Fun Home by Alison Bechdel has a level of seriousness that is paralleled by its high level of sophistication. This graphic-novel memoir is as much a portrait of her father as a portrait of the author herself; while the narrative starts out focused on her father's suicide, it becomes apparent that the real story being told is about sexuality - her father's, her own, and how it affected their relationship. As she looks back on her childhood, she sees it with a new intellectual understanding, but without losing the integrity of her younger self's perspective. The memoir follows a very non-linear path, skipping around memories and time as new information comes to light, and becomes more an explanation of ideas and growth rather than a retelling of her life. The book is text-heavy for a comic (subtitled as "a family tragicomic"), and draws parallels she sees in her life to different literary works, as well as drawing on her own diary entries as a child. The simple but accurate drawings are washed in muted greens, and illustrate her questions on gender roles, homosexuality, and herself.
Due to sexual content this book is suggested for mature readers.

Confessional, honest, touching, relatable. Simplicity is power. ( )

Bechdel's memoir has all the elements of touching and powerful writing. Her storytelling style is humorous, sad, and poetic. Alison's drawings are matter of fact and simple, yet include small details that speak volumes about her characters and their interior feelings. Adults and teens will appreciate this book, especially teens who are exploring their sexual identity and family relationships.

Bechdel's graphic novel, in ways, comes across as a cathartic remembrance of her dead father.Fun Home was not terrible. It just lacked emotion for me, nor was I engaged enough with the author as much as I anticipated I would be.
( http://annotatedreading.blogspot.com/... ) ( )

Complex parallel father, daughter memoir.
"The line that Dad drew between reality and fiction was indeed a blurry one. To understand this one had only to enter his library." p.59

(read with Skim by Mariko Tamaki) ( )