Having enjoyed Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh in January 2016, I keenly followed her work only to learn the author withdrew from public life (and the world) after a series of devastating personal tragedies. These life changing events included the breakdown of her marriage and subsequent divorce, the divorce of her parents, a serious medical condition requiring drastic surgery and the suicide of her sister.
After six or seven years of seclusion and constantly updated release dates for her book, Allie Brosh has emerged with the long awaited book Solutions and Other Problems. It's clear right away that Brosh has used her artwork in an attempt to explore and examine her own inner demons and try to deal with her struggles.
Covering topics of mental health, depression, grief and loneliness, you'd be forgiven for worrying this might be a misery memoir or an exercise in navel gazing. I can assure you it's not.
This graphic memoir made me laugh and reflect on my own life and relationships, and the stories involving her sister were incredibly touching and moving. Demonstrating enormous strength of character to openly admit your fears and weaknesses, Solutions and Other Problems seems (to this reader anyway) to demonstrate huge personal growth for the author.
Like many fans, I just want to give this introvert a big hug, but in real life that would be weird. I borrowed this copy from the library and I was sad to return it, but hopeful it will touch the next reader as it did me.
I wouldn't be surprised if Solutions and Other Problems by Allie Brosh was one of my top 10 books of 2022. Highly recommended!
