse word and the fact that Kit’s death is speculated this book is definitely geared for the young adult audience. While the subject matter is heavy, it’s a beautiful look into the Buddhist culture and how different families grieve. Thank you to NetGalley and Levine Querido for an advanced copy of this. 49 Days hits the shelves on March 5th.

This is a great introduction to a part of Buddhism culture while showing both sides of grief through this emotional storyline with a simple and calm art style that was very fitting to the overall tone of the story. I also appreciated that it showed how dedication to a religion can vary while still being true to its culture and ways of practice.

Agnes Lee's "49 Days" is a hauntingly beautiful exploration of grief, redemption, and the enduring power of love. Set against the backdrop of contemporary Seoul, this novel takes readers on a mesmerizing journey through the afterlife as experienced by the protagonist, Ji Soo.

The premise of the novel centers around the Buddhist belief in the journey of the soul after death, specifically the 49-day period in which the deceased undergoes various trials and tribulations before reaching their final destination. Lee masterfully weaves together elements of mysticism and folklore, creating a rich tapestry of supernatural encounters and spiritual revelations.

At its core, "49 Days" is a deeply emotional story that delves into the complexities of human relationships and the profound impact of loss. Through Ji Soo's journey, we witness the depths of her grief as she grapples with the sudden death of her beloved husband. Lee's portrayal of Ji Soo's anguish is raw and visceral, evoking empathy and resonance from the reader.

As Ji Soo navigates the realm of the afterlife, she encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own unfinished business and unresolved conflicts. These interactions serve as a catalyst for Ji Soo's own healing journey, as she confronts her past and comes to terms with her grief.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its evocative prose and vivid imagery. Lee paints a vivid portrait of Seoul, capturing the city's bustling streets and tranquil landscapes with equal finesse. Her descriptive language immerses the reader in Ji Soo's world, creating a sense of intimacy and immediacy that is both captivating and immersive.

Ultimately, "49 Days" is a poignant meditation on the nature of loss, love, and the human spirit. Agnes Lee's lyrical writing and deeply empathetic storytelling make this novel a powerful and unforgettable read. Whether you're drawn to tales of the supernatural or stories of personal growth and transformation, "49 Days" is sure to leave a lasting impression on your heart and soul.

In Korean Buddhism, it is believed that one must travel for 49 days after they die before they fully cross over. I have to admit, without being told that in the blurb of the book, I would have been lost. But, knowing that, the book makes sense to me. It is cut between a young lady on her 49 day traverse and the people she left behind. It dealt with loss, grief, acceptance. On both sides of the story. It is not a long read, but it is one that read twice because of its thoughtfulness. I enjoy learning about other cultures and other religions, and I got to do both in this book.

A really simple but effective and emotional story about a girl and her family and friends coming to terms with her sudden death--her from beyond the mortal world and them from within it. You absolutely have to read the description to get what’s going on, but once I was in it and on the journey through grief to acceptance, I couldn't put it down. I loved the use of color to differentiate between the afterlife, the mortal world’s present, and flashbacks.

*Thank you netgalley and publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this story*
What an emotional little graphic novel. In Buddhist traditions your soul must travel for 49 days before it fully moves on. I loved reading Kit's adventures for her 49 days of travel and how her friends and family's story is intertwined through each adventure. We get to feel the grief and emotions they're going through from the loss of a friend/daughter/sister. The story is deliberately left vague so the reader can interpret it in many different ways. Grief over a lost one isn't linear and you see that in this story. I loved the artwork and all the feelings that came from the illustrations.

3.5 stars

This graphic novel is inspired by Buddhist tradition and follows someone during the 49 days of travel after death. Kit, a Korean-American teenager, finds herself on this path sooner than expected and this story was heartbreaking. At first glance, the story may feel simplistic but the themes of death, grief, love, and loss are powerful. The story is told in two perspectives: Kit and her 49 days of travel, and the loved ones she left behind grieving the loss of a loved one. As Kit travels through these 49 days, we find her navigating difficult emotions and obstacles, paired with different flashbacks of her life. One thing to note is that this story didn't have a clear climax or resolution and in that regard, it fell a bit flat for me. However, I also found that to be beautiful as it opened up the story for your own reflections and interpretation. I don't think this story needed overt details to convey its powerful message.

Thank you NetGalley for an Advance Reader Copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

I was loved the premise of this story, but the artwork in the advanced copy didn’t resonate with me. Nonetheless, I believe many connect with this journey of grief and acceptance. I may revisit this story when I have access to a copy that fully realizes the intended artwork.

In a narrative unlike any other,49 Days embarks on a graphic novel journey inspired by Buddhist tradition, highlighting the forty-nine days of travel after death before complete transcendence.

Through Agnes Lee's evative storytelling and captivating illustrations, the graphic novel intertwines themes of death, grief, and love, inviting readers to reevaluate their own perspectives on loss and resilience. By following Kit's emotional evolution and her encounters with spirits from both past and present, readers embark on a parallel journey of growth and understanding. The narrative not only serves as a testament to human vulnerability but also celebrates the strength found in community and enduring relationships. As Kit grapples with the intricacies of her own emotions and memories, readers are encouraged to confront their fears and uncertainties surrounding mortality. In this way,49 Days transcends cultural and spiritual boundaries, offering a universal message about the shared human experience of navigating life and death. Through the lens of Kit's poignant odyssey, Agnes Lee reminds us of the intrinsic value of connections forged in life and the profound impact of love that extends beyond the boundaries of time and space.

Kit is on a journey she didn't ask for: in Buddhist tradition, it takes 49 days for the spirit of a recently deceased person to pass over to the next life, but Kit hadn't expected to be on this path anytime soon.

Drawn in spare, black-and-white illustrations, "49 Days" proves to be quietly devastating. Alongside Kit's journey, we see the parallel journeys of the people she's left behind—family, mostly, but also some friends—and memories of the time before. What's particularly resonant, I think, is Kit's own grief; just as her family is not ready for her to be gone, she is not ready to leave them behind. I'm not a crier, but I suspect that this will be a tear-jerker for many.

This feels like something new in both graphic novels and books about grief. I'd also recommend Marie Mutsuki Mockett's "Where the Dead Pause, and the Japanese Say Goodbye" to readers who want a further look at grief in non-Western cultures.

Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

4.5⭐

This was a fast-paced read with a deeply embedded, profound meaning. Describing the 49-day journey of the soul between life and rebirth, it sketches key details about the Buddhist beliefs in an emotional and thoughtful way. The story made me tear up several times, either through the main character's trip towards accepting the fate or through the mourning of family and friends.

I also enjoyed the key elements related to the Korean culture and the lighthearted vibe of the characters, even towards such a tough topic. The colours that alternate between perspectives and the simple, but beautiful graphics fit the story. All in all, a great exploration of these traditions, the fragility of life and the stages of grief.

I cried so hard reading this book.
This is the story of Kit’s journey in the afterlife, and how her family mourned for her. This book is very poignant in its simplicity. There is never any really crazy heart-wrench grief scenes. We are never shown how Kit died. We are shown how, little by little, the family and friends mourn and celebrate Kit.
I don’t know much about Buddahism but I did really enjoy this book.
I cried so very hard. This book hurts in such a profound way, I don’t have many other words to describe it.

I really liked the concept of this graphic novel. Inspired by Buddhist tradition, the story follows a recently departed soul for the 49 days that they must journey in a state of transition between death and rebirth. It also follows a parallel storyline of the loved ones of this soul in both the past and present.

The art is simple but impactful, and it certainly enhances the story. I loved the use of color to delineate the storylines in an easy to recognize way. There wasn’t a whole lot of text, so the images really carry their weight here.

I think the story will resonate with many people. It didn’t click with me, but I think that was in part because the words in the eARC were detached from the images and often the formatting of the text made it a little confusing. So because the words and the images felt disjointed, I think that impacted my overall experience. Overall, I would recommend it to others.

Thank you to NetGalley, Levine Querido, and Agnes Lee for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for an honest review!

In many Buddhist traditions, it takes 49 days for someone to transition from death to the next stage toward rebirth. In this story, the person is a Korean-American teenager, and we see her journey and her family's as they come to grips with, develop an understanding of, and come to accept what has just happened. Poignant, not maudlin, and an accessible way to introduce the concept of this space, which has many names, depending on individual countries' and sects' practices. Illustrations are in subtle colors and convey a certain serene objectivity to scenes.

49 Days is the debut graphic novel by Agnes Lee. I have no doubt this will not be her last.
49 Days is about grief, loss, acceptance, and love.
In the Buddhist tradition, a person's soul remains in a state between life and rebirth for 49 days. During that time, those left behind perform the funeral rites, praying for their soul.
This is a concept new to me, and one I never thought about. What does the deceased do during that time, and how do those left behind remember them?
Agnes Lee gives one answer here, and in the end it is a beautiful idea of what happens after we have no more time.
Ms. Lee wanted this to not be a maudlin book, and I suppose it isn't but I will not deny it made me cry.
It made me think of the loved ones I lost and how their 49 days may have gone. I sincerely hope their time ended as beautifully as Kit's did.
Anyone who has ever lost someone should read this, if for no other reason than to know you are not alone in your feelings.

Highly recommended.
49 Days will be published March 05, 2024 by Levine Querido

Thanks to @netgalley for the opportunity to read this eArc in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.

An exploration of life, all that makes one's own fulfilling, and what comes after, through the lens of Bardo, the state between life and rebirth where a person's soul travels for 49 days before it can move on to the next life in Buddist tradition.

Equally heartbreaking and bittersweet, 49 days is a story about family, grief, and all of the little things that make one's life worth living. It celebrates Korean culture even while it subtly touches on the frustration of being percieved as different. I loved how grief was portrayed in this book: it was subtle and unpredictable, sneaking in on the characters instead of being the narrative's dominant theme. I also loved how, while 49 days is mainly about death and grief, the author had managed to keep the overall atmosphere casual, even lighthearted every now and then.

This was such a beautiful story of grief and loss. The illustrations were so lovely and there were just enough words to provide context without detracting from the imagery. Made me tear up. I don't normally read a lot of graphic novels but this made me want to read more!

I would like to express my gratitude for the Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book, generously provided by the publisher through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

Agnes Lee's debut graphic novel, "49 Days," takes readers on a powerful journey through death, grief, and love. Kit, a Korean American girl, navigates the afterlife in accordance with Buddhist tradition, offering a unique perspective on loss.

Lee's bold storytelling and evocative illustrations bring emotional depth to the narrative. The exploration of longing and loneliness in the face of death is both captivating and deeply moving.

"49 Days" earns a well-deserved four stars for its ability to convey the complexity of emotions surrounding loss. Agnes Lee's masterful storytelling and artistic prowess make this graphic novel a compelling and unforgettable experience.

Beautiful and insightful look at the impact of grief on a family and how mourning traditions may vary.

I was not familiar with this Buddhist tradition about what happens to a soul following death. This graphic novel offers a glimpse into the concept without being too heavy.

Thank you Levine Querido and NetGalley for the advanced electronic review copy of this book. This is a beautiful, touching exploration of grief, tradition, and moving forward after a loss. Very heartfelt and emotional, it is a great way to learn about other cultures and traditions.