Coming away from this book, I found myself thinking that the graphic novel was the perfect medium for memoir. The fact that Bechdel is not only able to tell the story of herself and her father, but also to chronicle perfect details such as the wallpaper, the bric a brac, the outfits and other scrapbook style elements of her childhood, make it feel closer to a film than a book - but of course it's hard to have the same level of personal control over a film that an excellent writer-artist can over a book like this one.

A beautiful, powerful piece. I have her followup, Are You My Mother, on my shelf - have had since it was released, and haven't yet been able to bring myself to read it. I often have this problem with books I know are going to be exceptionally good.

There are two things I really liked about this book: the protagonist is a professional woman, and most of the conflicts in the story come from her job rather than a separate quest/plot; and I wasn't entirely sure from beginning to end whether it was science fiction or fantasy. I think you can make an argument for both - and I love fantasy which is treated with the same rigorous plotting and construction as science fiction.

I didn't realise Rowena had received criticism for including Orrade in her books. I wonder what those people would think of mine. *grins*

I think you're absolutely right that male and female writers are judged differently for using the same techniques, and in particular that male authors often get praised to the skies for doing what is routinely done by female fantasy writers.

Have you read Glenda Larke's new trilogy yet? I'm really enjoying it - not quite as fast paced as King Rolen's Kin (it would be hard to beat Rowena in this regard), but still very rich, vibrant epic fantasy with a good mixture of character drama in between all the swords and magic. I think both authors have similar sensibilities when it comes to worldbuilding and the portrayal of damaged royal families.

If it's the story I think it is (Dragon Reserve, Home Eight) it's the first DWJ piece I ever read, and one of my favourite short stories of all time!

If it's Diana Wynne Jones keeping you away then I totally forgive you. She's awesome!