Laurie Sandell

Confession - this was my first graphic novel. Given their popularity these days, I find it rather shocking, but there it is. Whether it was due to the graphics themselves or the actual story, I found myself quickly drawn into Ms. Sandell's story. In fact, I started it around 10:30 PM Sunday night and finished it two very short hours later. I was compelled to keep reading to find out whether Ms. Sandell was able to overcome her demons. The fact that I was loathe to put down the book well past show more my bedtime is a testament to the power of the story.

Unfortunately, I was left feeling rather dissatisfied. I can imagine that rehab is not something about which it is easy to write and reflect, and yet I felt that Ms. Sandell either glossed over some of the details of her stay or "prettified" it. This is in direct opposition to the very blunt and honest observations she makes about herself elsewhere throughout the book. As a result, the two sections were rather disjointed and disruptive to the overall flow to the book.

In addition, I couldn't help but feel let down by the ending. Ms. Sandell obviously had a tremendously rocky relationship with her father, deservedly so to some extent. The entire book is filled with such anger at her father, such despair at her relationship with her parents in general, that I expected more resolution to the overall story. I realize that true life rarely ever gives us a pat, satisfactory ending to our own personal stories, however I did expect one while reading The Imposter's Daughter.

Upon reflection, I believe that my expectations where more a result of the fact that the graphics made it more story-like than memoir-like. I found the pictures distracting and began to ignore them after a time. I am not 100 percent sold on the graphic novel. It was easy reading, but as I am not one to linger on the pictures, I began to resent them ever so slightly by the end of the novel. I believe that the format of the book detracted from the overall story.

In general, I did enjoy reading this book. I really did want to find out how it all ended. Ms. Sandell presents her very personal, poignant struggle with both humor and self-deprecation that I definitely appreciated and enjoyed. I also appreciate the strength it took to write such a novel, baring all secrets and demons to the world as she did (complete with illustrations!). I can't help but wonder if it would have been even more powerful had this been a normal novel rather than a graphic one.

Thank you to Anna Balasi and Hachette Books for the opportunity to review this book! show less

This graphic novel was a truly wonderful read, full of insights and pathos. Sandell's willingness to lay bare her family secrets in an effort to better understand the reasons behind her sometimes self-destructive behavior is so raw and honest that I hurt for her. Her story is a touching one that outlines the challenges that those living with mental illness in the family must endure, and the terrible effect that an untreated condition can have on family members. I found myself enraged on show more Sandell's behalf when her mother and sisters acted as enablers, but came to realize they too were coping in the ways they thought best. Though this is my first graphic novel, its quality has convinced me it will not be my last. Highly recommended! show less

This was my first piece of graphic literature (unless you count comic books). It was a very interesting and effective way to experience a memoir. The author, a young journalist, details her upbringing by a deceitful, manipulative, and criminally irresponsible father. He's enabled by his blindly naive wife who refuses to see that she's married an evil trifecta. He is a liar, a cheat, and a thief--who victimizes even his own young daughters.

What was it Tostoy once said? Something about disfunctional families being unalike. The disfunction in this family is something completely foreign to my experience, and yet I found the book compelling, involving and relatable. I would love to hear from the author about how her family is dealing with the fallout of their tragedies being exposed to the public. Kudos to Sandell for being a very brave soul in dealing with this warts and all (and in the main it's just warts) saga head-on.