Essex County

[dadevvtsvre]

Going to make a topic about this to spur some activity here and potentially get people interested in this.

Essex County is actually a trilogy of graphic novels written and drawn by Canadian cartoonist Jeff Lemire. The three stories chronicle the lives of a small group of people through the years as their community evolves. Set in late 20th century rural Ontario, the trilogy has been described as a tender meditation on family, memory, grief, secrets, and reconciliation.

I was originally interested in the trilogy because the setting is exactly where I live. (if you ever want to know what the place I live looks and feels like, read this) It was cool to see my county represented on a global scale (or at least a national one) and see the place I've lived my whole life interpreted through somebody else's eyes. But Essex County is so much more than that for me now, and offers something for everybody.

The first story, Tales From the Farm, tells the story of a young boy living with his uncle who copes with the loss of his parents by donning a mask and cape and retreating into his imagination. His uncle has trouble trying to connect with his nephew, who finds a new friend in a retired hockey player. (

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The trilogy continues with Ghost Stories, a tale about two brothers who were also at one point hockey players. (

) One brother had a brief career in pro hockey, but decided to take on a real career, got married and moved home to Essex County. The other, not satisfied with a simple life continued on in pro hockey until his knee gave out. He eventually finds work in Toronto as a TTC driver, and comes home to Essex County 25 years later after the death of his mother. Deaf and alone, he reminisces his decisions and regrets.

Finally, The Country Nurse follows a traveling nurse who makes her rounds around Essex County. She does her best to heal old wounds, both physical and emotional. The uncle and nephew from the first story make an appearance in this volume, their story is concluded and secrets revealed. We also see a glimpse of Essex County in 1917, during a tragic event that still haunts the community.

Lemire's distinctive, expressive inking create a unique and definitive tone for the series. Done completely in black and white, it might be a little rough to used to at first. But once it reels you in, you're hooked and completely immersed in the story. (at least, I was!!)

Anyway, if graphic novels has ever piqued your interest, you owe it to yourself to read Essex County. I'm not just gushing because it's Canadian and set very close to me - it's won multiple international awards and has received critical acclaim from around the world.

It's worth checking out. Trust me.