KC Queer Readers discussion

The first part introduces us to Bechdel's childhood home, a monstrous Victorian place with decorations and furniture straight from the nineteenth century. Is there something Bechdel is trying to tell us by setting the book up with that house?

Bechdel's father is obviously an unusual man from the beginning. What are your first impressions?

Literature references are pretty heavy in this book. Why do you think Bechdel leans on the classics?

First off, i really liked this book. The pacing and story were excellent, and the artwork was beautiful and complementary to the action.

Seeing the obsessive care her father put into the house was actually really sad, showing how he externalized the desire for "perfection" and for things to "look right" as a way to cope with his percieved internal "imperfection". My first impression of him was " what a jerk", but as the story goes on the author does a really good job of creating a sense of compassion for his struggles without excusing or dismissing his jerkish behavior.

I agree. I was very impressed with Bechdel's ability to separate herself from the story, even though she's writing about her father.