Thanks to Netgalley for the review copy!

Annoyingly, my digital copy only included the first 200 pages so I only know the first half of the book. From what I read, I think I liked the book! It was confusing the way it narrated using "you" while speaking of the past. I couldn't always tell who it referred to. I think it would've cleared up more by the end, but I can't speak to that yet.

I liked the coloring and style. And the way the panels tracked the various rooms and character motion throughout.

I loved the art style and the topics of grief, family relationships and hidden trauma. But it felt super slow and very eh. I feel a lot of graphic novels struggle with pacing, and fleshing out so much in such little time. This felt very underwhelming, it felt like pieces were missing and there wasn't really enough time to care about these characters. I found many panels hard to read, being both a combination of the font/script used and the layout as a digital book.

This read starstruck me in ways I don’t even understand. There’s a lot of generational grief underlying (barely, it’s very forefront if you look hard enough) that I do understand and a lot that I couldn’t possibly ever grasp. I think it was almost uncomfortable at times with how the illustrations depict the ever lasting loss. But beautiful in a sense that this is so realistic and broken. Something so many will connect with.

**I received an ARC** I look forward to reading the rest when able because the first 200 pages are fabulous. We get to go along with Rocio as she reflects on her grandmothers life and how that has affected her. It shows us generation to generation how women have been taught to be less and accept what they’re given until we have a family curse breaker. Rooting for Rocio in the second half.

I really enjoyed the visual style of this graphic novel: the vibrant colors, the details in the background of the panels. The beginning setup of the story is compelling as I was immediately curious about the relationship between Rocio and her grandmother, who has recently passed away. I anticipated following Rocio's journey as she uncovered family secrets, establishing her own identity in the process. However, the narrative is much looser than this, giving much less of a firm narrative than I would like. The characters remained frustratingly lacking in self-awareness, making it difficult to sympathize even when we learned some of the reasons for their behavior--in particular Vilma, Rocio's grandmother.
I most wanted to know about Rocio's great-uncle Antonio and her best friend, though these characters appear relatively briefly in the story. I was intrigued enough to keep reading, but felt the narrative left open more questions than it answered, sort of trailing off rather than bringing things to a conclusion.

A story about a woman in Argentina who inherits her grandmother's house when she passes away. The granddaughter then discovers her diary and learns about what a troubled life she led. The art style in this was just plain fugly. Everyone was drawn to look like Lurch from <i>The Addams Family</i> including the women. The story also makes the cardinal sin of using cursive in the lettering. It's so freaking hard to read. It always pulls me out of the story as I'm just trying to decipher the text in each panel.

Rocio moves to the house of her dead grandmother, Vilma, and discovers all the painful memories that the woman had left.

The story is dark and sad and this emerge in the artwork. Almost as if the author wanted to arouse a sense of oppression in the reader.

However, the story unites two women who at first seem completely different but actually are very similar. Both independent, ambitious and strong.

Mothballs is a very particular graphic novel that deals with sensitive topics (such as abuse).
The important thing is that it teaches you to never judge a person only by their appearance because there is much more hidden underneath.
Vilma at the beginning appears as a woman hated by everyone but almost no one knows her background and what she had to go through.
Overall it was a great read that I would recommend.

Thanks so much to NetGalley and the Fantagraphics Books for letting me read this title in exchange for my feedback.

This was different than what I was expecting. It was an interesting story that I read in one sitting, but the end felt so rushed. I also think the choice of cursive font made the book hard to read at times. I'm curious if this will be a series or just standalone. I want more of Antonio!

Thank you to NetGalley and Fantagraphics Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I absolutely adore graphic novels and find the format to be great for memoirs, so this book was right up my alley.

To begin with, this book is HEAVY. Physically, it's only a few hundred pages, but mentally and emotionally, this is a rough book to finish. I knew that it dealt with heavy themes going in, but unlike other books that deal with similar subjects, the only reprieve you get is saying "oh look, a cat," every fifty pages.

Speaking of finishing the book, though, NetGalley ARC readers are only given the first 200 pages of a 336 page book, so I find it very difficult to properly review this story.

Pro: The art-style and color palette were both unique, and I really enjoyed that aspect!
Con: The cursive was really hard to read on my phone, I wish this had been available to read through it on my desktop. I'm not sure if that would have helped but maybe?
Pro: This was my first book I've ever read set in 20th and 21st century Argentina, and I really enjoyed venturing into the culture and rich history of the country and the family in the story

If I'm able to read this book once it's released, I can read the full book and update my review. I didn't want to select any stars, since I'm unable to properly judge the full book without the ending.
NetGalley says I have to, so I'll do it in the middle at 3 stars.

CW:
- parental abuse
- rape
- homophobic slurs
- gaslighting
- homophobic violence
- sexual violence

The illustrations in the graphic novel are striking and original. This is a moving family story with a unique presentation. Recommend.

Mothballs by Sole Otero is a thought-provoking graphic novel that throws light on a patriarchal society. The story moves between past and present, telling us how a family settled themselves in an unknown land. Although the graphics were a little bit confusing for me, But the real story is when you reach halfway through the book. I liked the mix of different cultures, LGBT people, and sexual violence. The book ends on a beautiful note of love and acceptance. Definitely, the book deserves 4 stars.

I thought the story was interesting here and wanted to like it more but the art style was off putting for me. It’s one of the dangers of graphic novels - while art can enhance your response to a story, it can always draw you away from it. There’s nothing wrong with the art; it’s just not a style I like, and a result I ended up feeling distanced from the story.

This is a beautifully illustrated story about a girl stepping into the life of her grandmother as she works to break free from the familial cycle of pressure and following the advice of those who "know best." I was captivated by the first 200 pages and wish that the full text was available!

3.5 stars. Thank you netgalley and fantagraphic books, for an arc to review.

Normally I don’t read graphic novels but recently I have been wondering if I could like them if they were in a more literary genre. I found this one on netgalley and liked the cover art and was also intrigued as it was translated from Argentina and I also like South American literature.

And while I did like it I just don’t think for me personally a graphic novel can really do what a novel can. My favorite bits were the scenes without words and the art carried the story forward. These were the most powerful and I feel out of the story When I am reading constant dialogue. I did like the ending. Also I did find some of the cursive hard to read, though I feel that might be side effect of reading to on my phone. Hopefully it is larger and clearer in the printed text.

"Mothballs" by Sole Otero unfolds as a poignant family saga that bridges the generational gap between grandmother and granddaughter. Set against the backdrop of Buenos Aires in 2001, the narrative follows the life of Vilma, whose passing brings forth a cascade of curiosity from her 19-year-old granddaughter, Rocio.

The conspicuous absence of friends and relatives at Vilma's funeral becomes the catalyst for Rocio to explore the depths of her family's history. As she moves into her grandmother's home, the narrative weaves seamlessly between early 20th-century Italy and 21st-century Argentina. Otero crafts a poetic comparison between the lives of these two strong-willed and ambitious women, both grappling with societal expectations and familial pressures.

The novel delves into the complex dynamics of the family, revealing a history shrouded in tragedy. Vilma and Rocio, separated by time but connected by their shared determination, face the challenge of forging their paths amidst societal norms. The narrative explores the theme of women seeking autonomy in the face of constraints, highlighting the resilience and courage required to break free from predetermined paths.

Otero's storytelling is marked by rare nuance and sensitivity, capturing the multifaceted layers of familial relationships. The graphic novel format adds a visual dimension to the narrative, allowing for moments of tenderness, vulnerability, and whimsy to shine through amidst the pain. Otero's artistry serves as a tour de force in the global comics scene, showcasing her talent in conveying complex emotions and intricate family dynamics.

"Mothballs" is not just a tale of familial struggle; it's a testament to the strength of women navigating through the complexities of their respective eras. As Rocio seeks to understand and break free from the chains of history, the novel becomes a powerful exploration of identity, resilience, and the indomitable spirit that connects generations. Sole Otero emerges as a major talent in the world of comics, leaving an indelible mark with this emotionally charged and visually stunning narrative.

✨ARC Review✨

📚Mothballs by Sole Otero📚

In life, we are so easy to judge everyone without even knowing the true character of a person. This story follows a gril named, Ro, as she slowly opens a story about her grandmother — who recently passed away. It was captivating and heartwarming. This is such a wonderful story that captivated my heart. The illustrations were not the same as the modern mangas I read but it took me back to the earlier years. It was nostalgic and the story is contemporary that many of us can relate to.

Thank you Netgalley and Fantagraphics for this ARC!

A profoundly moving graphic novel that weaves together the stories of a grandmother and her granddaughter in a narrative rich with emotion and depth. The book's artistry is stunning—fresh, unique, colorful, and brimming with creativity. It adds a vivid dimension to the storytelling, making each page a visual delight.

The narrative is highly evocative, exploring the complex, often painful relationship between past and present. As the granddaughter delves into her grandmother's life, she uncovers a story of a brilliant woman constrained by the false promises and patriarchal expectations of her time. It's a tale as old as time, yet it resonates with heartbreaking freshness. The portrayal of generational trauma, the cycle of abuse, and the theme of 'hurt women hurting women' is powerfully depicted and thought-provoking. While the grandmother's journey may not be new, how Otero presents it is both compelling and insightful. The emotional impact of learning about a loved one's challenging past, especially after their passing, is captured with a sensitivity that is both raw and nuanced.

The abrupt ending, signaling this is only the first volume, left me eagerly anticipating the next part of the story. Mothballs brilliantly sets the stage for a deeper exploration of family, trauma, and the legacy we leave behind. It's a must-read for anyone who appreciates graphic novels that tell a story and evoke a profound emotional response.

Mothballs is easily the most beautiful graphic novel I've ever read. The art was a pleasant juxtaposition to what was actually at times a difficult read about the curses of generational trauma. I was really captivated by the tragedy that was Vilma's story, but found that I was less interested in what was happening with Ro.

I finished what was provided in the ARC, which is apparently only the first 2/3 of the novel, and I feel like splitting it for advance readers was a disservice because I can't give the most accurate review or rating since the story is so unfinished in my experience. I was left with an abrupt ending that is leaving me wanting for more, specifically when it comes to Ro's somewhat undeveloped (so far) character.

Mothballs stood out immediately due its superlative illustration style. The colour stories were vibrant and juxtaposed with endless patterns told such an impactful story. It effectively captured subtext and psychology through the illustrations. The amount of planning and scene breakdowns that go into making a graphic novel brings to mind all the days we spent in film school doing shot breakdowns.

This is a story of an estranged relationship between grandmother and grand daughter which unravels once the grandmother has passed away and the grand daughter and our protagonist, Ro moves into her grandmother's house. Ro initially remembers the horrid encounters she had had with her grandmother over varied things, may that be the clothes she wore, her feminist outlook or her calling as a photographer. These had led Ro to stop talking and visiting her grandmother and now having seen her sparse funeral and moving into her house, Ro can't help but discover the minutiae of her grandmother's life that made her the way she was.

Ro whilst cleaning her grandmother's house, finds her memories returning to her. Those in which her grandmother loved and spoilt her, those in which she had travelled with her and unexpectedly come to face the reality that her grandmother had been sexually assaulted. This adds to Ro's intensive need to establish what truly happened to her grandmother. It starts with her great grandparents who fled Italy to Buenos Aires, to World War 2, an alcoholic father, forced marriage to a neighbourhood boy and the bitterness of each misfortune.

A raw story of two women coming-of-age in two different eras and worlds. It is packed with great writing and immaculate visuals. Highly recommend!

Thank you Fantagraphics and NetGalley for the ARC.

Well, that was depressing. Story wise, this was heavy and sad and hard to get through. I'm not sure if the story was based on the real lives of the author's family, but it felt that way. I didn't like any of the characters, and while I was sad for how circumstances shaped them, everyone was so selfish and cruel to each other that I left the story feeling sick to my stomach and all around depresso-espresso.

The stars come for the art style, though. I was surprised by a few nude images, so just a heads up for readers. But this was styled so beautifully, and the colors and creativity that went into it took my breath away. I love it when graphic novels really play into their medium. This story wouldn't have worked the same if told in any other format, which is important, in my opinion, to having a great graphic novel. I enjoyed just gazing at the art work, even while the story ripped my heart out and stomped on it.

Thank you to NetGalley for the e-arc.