Anna has a problem; she’s too tall for her small (and small-minded) German town. She receives little sympathy or support from her mother (also named Anna), who despairs at her daughter’s abnormality. Anna tries to navigate life towering above everyone else, tackling motherhood, and embracing her differences.
Anna is a wonderfully charming and funny graphic novel. I absolutely adore Mia Oberlander’s bold and colorful art. I always appreciate clear text in graphic novels, and Oberlander’s lettering is outstanding.
There are some hilarious moments in Anna; I especially loved the “educational video” Anna’s mother shares with her, basically telling Anna to drastically lower her standards if she wants to find a romantic partner. Oberlander creates so much humor through the absurdity of Anna’s size. I genuinely chuckled throughout.
On a deeper level, this is an empowering book about aesthetic expectations placed on women, whether within their control or not. I would gladly share this book with my young daughter.
Anna is funny, absurd, and joyous. Highly recommended.
Anna is available to buy from everywhere, but I recommend purchasing directly from Fantagraphics.
California Reading 