Anya's Ghost Graphic Novel Review

Anya's Ghost Graphic Novel Review

Anya's Ghost is Vera Brosgol's fist graphic novel. It was published in 2011. So, you could say its relatively new. The story is about a misfit called Anya. She is a Russian immigrant trying to fit into a US school. One day, she takes a shortcut to school and winds up at the bottom of a empty well. She did not notice the well because was having a jealousy fit.  She saw the boy she liked kissing Elizabeth, the prettiest, richest, smartest girl in high school (yeah, God was feeling generous with Elizabeth). At the bottom of the well, she finds some human remains. While there trapped there, the ghost of Emily manifest.

At first, Anya feared Emily. However, she changed her mind after Emily helps Anya escape from the well. Emily is no normal ghost girl. This lil poltergeist cannot wonder far from her remains. However, she did manage to slip her pinky into Anya's bag. Things go well with Emily for a while. Through Emily's aid, Anya starts hanging out with the cool kids. Plus, her grades improve a lot (mostly cause Emily kept peeping at the other student's answer).

However, like all ghost story, Anya's Ghost soon turns into a nightmare. Emily is not as sweet and innocent as she appears. Anyhow, this graphic novel is a story of a girl coming to terms with her differences. Anya is so obsessed about turning into a blonde American woman, that she does not realize the things she has. Sometimes fitting in, is a self defeating effort.

It is also the story of someone trying to live through another. Emily, since she is dead, is trying to live through Anya. This too proved to be self defeating. After all, Anya is not Emily. Emily can never turn to Anya because she is dead. These morals are really quite depressing. Overall, this book ask the female reader to come to terms with their own limitations. It also warn about the dangers of envy (Anya envies Elizabeth, while Emily envies Anya).

Overall, the graphic novel is quite the fun read. Perfect, for a high school girl misfit. The beginning is hilarious. Oh! A word of warning... Anya does smoke cigarettes. I never liked seeing teens smoking in books aimed at them. However, I will not hold it against the author considering the interesting circumstances that helped Anya kick this bad habit. Overall, the graphic novel is very sarcastic. That's why I like it. In any case, Anya's Ghost is five Star worthy. Phistars recommends this graphic novel.