Å·±¦ÓéÀÖ

"Mother, Come Home" is Paul Hornschemeier's first graphic novel. I've read two of his previous books "Let Us.." and "Paradoxes" which were interesting and enjoyable with shades of Clowes and Ware. It follows the breakdown of the family once the mother dies leaving the father and son shattered. The father seems hardest hit - he is unable to function properly and the 7 year old boy soon assumes the day to day running of the household and acts as secretary to his father. Soon it's found out that the father has had a complete breakdown and he's taken away to be treated while the boy is taken in by his uncle and aunt.

The story is unremittingly tragic as we initially see the boy standing before his mother's grave wearing the last two gifts she gave him - a red cape and a lion's mask, two items he wears constantly. From then on we see the boy having to grow up and see too much for a child, made all the more difficult as he wears the lion's mask. He tries to keep what little there is left of his childhood only to have to put it aside to help his father. The ending contains a devastating revelation and an even sadder ending.

It's basically one very long and difficult cry of sadness throughout. It's hard to read but equally hard to put down. The vivid colours of everyday scenes and imaginative methods of storytelling contrast bleak, dulled colours of unbridled misery. It's straightforward and a very depressing read.