Infidel

Despite having decided to love Infidel before starting it, I did not. I love horror, graphic novels, and diverse literature, and this is all three, so I'm surprised this wasn't my favorite. There were parts I liked: the illustrations were chaotic and scary. Their effect is the closest a comic can get to a jump scare. I also appreciate the relevance of any horror text exploring the suffering caused by xenophobia and racism.However, the plot felt disjointed and flimsy. If there had been more build-up or exposition, I think it would have drawn me in more. Also, the stakes raised so abruptly. The change from “what's going on? maybe I just need a good night's sleep” to “everyone is either comatose or dead now” was sudden. The word that comes to mind is jagged, which is admittedly a weird way to describe a book. I think what I really wish is that this book about a Muslim woman had been written by a Muslim woman.Infidel is kind of (not really) like if [b:Good Talk 34953002 Good Talk A Memoir in Conversations Mira Jacob https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1540088521l/34953002.SX50.jpg 56227420] went impossibly wrong. Both are graphic novels about women of color with white male partners who struggle to feel accepted by their in-laws, associates, and really American society in general. Of course, Good Talk is a memoir and Infidel is horror fiction. But both Aisha and Mira wrestle with American identity. Both struggle to find belonging and security in the place they call home. It goes a lot worse for Aisha.