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Little Mama
Life isn't easy for little Brenda, whose single teenage mom is immature, selfish, and prone to violent mood swings. Brenda takes care of her as best she can, missing out on many childhood joys to be her mother's Little Mama. Sadly, her already challenging existence gets even worse when her mom's abusive boyfriend moves in. Brenda loves having a new baby brother, but her home life soon turns into pure living hell. Finally, she reaches her breaking point, and must find the courage to save herself and embark on the difficult road towards recovery. A heartbreaking and inspiring tale of abuse and survival.
Hopping forward and backward through time through the framing device of therapy, the story unfolds as young Brenda recounts her tale, visibly maturing as the book (and sessions) continue. At first, we think it might be a child psychology session, but slowly we realize that it is in fact the adult Brenda merely feeling like the child she was at whatever age she is at during her storytelling.
A powerful story about child abuse, spousal abuse, and surviving the trauma toward hopeful blue skies.
Hopping forward and backward through time through the framing device of therapy, the story unfolds as young Brenda recounts her tale, visibly maturing as the book (and sessions) continue. At first, we think it might be a child psychology session, but slowly we realize that it is in fact the adult Brenda merely feeling like the child she was at whatever age she is at during her storytelling.
A powerful story about child abuse, spousal abuse, and surviving the trauma toward hopeful blue skies.
192 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2020
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December 5, 2018
Brenda was named
Little Mama
by her own mom because she performed on the role of the mother. She was the one who took care of her sibling, Kevin, as well as doing the chores at home. Brenda matured at a very young age because of the setup in their family. When her mom and its boyfriend, Vincent, finally decided to live together, Brenda's situation became worse because Vincent always scolds and hurt her physically.
The story of Little Mama will make readers feel a lot of emotions while reading this gripping and compelling graphic novel. Readers will undoubtedly pity Brenda's condition and fury against her mom and Vincent for making a living hell on her life. Brenda's tale educates everyone about abuse and that we should help those who think are suffering from this ordeal, and that forgiving is a key for moving on.
The story of Little Mama will make readers feel a lot of emotions while reading this gripping and compelling graphic novel. Readers will undoubtedly pity Brenda's condition and fury against her mom and Vincent for making a living hell on her life. Brenda's tale educates everyone about abuse and that we should help those who think are suffering from this ordeal, and that forgiving is a key for moving on.
July 2, 2019
This is a confronting and brutal depiction of child abuse and family violence. Brenda’s only a small child when she earns the nickname ‘Little Mama’; she takes on adult responsibilities, looking after her own mother. Brenda’s mother is abusive and while Brenda’s bruises don’t go unnoticed at school, no one intervenes.
Brenda’s life becomes even more volatile when her mother’s new boyfriend moves in. The only good thing in Brenda’s life is her new baby brother, Kevin, who she cares for and adores.
Told mostly in flashbacks while adult Brenda tells her therapist about her traumatic childhood, this is not a fun read. The long term effects of trauma are evident in this story - Brenda’s guilt and shame, the effects on her self esteem, the intrusive nature of the memories - but you also get to see her resilience, despite experiences that understandably made her want to give up at times.
I fumed at the inaction of everyone who knew (or suspected) what was occurring in this home and failed to protect these children. We can always do better where child protection is concerned; I can only hope this is a story of how things used to be.
The colour scheme felt in keeping with the atmosphere of the story, essentially black and white, offset by a muted green throughout. I may be overthinking this but I did wonder if the green used was intended to mimic a faded bruise, even though it was a softer and prettier green on the screen I viewed the graphic novel on than a bruise is.
Content warnings include physical abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, animal abuse, family violence and suicidal ideation.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lion Forge and Diamond Book Distributors for the opportunity to read this graphic novel. I’m rounding up from 3.5 stars.
Brenda’s life becomes even more volatile when her mother’s new boyfriend moves in. The only good thing in Brenda’s life is her new baby brother, Kevin, who she cares for and adores.
Told mostly in flashbacks while adult Brenda tells her therapist about her traumatic childhood, this is not a fun read. The long term effects of trauma are evident in this story - Brenda’s guilt and shame, the effects on her self esteem, the intrusive nature of the memories - but you also get to see her resilience, despite experiences that understandably made her want to give up at times.
Because this story is told throughout therapy sessions it can feel disjointed at times, but each memory adds to the overall picture. I felt uncomfortable the entire time I was reading, always dreading the next violent act. This made the story feel more authentic to me because that’s what ongoing violence feels like - unable to enjoy any respite because you’re always waiting for the next time.
I fumed at the inaction of everyone who knew (or suspected) what was occurring in this home and failed to protect these children. We can always do better where child protection is concerned; I can only hope this is a story of how things used to be.
The colour scheme felt in keeping with the atmosphere of the story, essentially black and white, offset by a muted green throughout. I may be overthinking this but I did wonder if the green used was intended to mimic a faded bruise, even though it was a softer and prettier green on the screen I viewed the graphic novel on than a bruise is.
Content warnings include physical abuse, verbal abuse, emotional abuse, neglect, animal abuse, family violence and suicidal ideation.
Thank you to NetGalley, Lion Forge and Diamond Book Distributors for the opportunity to read this graphic novel. I’m rounding up from 3.5 stars.
August 22, 2019
I'm not really sure why anyone would want to read this. It's a horrific tale of abuse, both mental and physical. There's no justice, no resolution. It's just lets watch this girl get abused throughout her life. The story telling is very disjointed as well. There's numerous passages where I wasn't sure what was happening or how it fit in with the rest of the story.
Received a review copy from Lion Forge and Netgalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
Received a review copy from Lion Forge and Netgalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
September 1, 2018
Disclaimer: Received a free digital copy of the book through Netgalley.
3.75 stars
"A child is a person and is therefore the property of no one." - Françoise Dolto.
Illustrations and art = Perfect! Very dark and unlike anything I've come across before with blue-grey-black-white colour palette which communicated the tone and setting of the story brilliantly.
The start with a bit of history about children and the acquisition of language was intriguing and pulled me in instantly because as someone who has studied all about it for her psychology and language A level exam, it was interesting to read about, especially the part with the experiment conducted by the Holy Roman emperor Fredrick II of Hohenstaufen.
Overall, the plot was heartbreaking and succeeded at depicting abuse children face at the hands of their suffering parents and how that vicious cycle of violence continues on because it gets normalised for the victim and then they do the same with their children. I appreciated the author's holistic approach to the issue at hand and the potential reasons behind it e.g. teen pregnancy, mental health, Brenda's mom being a victim of violence, lack of a support system in terms of childcare and so on. Some parts though felt repetitive, others got too dreamy and at times it was difficult to navigate the plot with the constant back and forth between the past and present.
3.75 stars
"A child is a person and is therefore the property of no one." - Françoise Dolto.
Illustrations and art = Perfect! Very dark and unlike anything I've come across before with blue-grey-black-white colour palette which communicated the tone and setting of the story brilliantly.
The start with a bit of history about children and the acquisition of language was intriguing and pulled me in instantly because as someone who has studied all about it for her psychology and language A level exam, it was interesting to read about, especially the part with the experiment conducted by the Holy Roman emperor Fredrick II of Hohenstaufen.
Overall, the plot was heartbreaking and succeeded at depicting abuse children face at the hands of their suffering parents and how that vicious cycle of violence continues on because it gets normalised for the victim and then they do the same with their children. I appreciated the author's holistic approach to the issue at hand and the potential reasons behind it e.g. teen pregnancy, mental health, Brenda's mom being a victim of violence, lack of a support system in terms of childcare and so on. Some parts though felt repetitive, others got too dreamy and at times it was difficult to navigate the plot with the constant back and forth between the past and present.
June 11, 2018
By far the most uneasy, dark & disturbing european comic I've read this decade!
But it lacks in some parts, where it gets too, let's say, "dreamy/brainy".
But it lacks in some parts, where it gets too, let's say, "dreamy/brainy".
July 2, 2019
3,5/5. Hard graphic novel that present the day to day of and physically abused child. Hard and very sad, even if the emotion didn't pass that much between the book and me, it was more because it's a subject that I'm sensible to and that touch me profoundly. The book might presented a bit too much of violence in my opinion, but it's what it's and present a sad/hard/horrible, but true picture of too many kids life. It has some light/hope at the end so that help. The art was very casual. Very good and important subject, the graphic novel in itself was average, good book overall but with the matters it has it could have been way better!
Shelved as 'dnf'
July 11, 2019TWs: on-page child/infant abuse
I DNFed this immediately when the infant abuse started (it's too much of a trigger for me) so I can't say what other TWs there are or give a review on this. I knew it would involve abuse but didn't expect it to start so abruptly or to be so strongly represented on the page, so that blame's on me, not the book.
I DNFed this immediately when the infant abuse started (it's too much of a trigger for me) so I can't say what other TWs there are or give a review on this. I knew it would involve abuse but didn't expect it to start so abruptly or to be so strongly represented on the page, so that blame's on me, not the book.
June 18, 2018
This is a child abuse story. I need to start with that, because sometimes it is too much to read read.
This is the story of Brenda, the child of a teenage mother, who hates being saddled with her. Her mother is both imature, and has no support system, other than her own mother, who she doesn’t talk to enough.
This image, so common to all mothers, of their children driving them crazy. Only, with bad mothers, the situation turns to child abuse.
In this image, we see the authorities recognizing that there is Something Wrong™, but are unable to do anything about it. They do report what they persieve as abuse to the proper authorities, but the proper authorities are slow to move on these things.
The story is being frame with the adult Brenda seeking help. We see her as she feels, and goes through the memories. Here is one such memory she has of her abuse.
The story is mostly frustrating because the authorities cannot, or will not act on the information they see before them, because of a blotched case, years ago, where they prosecuted partners for child abuse, when that was not the case.
Sad, harrowing, gut wrenching. You know Brenda survives, because she is telling the story, but beyond that, you’re not sure how well she survives. Well done. Sad, but well done telling.
#LittleMama #NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
This is the story of Brenda, the child of a teenage mother, who hates being saddled with her. Her mother is both imature, and has no support system, other than her own mother, who she doesn’t talk to enough.
This image, so common to all mothers, of their children driving them crazy. Only, with bad mothers, the situation turns to child abuse.
In this image, we see the authorities recognizing that there is Something Wrong™, but are unable to do anything about it. They do report what they persieve as abuse to the proper authorities, but the proper authorities are slow to move on these things.
The story is being frame with the adult Brenda seeking help. We see her as she feels, and goes through the memories. Here is one such memory she has of her abuse.
The story is mostly frustrating because the authorities cannot, or will not act on the information they see before them, because of a blotched case, years ago, where they prosecuted partners for child abuse, when that was not the case.
Sad, harrowing, gut wrenching. You know Brenda survives, because she is telling the story, but beyond that, you’re not sure how well she survives. Well done. Sad, but well done telling.
#LittleMama #NetGalley
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
March 9, 2020
The story follows Brenda, a young girl that gets lost in the child protective services (or the equivalent in France) system of denial. Her mother is a teenager when she has her and is ill equipped for the responsibility of raising Brenda alone. There is abuse that Brenda endures silently. Once her mother has her boyfriend move in, things escalate.
This is a tough read. My heart broke a million times for Brenda. The drawings help capture the chaos of the situation. Some of the panels overlap and got a bit muddled. Once I finished it, I went back to the beginning to make sure I got the gist of the story.
This is a tough read. My heart broke a million times for Brenda. The drawings help capture the chaos of the situation. Some of the panels overlap and got a bit muddled. Once I finished it, I went back to the beginning to make sure I got the gist of the story.
Read
June 7, 2018ISBN13 9791032805800
Rating: 4.0/5
Plot
Life isn't easy for little Brenda, whose single teenage mom is immature, selfish, and prone to violent mood swings. Brenda takes care of her as best she can, missing out on many childhood joys to be her mother’s Little Mama. Sadly, her already challenging existence gets even worse when her mom’s abusive boyfriend moves in. Brenda loves having a new baby brother, but her home life soon turns into pure living hell. Finally she reaches her breaking point, and has to find the courage to save herself and embark on the difficult road towards recovery. A heartbreaking and inspiring tale of abuse and survival.
How I got this Book
I got to read this book through Netgalley.
The Positives
The emotion portrayed in this book is real and raw. This causes you to feel the pain that the main character, Brenda, feels as she tells her story.
This was a short read, I read it in less than 30 minutes. This would be a great read for someone who wanted something that was fairly quick.
The book brings into play some very important things that many people don’t think of when it comes to social services. Politics play a big role in being able to help children, and many times children are left in situations that aren’t the best for them in any way. The human services professionals are unable to remove the children from danger. This book, in such a short amount of time, shows how difficult and dangerous it is not only for the child in an abusive situation, but also for the worker who wants to help them and can’t.
The Negatives
The hardest part of this review is writing the negatives. This book’s description really didn’t prepare me for everything that was going to happen in the book. I knew based on the description that there would be abuse, but I wasn’t sure at the time what the abuse was going to be. The story was heartbreaking, especially with a part that happened towards the end, and there was not enough warning. The pacing was weird at times, and it was hard to follow how much time had passed between each break.
Overall
Overall, this was a story of heartbreak and abuse that I feel needed to be told. It was emotional, but it didn’t get too deep where the person reading it had to stop for fear of what could happen to them emotionally. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to read a story that shows what happens when someone loses themselves to abuse, and then finds forgiveness for who they were.
Happy reading!
Rating: 4.0/5
Plot
Life isn't easy for little Brenda, whose single teenage mom is immature, selfish, and prone to violent mood swings. Brenda takes care of her as best she can, missing out on many childhood joys to be her mother’s Little Mama. Sadly, her already challenging existence gets even worse when her mom’s abusive boyfriend moves in. Brenda loves having a new baby brother, but her home life soon turns into pure living hell. Finally she reaches her breaking point, and has to find the courage to save herself and embark on the difficult road towards recovery. A heartbreaking and inspiring tale of abuse and survival.
How I got this Book
I got to read this book through Netgalley.
The Positives
The emotion portrayed in this book is real and raw. This causes you to feel the pain that the main character, Brenda, feels as she tells her story.
This was a short read, I read it in less than 30 minutes. This would be a great read for someone who wanted something that was fairly quick.
The book brings into play some very important things that many people don’t think of when it comes to social services. Politics play a big role in being able to help children, and many times children are left in situations that aren’t the best for them in any way. The human services professionals are unable to remove the children from danger. This book, in such a short amount of time, shows how difficult and dangerous it is not only for the child in an abusive situation, but also for the worker who wants to help them and can’t.
The Negatives
The hardest part of this review is writing the negatives. This book’s description really didn’t prepare me for everything that was going to happen in the book. I knew based on the description that there would be abuse, but I wasn’t sure at the time what the abuse was going to be. The story was heartbreaking, especially with a part that happened towards the end, and there was not enough warning. The pacing was weird at times, and it was hard to follow how much time had passed between each break.
Overall
Overall, this was a story of heartbreak and abuse that I feel needed to be told. It was emotional, but it didn’t get too deep where the person reading it had to stop for fear of what could happen to them emotionally. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to read a story that shows what happens when someone loses themselves to abuse, and then finds forgiveness for who they were.
Happy reading!
July 5, 2019
*thank you to Netgalley, Diamond Book Distributors and the author for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
2 stars.
This simply wasn't for me. I couldn't get into it and the illustrations didn't appeal to me either. It wasn't badly written, I just didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would have.
2 stars.
This simply wasn't for me. I couldn't get into it and the illustrations didn't appeal to me either. It wasn't badly written, I just didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would have.
January 13, 2023
Lots of abuse, very dark.
September 14, 2019
'Little Mama' by Hakim is a difficult graphic novel to get through. It deals with a harsh subject in a pretty harsh way.
Little Brenda was born to a teenage mother who is pretty bad at being a mother (or even a grown up). Little Brenda takes the brunt of her mother's anger. People outside the home take notice, but Brenda learns to cover things up for her mother's sake. She also takes care of things at home, earning her the nickname of Little Mama. When her mother gets a new boyfriend, and becomes pregnant again, things get worse for Brenda until she does what she has to do.
The art is good. The story is just so gruesomely dark. There is a lot of honestly raw emotion, and I don't know that I could recommend this to victims of abuse, because it shows a broken system, and a child that has to live in a broken home for years. This may be the case for real victims, but it feels like the framing story treats things too lightly and doesn't offer much in the way of advice, and the glimmer of hope it does offer seems too simple.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Little Brenda was born to a teenage mother who is pretty bad at being a mother (or even a grown up). Little Brenda takes the brunt of her mother's anger. People outside the home take notice, but Brenda learns to cover things up for her mother's sake. She also takes care of things at home, earning her the nickname of Little Mama. When her mother gets a new boyfriend, and becomes pregnant again, things get worse for Brenda until she does what she has to do.
The art is good. The story is just so gruesomely dark. There is a lot of honestly raw emotion, and I don't know that I could recommend this to victims of abuse, because it shows a broken system, and a child that has to live in a broken home for years. This may be the case for real victims, but it feels like the framing story treats things too lightly and doesn't offer much in the way of advice, and the glimmer of hope it does offer seems too simple.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
July 3, 2018
Why the hell did I read this? If there was EVER a book I wish I could unread, it would be this one.
It was all choppy. Half the time I had no idea what was going on or who was talking. About the only parts that weren't choppy and went smoothly were the abuse scenes.
I took a chance reading this. I knew there would be abuse but I thought it would be one of those books that would end with a incredibly powerful ending that would leave you in tears.
It left me in tears all right. Just not the good kind. I thought there would be justice. There was none. The kids got to stay with the abusive parents. They stayed with the abusive mom, because I guess kicking out the guy was "justice"?
The therapist tells the abused girl she doesn't need to forgive her mother, she needs to forgive herself and that it was perfectly okay that her little brother "took her place". Are. You. Joking?
This book turned my stomach and makes me want to throw up.
It was all choppy. Half the time I had no idea what was going on or who was talking. About the only parts that weren't choppy and went smoothly were the abuse scenes.
I took a chance reading this. I knew there would be abuse but I thought it would be one of those books that would end with a incredibly powerful ending that would leave you in tears.
It left me in tears all right. Just not the good kind. I thought there would be justice. There was none. The kids got to stay with the abusive parents. They stayed with the abusive mom, because I guess kicking out the guy was "justice"?
The therapist tells the abused girl she doesn't need to forgive her mother, she needs to forgive herself and that it was perfectly okay that her little brother "took her place". Are. You. Joking?
This book turned my stomach and makes me want to throw up.
August 2, 2018
Inhalt
Mit ihrer aggressiven Mutter hat es Brenda nicht leicht. Ihre schnellen Stimmungswechsel sind für das junge Mädchen nicht leicht zu ertragen, da sie am meisten darunter zu leiden hat. Trotzdem sorgt sie so gut wie möglich für ihre Mutter und wird selbst zu einer kleinen Mama. Doch als ihr neuer Stiefvater einzieht und Brenda sich um ihren Halbbruder sorgen muss, gerät ihr Leben außer Kontrolle …
Meine Bewertung
Vorab eine Triggerwarnung: Dieser Comic beschäftigt sich mit Themen wie häuslicher Gewalt, die sich unter anderem auch gegen Kinder richtet. Wer das nicht erträgt, sollte bitte jetzt schon aufhören zu lesen, ich werde für die Rezension etwas ins Detail gehen müssen.
„Little Mama“ von Halim war bisher mein schlimmster Comic. Nicht, weil er schlecht war, sondern weil er auf einer emotionalen Eben sehr schockierend und ergreifend gewirkt hat. Ich hatte wirklich Mühe, mich zum Weiterlesen zu zwingen, weil ich beim Lesen so eine unfassbare Wut, Trauer und Verzweiflung im Magen hatte. Allerdings fand ich das Thema zu wichtig, um diesen Comic abzubrechen, weil er sich zudem sehr wahrheitsgetreu und realitätsnäh mit der Ohnmacht befasst hat, die in einer solchen Situation herrschen kann.
Der Comic startet vor Brendas Geburt. Ihre Mutter, die selbst noch ein Teenager ist, hat deutlich damit zu kämpfen, dass ihr Freund sie sitzenlässt. Schon am Anfang von Brendas Leben bekommt man die Verzweiflung mit, die die Familie immer weiter einspinnt, je älter das Mädchen wird. Abgeschoben zur Großmutter, damit die Mutter Party machen kann, geschlagen, wenn sie nicht schlafen will: Brendas Kindheit ist von Gewalt geprägt und niemand tut etwas. In der Schule wird man auf ihre blauen Flecke aufmerksam, aber es wird nicht publik genug gemacht. Auch die Jugendamtmitarbeiterin, die Brendas Fall betreut, darf wegen fehlender Beweise nichts ausrichten.
Es ist unglaublich, wie sehr einen ein Comic zum Weinen bringen kann. Wie bereits erwähnt hat mich dieses Thema und die Darstellung sehr belastet. Auch die Farben des Buches sind sehr gedämpft, werden immer dunkler, und je weiter man mit der erwachsenen Brenda ihre Therapie erlebt, desto schlimmere Geschehnisse kommen ans Licht. Es ist diese Hoffnungslosigkeit, die einen gefangen hält, man möchte helfen, weiß aber nicht wie – und das ist der springende Punkt, weshalb ich dieses Werk vorstellen und ins Rampenlicht rücken möchte.
Es ist kein Geheimnis, dass solche Unmenschlichkeiten täglich passieren – auch in einem Land, das Gewalt in der Erziehung unter Strafe stellt. Und täglich sehen Menschen zu, ahnen etwas, tun aber nichts. Weil ihnen niemand glauben wird, weil ohnehin nichts passiert, oder weil sie einfach nicht wissen, wie sie helfen sollen. Comics wie „Little Mama“ sind gerade deshalb besonders wichtig: Sie rütteln auf, regen zum Nachdenken an, und vielleicht, wenn es nur einen Menschen gibt, der dadurch zum Telefon greift, bevor es zu spät ist, erfüllen sie ihren Zweck. „Little Mama“ ist definitiv nichts Softes. Es ist schonungslos, brutal und ehrlich. Es tut richtig weh, von Seite zu Seite mehr zu erfahren. Aber gerade weil diese Themen nie aufhören, relevant zu sein, ist es wichtig zu zeigen, was Folgen von häuslicher Gewalt sein können und wie die Kinder ihr ganzes Leben lang drunter leiden.
„Little Mama“ war für mich definitiv ein Comic, den ich nicht vergessen werde. Brendas Geschichte hat mich mitgenommen und an den Rand meiner Nerven gebracht, gleichzeitig halte ich es für unheimlich wichtig, darauf aufmerksam zu machen. Weil wir als Menschen, die fühlen und Kinder schützen sollten, nicht wegsehen dürfen. Weil es in unserer Verantwortung liegt, zu helfen.
Mit ihrer aggressiven Mutter hat es Brenda nicht leicht. Ihre schnellen Stimmungswechsel sind für das junge Mädchen nicht leicht zu ertragen, da sie am meisten darunter zu leiden hat. Trotzdem sorgt sie so gut wie möglich für ihre Mutter und wird selbst zu einer kleinen Mama. Doch als ihr neuer Stiefvater einzieht und Brenda sich um ihren Halbbruder sorgen muss, gerät ihr Leben außer Kontrolle …
Meine Bewertung
Vorab eine Triggerwarnung: Dieser Comic beschäftigt sich mit Themen wie häuslicher Gewalt, die sich unter anderem auch gegen Kinder richtet. Wer das nicht erträgt, sollte bitte jetzt schon aufhören zu lesen, ich werde für die Rezension etwas ins Detail gehen müssen.
„Little Mama“ von Halim war bisher mein schlimmster Comic. Nicht, weil er schlecht war, sondern weil er auf einer emotionalen Eben sehr schockierend und ergreifend gewirkt hat. Ich hatte wirklich Mühe, mich zum Weiterlesen zu zwingen, weil ich beim Lesen so eine unfassbare Wut, Trauer und Verzweiflung im Magen hatte. Allerdings fand ich das Thema zu wichtig, um diesen Comic abzubrechen, weil er sich zudem sehr wahrheitsgetreu und realitätsnäh mit der Ohnmacht befasst hat, die in einer solchen Situation herrschen kann.
Der Comic startet vor Brendas Geburt. Ihre Mutter, die selbst noch ein Teenager ist, hat deutlich damit zu kämpfen, dass ihr Freund sie sitzenlässt. Schon am Anfang von Brendas Leben bekommt man die Verzweiflung mit, die die Familie immer weiter einspinnt, je älter das Mädchen wird. Abgeschoben zur Großmutter, damit die Mutter Party machen kann, geschlagen, wenn sie nicht schlafen will: Brendas Kindheit ist von Gewalt geprägt und niemand tut etwas. In der Schule wird man auf ihre blauen Flecke aufmerksam, aber es wird nicht publik genug gemacht. Auch die Jugendamtmitarbeiterin, die Brendas Fall betreut, darf wegen fehlender Beweise nichts ausrichten.
Es ist unglaublich, wie sehr einen ein Comic zum Weinen bringen kann. Wie bereits erwähnt hat mich dieses Thema und die Darstellung sehr belastet. Auch die Farben des Buches sind sehr gedämpft, werden immer dunkler, und je weiter man mit der erwachsenen Brenda ihre Therapie erlebt, desto schlimmere Geschehnisse kommen ans Licht. Es ist diese Hoffnungslosigkeit, die einen gefangen hält, man möchte helfen, weiß aber nicht wie – und das ist der springende Punkt, weshalb ich dieses Werk vorstellen und ins Rampenlicht rücken möchte.
Es ist kein Geheimnis, dass solche Unmenschlichkeiten täglich passieren – auch in einem Land, das Gewalt in der Erziehung unter Strafe stellt. Und täglich sehen Menschen zu, ahnen etwas, tun aber nichts. Weil ihnen niemand glauben wird, weil ohnehin nichts passiert, oder weil sie einfach nicht wissen, wie sie helfen sollen. Comics wie „Little Mama“ sind gerade deshalb besonders wichtig: Sie rütteln auf, regen zum Nachdenken an, und vielleicht, wenn es nur einen Menschen gibt, der dadurch zum Telefon greift, bevor es zu spät ist, erfüllen sie ihren Zweck. „Little Mama“ ist definitiv nichts Softes. Es ist schonungslos, brutal und ehrlich. Es tut richtig weh, von Seite zu Seite mehr zu erfahren. Aber gerade weil diese Themen nie aufhören, relevant zu sein, ist es wichtig zu zeigen, was Folgen von häuslicher Gewalt sein können und wie die Kinder ihr ganzes Leben lang drunter leiden.
„Little Mama“ war für mich definitiv ein Comic, den ich nicht vergessen werde. Brendas Geschichte hat mich mitgenommen und an den Rand meiner Nerven gebracht, gleichzeitig halte ich es für unheimlich wichtig, darauf aufmerksam zu machen. Weil wir als Menschen, die fühlen und Kinder schützen sollten, nicht wegsehen dürfen. Weil es in unserer Verantwortung liegt, zu helfen.
July 7, 2018
Heavy trigger warning for abuse / child abuse. Stay safe everyone!
I absolutely judged this book by its cover. I went into the story with the bare minimum amount of knowledge, and what I was met with was a dark, gritty story of a young girl’s struggle in an abusive home.
Despite the harrowing and disturbing subject matter presented in this graphic novel, I was enraptured with the story. What was meant to be a quick flip through to get a better look at the art on the first few pages quickly turned into my settling in and finishing the book in one setting. This is one of those stories that really turns your stomach, you want to look away, but you can’t because I just need to know what happens next, I need to see if everything is going to be okay.
The story is accompanied with some lovely artwork, just enough of a surreal touch mixed in alongside Brenda’s story that tied parts of the story together. Very highly recommended, though not for those faint of heart.
NOTE: I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I absolutely judged this book by its cover. I went into the story with the bare minimum amount of knowledge, and what I was met with was a dark, gritty story of a young girl’s struggle in an abusive home.
Despite the harrowing and disturbing subject matter presented in this graphic novel, I was enraptured with the story. What was meant to be a quick flip through to get a better look at the art on the first few pages quickly turned into my settling in and finishing the book in one setting. This is one of those stories that really turns your stomach, you want to look away, but you can’t because I just need to know what happens next, I need to see if everything is going to be okay.
The story is accompanied with some lovely artwork, just enough of a surreal touch mixed in alongside Brenda’s story that tied parts of the story together. Very highly recommended, though not for those faint of heart.
NOTE: I received an ARC copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
April 25, 2020
| Reader Fox Blog |
A heartbreaking story of strength in times of adversity, Little Mama by Halim Mahmouidi boldly addresses the rather disturbing and horrifying subject of childhood abuse. Readers follow young Brenda through the uncomfortable truths of her childhood as she relays them to her therapist, watching her grow from birth but also from her state as a toddler as she sits upon the couch and recalls and confronts the awful moments of her past she had once run from. Now pregnant, this is the story of Brenda's resilience and fears regarding both her past and her future.
In so many ways, this was a difficult read for me. The graphic levels to which the abuse is portrayed were startling, at times, and as Brenda's mother begins with a teenage pregnancy similar to that of the one my sister had--with even similar attitudes--it nearly hit close to home. Fortunately, the outcome was different as my sister never married an abusive man as Brenda's mother does. In so many ways, Brenda made to grow up early, earning herself the nickname Little Mama as she not only cares for her mother, but her little brother as well.
She grows up in an incredibly difficult situation with a mother who is almost never ready or qualified to be a parent. Brenda's maturity at a young age is in stark contrast to the lack of it in her own mother. I must admit that was immeasurably impressed with how the author portrayed Brenda's experiences by having her depiction in the therapists office begin with her looking like a toddler, mirroring her feelings as an adult while she revisited each of the troublesome and traumatic experiences of her childhood. By the end of the story we are left with Brenda, grown, and truly ready to face her past and future.
Dark and disturbing as this graphic novel is, the unfortunate truth about it is that the story is in fact, true. There are a great many--far too many--young children who are subjected to the traumas of such situations, who subsequently have to work through the horrifying events of their childhood as they grow into adulthood. It is a life no one should have to experience, and yet it is something that exists within our society. While difficult to read and emotionally harrowing, Brenda's tale is an important one.
Gorgeous artwork accompanies the traumatic tale, creating a viscerally uncomfortable read as a result. And in its own way, this itself is extremely important. While this book is sure to distress readers that, I think, is precisely the point. We should not feel comfortable with the events of this story. We should not feel apathetic. We should feel horrified, angry even. That this is still prevalent in the world is something that we should not shy ourselves away from simply because it upsets us.
Brenda's story is a strong one, both in her own healing and in how much it imparts truths on its readers. Though no one should suffer what this young woman had to suffer, it is forever amazing to know how resilient a human can be against the barrage of a storm.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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A heartbreaking story of strength in times of adversity, Little Mama by Halim Mahmouidi boldly addresses the rather disturbing and horrifying subject of childhood abuse. Readers follow young Brenda through the uncomfortable truths of her childhood as she relays them to her therapist, watching her grow from birth but also from her state as a toddler as she sits upon the couch and recalls and confronts the awful moments of her past she had once run from. Now pregnant, this is the story of Brenda's resilience and fears regarding both her past and her future.
In so many ways, this was a difficult read for me. The graphic levels to which the abuse is portrayed were startling, at times, and as Brenda's mother begins with a teenage pregnancy similar to that of the one my sister had--with even similar attitudes--it nearly hit close to home. Fortunately, the outcome was different as my sister never married an abusive man as Brenda's mother does. In so many ways, Brenda made to grow up early, earning herself the nickname Little Mama as she not only cares for her mother, but her little brother as well.
She grows up in an incredibly difficult situation with a mother who is almost never ready or qualified to be a parent. Brenda's maturity at a young age is in stark contrast to the lack of it in her own mother. I must admit that was immeasurably impressed with how the author portrayed Brenda's experiences by having her depiction in the therapists office begin with her looking like a toddler, mirroring her feelings as an adult while she revisited each of the troublesome and traumatic experiences of her childhood. By the end of the story we are left with Brenda, grown, and truly ready to face her past and future.
Dark and disturbing as this graphic novel is, the unfortunate truth about it is that the story is in fact, true. There are a great many--far too many--young children who are subjected to the traumas of such situations, who subsequently have to work through the horrifying events of their childhood as they grow into adulthood. It is a life no one should have to experience, and yet it is something that exists within our society. While difficult to read and emotionally harrowing, Brenda's tale is an important one.
Gorgeous artwork accompanies the traumatic tale, creating a viscerally uncomfortable read as a result. And in its own way, this itself is extremely important. While this book is sure to distress readers that, I think, is precisely the point. We should not feel comfortable with the events of this story. We should not feel apathetic. We should feel horrified, angry even. That this is still prevalent in the world is something that we should not shy ourselves away from simply because it upsets us.
Brenda's story is a strong one, both in her own healing and in how much it imparts truths on its readers. Though no one should suffer what this young woman had to suffer, it is forever amazing to know how resilient a human can be against the barrage of a storm.
I was provided a free copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
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July 1, 2018
A dark portrayal of a dark story. This is about child abuse, so content warning for that.
It's well done for the most part, but it can be a bit hard to follow at time. I'm willing to give that some of the benefit of my doubt, because the format I read it on is not the format it was designed to be read in, I'm sure. I also thought it might have been in translation, which typically may add to some of the more confusing bits of the story, but I'm fairly certain it was not translated (though there are translated song lyrics in the story). It was almost like, in certain parts, there was something missing that might've clarified what was going on...but as they weren't there, I was left confused.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not usually the person who needs it all spelled out for me, but with the format and the story itself, it would've been nice to have clear resolve all around. It also would've been nice to understand why everything that was included had been included, because, again, I was left feeling confused.
This was a solid story, of course, but very difficult to read due to the content. I also felt like it didn't offer much in the way of actual resolution (the "resolution" that is there confused me) or advice for those that may be going through the same thing.
I also was not a big fan of the lettering/font used for this graphic novel, or of the art style. These are not typically things I lower my rating for, but here, it just continued to add to my overall confusion of what was going on. This, too, could've been because I read this as an egalley when I'm sure it was meant to be read in a physical format.
Forever giving everything the benefit of the doubt, you know?
Received from Netgalley/the publisher for free to review.
It's well done for the most part, but it can be a bit hard to follow at time. I'm willing to give that some of the benefit of my doubt, because the format I read it on is not the format it was designed to be read in, I'm sure. I also thought it might have been in translation, which typically may add to some of the more confusing bits of the story, but I'm fairly certain it was not translated (though there are translated song lyrics in the story). It was almost like, in certain parts, there was something missing that might've clarified what was going on...but as they weren't there, I was left confused.
Don't get me wrong, I'm not usually the person who needs it all spelled out for me, but with the format and the story itself, it would've been nice to have clear resolve all around. It also would've been nice to understand why everything that was included had been included, because, again, I was left feeling confused.
This was a solid story, of course, but very difficult to read due to the content. I also felt like it didn't offer much in the way of actual resolution (the "resolution" that is there confused me) or advice for those that may be going through the same thing.
I also was not a big fan of the lettering/font used for this graphic novel, or of the art style. These are not typically things I lower my rating for, but here, it just continued to add to my overall confusion of what was going on. This, too, could've been because I read this as an egalley when I'm sure it was meant to be read in a physical format.
Forever giving everything the benefit of the doubt, you know?
Received from Netgalley/the publisher for free to review.
December 28, 2019
3.5 stars
I find it incredibly poignant when graphic novels delve into some of the most difficult and heartbreaking personal narratives - there is just something about the juxtaposition of a medium that is steeped in my childhood used to depict moments of humanity's pain and anguish.
Little Mama is definitely on of those graphic novels. It's a veritable punch to the solar plexus. Trigger warnings abound for this novel as it is one full of abuse and the failure of those in the know and in power to stop the cycle of abuse. Told from the perspective of an adult, Brenda (aka Little Mama - the nickname given to her due to her parentalizing through her abuse), in therapy recounting the horrific abuse received at the hands of her mother and her mother's boyfriend. It is brutal in parts. I am pretty good at handling this kind of material and there was one point, in particular, that really threw me off-kilter. And, the blind and negligent eye of the system is rage-inducing.
The sad thing is that there is a lot of truth in what is depicted. Still, the story is one of survival and inherent strength of the narrator in refusing to continue the cycle of abuse. The illustrations are great. In particular, the cover illustration is absolutely exquisite and what brought me to the novel in the first place. The story wanders a bit too much. however, drawing focus away from the story of Brenda.
Not for the faint of heart but one that is worth a look if one can deal with the subject matter.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.
I find it incredibly poignant when graphic novels delve into some of the most difficult and heartbreaking personal narratives - there is just something about the juxtaposition of a medium that is steeped in my childhood used to depict moments of humanity's pain and anguish.
Little Mama is definitely on of those graphic novels. It's a veritable punch to the solar plexus. Trigger warnings abound for this novel as it is one full of abuse and the failure of those in the know and in power to stop the cycle of abuse. Told from the perspective of an adult, Brenda (aka Little Mama - the nickname given to her due to her parentalizing through her abuse), in therapy recounting the horrific abuse received at the hands of her mother and her mother's boyfriend. It is brutal in parts. I am pretty good at handling this kind of material and there was one point, in particular, that really threw me off-kilter. And, the blind and negligent eye of the system is rage-inducing.
The sad thing is that there is a lot of truth in what is depicted. Still, the story is one of survival and inherent strength of the narrator in refusing to continue the cycle of abuse. The illustrations are great. In particular, the cover illustration is absolutely exquisite and what brought me to the novel in the first place. The story wanders a bit too much. however, drawing focus away from the story of Brenda.
Not for the faint of heart but one that is worth a look if one can deal with the subject matter.
Thank you netgalley and the publisher for an advanced copy.
October 10, 2018
The artwork is very simple, black and white. The story, however, is heartbreaking. A young child had to be the parent in the relationship. Her parent's actions have a lasting effect and she has to learn to cope with it and grow as a person.
TW – child abuse
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
TW – child abuse
ARC provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
September 25, 2019
Little Mama by Halim Mahmouidi is a book that is not intended to be "enjoyed" in the sense of gaining pleasure from reading. For some, that makes this a book to avoid. For those who understand that stories can help all of us to better understand the ugly aspects of life, this is a very powerful story. So, if you read just to be entertained, avoid this. if you read to also learn and gain understanding, this might be right up your alley.
First, just in case you've already read some other comments about the book, the therapist does not say the things within the context that some readers have taken it. And he absolutely did not place blame on Brenda, those comments from readers are the result of reading comprehension issues and not what this book actually says. To that end, if you take every word literally without regard for context or the surrounding sentences, this graphic novel may be over your head. This takes some effort on the reader's part.
With that out of the way, the power of this novel is not simple to describe. Yes, it is in part from actually seeing the ugliness of domestic violence and child abuse. It is also from hearing how the children shift responsibility around as a way of survival both physically and emotionally. Unfortunately, the emotional survival is at a very great cost to that child for the rest of her life. The therapist also plays a role in the power of the novel, making comments that encourage Brenda to reassess what she thinks she needs to do and how she had still been rationalizing so much of her abuse. This is where some readers seem to get confused. Words and phrases are used, turned on their ear, and offered from a different perspective. That is largely what therapists do, re-frame previous perspectives so that they can be better understood without turning away from them.
The artwork is, I think, very effective. Very little color and what there is is muted. While there are jumps from therapy sessions back to Brenda's childhood, these are often most easily distinguished through visual clues rather than clear cut verbal clues.
If you're concerned with triggers, then you might have to avoid this. Otherwise, I highly recommend this to anyone who cares at all about child abuse. A friend of mine who experienced very violent abuse found this to be very realistic and definitely reminded her of that time in her life. She had to take breaks from reading to catch her breath. She also found it very positive and hopes that this will help others to better understand when and how they can help. So not all survivors need to avoid this book, she actually found it empowering to be able to essentially revisit that time and know she came through. Everyone is different, so I won't make a blanket statement eliminating any group of potential readers. You know what you can handle far better than I do.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via Edelweiss.
First, just in case you've already read some other comments about the book, the therapist does not say the things within the context that some readers have taken it. And he absolutely did not place blame on Brenda, those comments from readers are the result of reading comprehension issues and not what this book actually says. To that end, if you take every word literally without regard for context or the surrounding sentences, this graphic novel may be over your head. This takes some effort on the reader's part.
With that out of the way, the power of this novel is not simple to describe. Yes, it is in part from actually seeing the ugliness of domestic violence and child abuse. It is also from hearing how the children shift responsibility around as a way of survival both physically and emotionally. Unfortunately, the emotional survival is at a very great cost to that child for the rest of her life. The therapist also plays a role in the power of the novel, making comments that encourage Brenda to reassess what she thinks she needs to do and how she had still been rationalizing so much of her abuse. This is where some readers seem to get confused. Words and phrases are used, turned on their ear, and offered from a different perspective. That is largely what therapists do, re-frame previous perspectives so that they can be better understood without turning away from them.
The artwork is, I think, very effective. Very little color and what there is is muted. While there are jumps from therapy sessions back to Brenda's childhood, these are often most easily distinguished through visual clues rather than clear cut verbal clues.
If you're concerned with triggers, then you might have to avoid this. Otherwise, I highly recommend this to anyone who cares at all about child abuse. A friend of mine who experienced very violent abuse found this to be very realistic and definitely reminded her of that time in her life. She had to take breaks from reading to catch her breath. She also found it very positive and hopes that this will help others to better understand when and how they can help. So not all survivors need to avoid this book, she actually found it empowering to be able to essentially revisit that time and know she came through. Everyone is different, so I won't make a blanket statement eliminating any group of potential readers. You know what you can handle far better than I do.
Reviewed from a copy made available by the publisher via Edelweiss.
February 13, 2019
Content Warning: Abuse
Brenda is living in a domestic war zone trying to survive her hostile mother who later on introduces a violent boyfriend. Born to a teenage mother, she learns to depend on herself in all things concerned earning her the nickname of “Little Mama”. Proud of being independent, Brenda also feels the need to protect her mother even if it means getting hurt in the process.
There’s redemption and forgiveness that pervades the illustrations. Imagery of butterflies and suffocating/escaping underwater are metaphors for Brenda’s feelings throughout the stages of her life. Little Mama deals with forgiveness as a device to move forward and at first I had reservations. I personally do not believe you are obligated to forgive someone if they haven’t earned it or do not want it. Prematurely forgiving an abuser can result in a false sense of security before their next episode which happens often to Brenda and her mother. You began to think that they can change easily because they feel remorse, but it’s an act of betrayal when they lash out and attempt to justify it. It’s never their fault obviously because they were doing just fine until you incited their wrath. To be frank, it’s a co-dependent relationship as the abuser blames the victim and the victim feels guilt so they decide to stay. Brenda has to reconcile with her decision to walk away and what it means to those she left behind.
It was difficult reading the comic because there is graphic content depicting the abuse. I think it was necessary in order to hone in on the emotional rollercoaster that is an abusive home life. These include imprisonment, insults, and starvation. This only gets worse as Brenda grows older and both her and her mother face abuse from Vincent. At times, I was shocked and others I felt frustrated. Running parallel to Brenda’s story is one about a social worker trying to intervene. Her perspective mirrors the audience which helps ground the story to discuss the role of outsiders amidst abusive relationships. How do we properly broach it and how difficult it is to not cross the line.
The comic is engaging with a medium that can reach young readers who might not fully understand the extent of abuse aside physical ones. Maybe it’s intentional that Brenda is personified as a little girl in the future timeline to track her mental transformation and interpretation of painful memories. It can just be confusing at times as there aren’t clear transitions. I recommend a second read as it does change how the reader perceives events from the first time around.
Cover Review:
The gray cover needs to be darker so that the yellow title doesn’t fade so much. It’s hard to read it as well as lessen the impact of the glowing stomach. As it is now, the cover lacks impact.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange of a fair review!
Brenda is living in a domestic war zone trying to survive her hostile mother who later on introduces a violent boyfriend. Born to a teenage mother, she learns to depend on herself in all things concerned earning her the nickname of “Little Mama”. Proud of being independent, Brenda also feels the need to protect her mother even if it means getting hurt in the process.
There’s redemption and forgiveness that pervades the illustrations. Imagery of butterflies and suffocating/escaping underwater are metaphors for Brenda’s feelings throughout the stages of her life. Little Mama deals with forgiveness as a device to move forward and at first I had reservations. I personally do not believe you are obligated to forgive someone if they haven’t earned it or do not want it. Prematurely forgiving an abuser can result in a false sense of security before their next episode which happens often to Brenda and her mother. You began to think that they can change easily because they feel remorse, but it’s an act of betrayal when they lash out and attempt to justify it. It’s never their fault obviously because they were doing just fine until you incited their wrath. To be frank, it’s a co-dependent relationship as the abuser blames the victim and the victim feels guilt so they decide to stay. Brenda has to reconcile with her decision to walk away and what it means to those she left behind.
It was difficult reading the comic because there is graphic content depicting the abuse. I think it was necessary in order to hone in on the emotional rollercoaster that is an abusive home life. These include imprisonment, insults, and starvation. This only gets worse as Brenda grows older and both her and her mother face abuse from Vincent. At times, I was shocked and others I felt frustrated. Running parallel to Brenda’s story is one about a social worker trying to intervene. Her perspective mirrors the audience which helps ground the story to discuss the role of outsiders amidst abusive relationships. How do we properly broach it and how difficult it is to not cross the line.
The comic is engaging with a medium that can reach young readers who might not fully understand the extent of abuse aside physical ones. Maybe it’s intentional that Brenda is personified as a little girl in the future timeline to track her mental transformation and interpretation of painful memories. It can just be confusing at times as there aren’t clear transitions. I recommend a second read as it does change how the reader perceives events from the first time around.
Cover Review:
The gray cover needs to be darker so that the yellow title doesn’t fade so much. It’s hard to read it as well as lessen the impact of the glowing stomach. As it is now, the cover lacks impact.
Thanks to the publishers and NetGalley for providing an ARC in exchange of a fair review!
July 10, 2019
*Received via NetGalley for review*
Little Mama is a French comic, translated into English by Montana Kane. It details the early life of Brenda, who was born to a young single mother and felt like it was her responsibility to take care of her, even though her mother was frequently abusive and cruel. When her mother marries and has a new child, Brenda's life only gets worse, as Vincent is even more cruel than her mother.
There are a few small confusing things: Brenda is depicted as a child in the beginning of her therapy sessions, even though she gives her age as 29. Is she supposed to still be mentally a child? Or regressed now that she's in therapy?
The timeline can be a little confusing: did her mother finally stand up to Vincent before or after Kevin was attacked by the dog? How long did Brenda live with them after Vincent left?
But those don't detract from the horrifying ordeals Brenda had to go through. Watching her try and try to please her mother and step-father, despite how much they clearly detested her, was heartbreaking. Seeing that nothing could be done to help since she refused to speak out was even more so.
But people are incredibly resilient, emotionally, physically, and mentally, as this journey shows for Brenda and, hopefully, any others who need to hear it.
Little Mama is a French comic, translated into English by Montana Kane. It details the early life of Brenda, who was born to a young single mother and felt like it was her responsibility to take care of her, even though her mother was frequently abusive and cruel. When her mother marries and has a new child, Brenda's life only gets worse, as Vincent is even more cruel than her mother.
There are a few small confusing things: Brenda is depicted as a child in the beginning of her therapy sessions, even though she gives her age as 29. Is she supposed to still be mentally a child? Or regressed now that she's in therapy?
The timeline can be a little confusing: did her mother finally stand up to Vincent before or after Kevin was attacked by the dog? How long did Brenda live with them after Vincent left?
But those don't detract from the horrifying ordeals Brenda had to go through. Watching her try and try to please her mother and step-father, despite how much they clearly detested her, was heartbreaking. Seeing that nothing could be done to help since she refused to speak out was even more so.
But people are incredibly resilient, emotionally, physically, and mentally, as this journey shows for Brenda and, hopefully, any others who need to hear it.
August 22, 2021
This beautifully written, amazingly drawn book is proof in and of itself that Graphic Novels have evolved waaaaay beyond the description of 'comics'. In this often harrowing book the author takes us along the ride of an abused child.
It starts in an analyst's rooms, as Brenda comes to a psychologist and starts to tell her story of being the child of a teenage single mother. Brenda and the story are obviously not entirely what they seem; she is drawn as a child still clutching a doll, but it is obvious that this is a metaphor for the trauma inside her.
This book manages to tell a horrible story with sensitivity to the internal landscape of an abused child. It touches on the justice system that lets these children down - with rather less empathy. The old phrase that a picture is worth a thousand words is so applicable to this book. The facial expressions, the body postures and the use of light, shading and lines are masterly.
I cannot recommend this Trade Paperback enough to people who want to read about such things. I also strongly advise that if you can be triggered by domestic abuse of any kind, this book will do it.
The ending is redemptive, but the journey to that ending is harsh upon the reader, though of course not nearly as harsh as the real life journey of people who have suffered such things.
It starts in an analyst's rooms, as Brenda comes to a psychologist and starts to tell her story of being the child of a teenage single mother. Brenda and the story are obviously not entirely what they seem; she is drawn as a child still clutching a doll, but it is obvious that this is a metaphor for the trauma inside her.
This book manages to tell a horrible story with sensitivity to the internal landscape of an abused child. It touches on the justice system that lets these children down - with rather less empathy. The old phrase that a picture is worth a thousand words is so applicable to this book. The facial expressions, the body postures and the use of light, shading and lines are masterly.
I cannot recommend this Trade Paperback enough to people who want to read about such things. I also strongly advise that if you can be triggered by domestic abuse of any kind, this book will do it.
The ending is redemptive, but the journey to that ending is harsh upon the reader, though of course not nearly as harsh as the real life journey of people who have suffered such things.
August 25, 2024
A well-crafted and thoughtful depiction of a young woman's experience with parental and relationship abuse. It's not an easy read due to its content (extreme/graphic abuse) and overlapping timelines. At times two scenes from different moments of time are presented concurrently, which requires some careful reading to parse out what exactly is happening. However, this was an effective way of depicting how past trauma can influence present reactions to stress.
Additionally, I felt that the characterization of the abusive parental figures was treated well. Too often abusive parents are written away as heartless monsters. However, in this story, you can see how they too are grappling with their own past - a childhood cut short by an abusive situation at home. It is not presented in a sympathetic manner, but rather in a way that helps humanize them for better understanding their behavior.
Ultimately, I felt this was a story not so much about child abuse, but rather the burden of inheriting familial abuse and their struggle to break the cycle.
I'm not sure how well someone who has not been under similar circumstances would understand this story, but I hope that it helps bring some compassion and understanding for people who have experienced abuse... especially since some may unintentionally exhibit abusive behavior themselves.
Additionally, I felt that the characterization of the abusive parental figures was treated well. Too often abusive parents are written away as heartless monsters. However, in this story, you can see how they too are grappling with their own past - a childhood cut short by an abusive situation at home. It is not presented in a sympathetic manner, but rather in a way that helps humanize them for better understanding their behavior.
Ultimately, I felt this was a story not so much about child abuse, but rather the burden of inheriting familial abuse and their struggle to break the cycle.
I'm not sure how well someone who has not been under similar circumstances would understand this story, but I hope that it helps bring some compassion and understanding for people who have experienced abuse... especially since some may unintentionally exhibit abusive behavior themselves.
July 11, 2019
Full Disclosure: I was given a digital version of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review
Little Mama follows the tumultuous childhood of a girl named Brenda who was abused by her mother and, subsequently, her mother's boyfriend. This graphic novel brings up a lot of hard hitting topics centered around child abuse and it does not shy away from the brutality, turmoil and consequences that come out of being subjected to that type of lifestyle.
Regardless, this book will no doubt have a big emotional impact on the people who decide to pick it up.
Little Mama follows the tumultuous childhood of a girl named Brenda who was abused by her mother and, subsequently, her mother's boyfriend. This graphic novel brings up a lot of hard hitting topics centered around child abuse and it does not shy away from the brutality, turmoil and consequences that come out of being subjected to that type of lifestyle.
Regardless, this book will no doubt have a big emotional impact on the people who decide to pick it up.
July 19, 2019
Brenda's mother had her when she was fifteen. She was neglectful but not physically abusive. But then her abusive boyfriend moved in and, as bad as the situation was before, now it was pure hell. The only bright spot was her new little brother whom she loved. She was more like a mother to him than their own which garnered her the nickname 'little mama'. But as her stepdad's abuse of her becomes worse, she has to decide - does she stay to protect her mom and brother or does she, instead, leave to save herself.
The graphic novel, Little Mama, is both written and drawn by Halim Mahmouidi and it is one hell of an emotional punch to the gut. The depiction of child abuse is heartbreaking. It also shows how the cycle of abuse develops and the difficulty of breaking it. It does end on a hopeful note but it makes clear the need for intercession to break the cycle. Like other reviewers, I found some parts were a bit too 'dreamy' but, overall, a well-done look at a very important subject.
Thanks to Edelweiss+ and Lion Forge for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
The graphic novel, Little Mama, is both written and drawn by Halim Mahmouidi and it is one hell of an emotional punch to the gut. The depiction of child abuse is heartbreaking. It also shows how the cycle of abuse develops and the difficulty of breaking it. It does end on a hopeful note but it makes clear the need for intercession to break the cycle. Like other reviewers, I found some parts were a bit too 'dreamy' but, overall, a well-done look at a very important subject.
Thanks to Edelweiss+ and Lion Forge for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review
July 28, 2019
A young woman is receiving therapy and tells a harrowing story of child abuse and neglect at the hands of her mother. That abuse continues as she gets older and worsens when her mother finds a partner who is also abusive.
The woman is nicked named 'Little Mama' because she tries to take care of her abusive mother even as a child. It is a shocking story but told in a way that is powerful. Eventually the young woman who is called Brenda manages to break away from her abusive mother and form a life of her own. The therapy she receives enables her to confront the abuse and to eventually reach out to her estranged mother.
The story also explores the failings of the authorities to prevent the abuse. It is a hard and disturbing story told through some really good artwork. The story finishes on a hopeful note. Although it was hard to read I really appreciated the artwork and the thought that must hve gone into telling such a harrowing story in such a powerful way.
Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
The woman is nicked named 'Little Mama' because she tries to take care of her abusive mother even as a child. It is a shocking story but told in a way that is powerful. Eventually the young woman who is called Brenda manages to break away from her abusive mother and form a life of her own. The therapy she receives enables her to confront the abuse and to eventually reach out to her estranged mother.
The story also explores the failings of the authorities to prevent the abuse. It is a hard and disturbing story told through some really good artwork. The story finishes on a hopeful note. Although it was hard to read I really appreciated the artwork and the thought that must hve gone into telling such a harrowing story in such a powerful way.
Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
March 11, 2020
I went at this with an idea in my head that it was going to be a teen mom dealing with her baby and things would be "Happily Ever After." And while there is a teen mom there is a lot more going on as well. And while it is not necessarily "Happily Ever After" there is a hopeful ending. One must read this to truly appreciate it. To describe this book you would almost have to tell everything. I think even saying a hopeful ending is giving a lot away. There are layers within the layers. A plot point (again would be a spoiler) was not at first clear, but as you go along you realize what is happening. This is not for the brand new to graphic novels, but do not shy away from it. This is a novel with illustrations. The artwork also is layered and might be a little confusing at first. Take your time reading it. Slowly consume it. You might not come away loving it, but you will have an experience.
June 7, 2023
As I was reading this terribly true feeling graphic novel, I thought what an excellent format this is for such a story, and/or Halim, the author, was very talented in portraying it. It is told from the point of view of Brenda, the child, whose mother grew angry with her for crying as an infant and for every other normal child behavior as she grew. It felt like the right format because it is told through the little, devastating moments that make up the world of an unhappy childhood. The bruises examined in the bath; mommy coming home from a date in tears and lashing out; the startling, out of nowhere, smack; the lies told to adults outside the home; the devastation of a sadistic boyfriend. The moments in therapy, or where some adult does care, are a welcome relief.
Why read this book? To see the lives of people who must endure this, who must grow up this way, and to recognize their full humanity.
Why read this book? To see the lives of people who must endure this, who must grow up this way, and to recognize their full humanity.
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