Tender
Ratings5
Average rating3.5
15
Ratings5
Average rating3.5
A psychological thriller about a woman obsessed with her vision for a picture-perfect, curated life.
Carolanne wanted a perfect wedding, a perfect husband, a perfect family. She carefully performs her own roles (gal pal, bestie, girlfriend, wife, and expectant mother) and in trying to enact agency over her life, sacrifices it completely. Her desire to control the uncontrollable ultimately becomes her undoing. When things don't go her way, she exerts dominance over the one thing she does have total control over: her body; until that "betrays" her. After suffering a horrible loss, Carolanne spirals into a literal, all-consuming delusion that will engross comics readers and horror aficionados alike.
Chicago cartoonist and educator Beth Hetland's graphic novel debut is a brilliant psychological thriller that tears down the wall of a genre — body horror — so often identified with male creators. Heady and visceral, Tender uses horrific tropes to confront women's societal expectations of self-sacrifice despite those traditional roles often coming at the expense of female sexuality and empowerment.
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tender follows carolanne, a woman fixated on the pursuit of an ideal existence: a flawless wedding, a perfect husband, and a curated family. as she meticulously plays her various roles, manipulating those around her to fit her vision, her desperate need for controlcauses her to unravel. when faced with uncontrollable circumstances and a devastating loss, carolanne's descent into madness takes a horrifying turn as she engages in self-harm, consuming fragments of her own flesh in a desperate attempt to regain control.
the art is the main selling point of this graphic novel. the art has an interplay of colors which intensifies the more nightmarish scenes, effectively capturing the emotional turmoil within. however, the story itself tends to lean towards the straightforward, allowing the bold art to shine while falling short in fully exploring the complex themes promised by the novel's description.
the graphic novel challenges traditional body horror norms by presenting a female perspective on self-sacrifice, societal expectations, and the consequences of relentless pursuit of an unattainable ideal. while trying to have a in-depth exploration of these themes, the narrative fell short in delivering a comprehensive and nuanced discussion of these subjects. the graphic novel touched upon the psychological toll of societal pressures and the protagonist's descent into madness, but the depth of exploration into these themes remained somewhat superficial.
thank you to fantagraphics books and netgalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Not for everyone! Very graphic, visually and mentally. I was churning a few times, especially with the ending. A good and stunning read though.
“Tender” by Beth Hetland is a solid read that delivers a strong psychological punch. The journey through Carolanne's obsessive behavior is engaging and keeps you hooked. Hetland's storytelling is on point, and the artwork complements the narrative perfectly. The strategic use of color throughout the book is especially effective, enhancing the emotional weight of key moments without overwhelming the reader.
The graphic novel's design is straightforward and effective, with a clear focus on storytelling through visuals. Despite a few moments where the pacing might not be perfect, the overall experience of reading “Tender” is satisfying. It's the kind of book that stays with you, and I'd definitely suggest giving it a read if you're into stories that explore the complexities of the mind with a strong visual element.
