This Place Kills Me: A Graphic Novel – A Journey Through Loneliness and Mystery
When I first picked up This Place Kills Me by Mariko Tamaki, I was instantly drawn in by the raw emotional weight of the story. Tamaki’s past seems to echo through her work, and I couldn’t help but feel intrigued by the promise of uncovering both a mystery and the complexities of teenage life through Abby Kita’s eyes. The setting of the 90s, a decade often romanticized but filled with its own struggles, made me reflect on my own experiences, and it felt like the perfect backdrop for a tale of loneliness and resilience.
At its core, This Place Kills Me revolves around Abby, a new girl at an all-girls boarding school grappling with feelings of isolation and anger. The plot thickens as she becomes entwined in the tragic mystery of a classmate, the star of the school’s theatre troupe, who has been found dead under suspicious circumstances. While the narrative doesn’t follow a classic thriller arc, the haunting atmosphere of unresolved grief lingers throughout, perfectly capturing the devastating struggles of adolescence.
Tamaki’s writing resonates on a deeply personal level. I found myself empathizing with Abby’s emotional journey so profoundly that it sometimes left me uncomfortable. The portrayal of teenage girls and the viciousness that can surface within female friendships felt painfully real. It was a reminder of how easy it can be for young people to become pariahs for simply being different. This emotional depth is where Tamaki truly shines—her pen seems to channel the unfiltered angst and longing that so many of us felt during those formative years.
Nicole Goux’s artwork complements Tamaki’s narrative beautifully. Reading an eARC meant that the art was still a work in progress, but even in black and white, the visuals took my breath away. Goux’s ability to play with space, size, and movement enhances the storyline, making Abby’s emotional states palpable. I can only imagine how stunning the final, colored version will be! I found myself captivated by the nuances in the characters’ facial expressions—a true testament to the power of graphic novels as a medium for storytelling.
While the central mystery unfolds predictably, it intertwines effortlessly with Abby’s emotional evolution. This thematic connection makes the resolution feel both inevitable and unsettling. It’s a reminder that the scars we carry often shape our paths in unexpected ways.
This Place Kills Me delves into topics that many might find triggering, such as suicide, drug use, homophobia, and bullying, making it crucial for readers to approach it with caution. Yet, for those willing to immerse themselves in this emotional rollercoaster, it offers an experience that lingers in the mind long after the last page has been turned.
I wholeheartedly recommend this graphic novel to anyone who appreciates a blend of poignant storytelling and stunning visuals, whether you’re a fan of YA or not. It’s a powerful reminder of our shared human experiences, reflecting how loneliness can simultaneously unite and isolate us. As I closed the book, I felt both heartbroken and hopeful, and I believe many will find solace in Abby’s journey, understanding that even in the darkest of times, we are never truly alone.
This Place Kills Me will officially be released on August 19, 2025, courtesy of Abrams Kids, and I can’t wait to share this timeless treasure with the world. Thank you, Mariko Tamaki, for reminding us that our pasts, as painful as they might be, are powerful catalysts for art and connection.
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