Moa Romanova

Based on the title and the misshapen character designs, I thought I was reading a really slow and weird fantasy novel about a young female goblin set in a strange but modern land for the first 40 or so pages. But then I finally read the back cover to see where this thing was going and it turns out this is an autobiographical work about a teen or twentysomething woman living in Sweden. Oops.

Well, that just made all the stuff about depression, anxiety, panic attacks, substance abuse recovery, and poor life choices super sad. And if the people aren't goblins, why do they look like that?

Anyhow, the author recounts a time in the midst of all her emotional and mental health issues when she was a young artist and was being sexually groomed by a minor celebrity who claimed he wanted to be her patron. Twisted and creepy.

The tone, art, and writing did not suit me, but I can see why this might be relatable or appealing to others.

p.s., Moomin completists may want to know that the author portrays her own mother as Moominmamma.… (mere)