cover image Eustace

Eustace

S.J. Harris. Random House/Jonathan Cape, $26.95 (280p) ISBN 978-0-2240-9358-3

Harris emerges on the graphic novel scene with a striking, charming, and hilarious debut. Eustace is a very sickly and lonely eight year old, who lies ill in his bed all day, with only the occasional auntie to visit him with wet kisses and powerful aromas. Eustace’s mother, father, and beloved brother have all effectively abandoned him, and he waits all day for the arrival of his horrible soup and delicious cough medicine, talking to imaginary strangers. Soon, however, his Uncle Lucy sneaks into his room, hiding from the police, bringing with him an assortment of criminals. Soon Eustace is drinking, smoking, and befriending prostitutes, surrounded by an ever more crushing and lively party of adults. Harris’s spidery pencil drawings are delicate, expressive, and captivating; his page layouts are ingenious; and the writing is top quality, often beautiful. Eustace is an endearing, strange character who is easy to love. Even when it’s unclear whether Eustace is dreaming,, it doesn’t matter—this is an amazing book that is introducing an important new talent. (Dec.)