5 stars
All Joana’s dreams are coming true. She’s secured her dream job as a potions maker in London. She makes friends, finds an apartment, and explores romantic pursuits. Everything should be perfect. But something feels off. She’s tired all the time and constantly plagued with doubt. She pushes down her emotions as best she can but they’re starting to get out of hand.
Came for the sassy title and was not disappointed. Through a world of potions, magic, and witches, Pickle explores themes of self-love, friendship, romantic relationships, and work interactions with a focus on mental health. I loved the mashup of fantasy and real-world issues. While we’re surrounded with everyday uses of magic and fantasy terminology, the story is so relatable as Joana deals with issues of repressed emotions, the struggle to get help, and working through mental health issues.
The artwork is gorgeous. Beautiful coloration. I especially love how Pickle represented mental health, from unruly dragons to the frames cracking around Joana.
At the back are character designs, a guide to Pickle’s witchy world, and an interview with Pickle.
A wonderful exploration of understanding and accepting emotions, standing up for yourself, and self-love. A supportive, reassuring, and beautiful read.