Item: But You Have Friends
Rating: 4.00
Author: quirkycat

by Emilia Mckenzie

When a dear friend dies by suicide, Emilia is left with only memories. Full of humor and poignancy, this graphic memoir is a meditation on the meaning of friendship and a love letter to an irreplaceable friend.

Emilia first met Charlotte in their school locker room in the late '90s. They quickly bonded over indie music, feminist literature, a love of purple, and a shared sense of outsiderness. Their joyful, intense friendship evolved through the years—until Charlotte died in 2018 following a long struggle with depression.

Now, Emilia assembles her memories into a graphic memoir reflecting on the bond they shared and the ways it shaped them. As they pass in and out of each other’s lives, teenage ideals collide with adult realities, prompting reflections about the meaning of friendship.

But You Have Friends is a tender tribute to an irreplaceable friend and a sharply observed, personal account of the aftermath of loss. It is also a humorous, candid memorial that will resonate with anyone who has ever loved.

Summary:

Emilia and Charlotte were the best of friends from the moment they met. They had so much in common and grew closer growing up together. That is until the unthinkable happened: Charlotte died in 2018 after struggling with depression for years.

Everything in But You Have Friends is Emilia's tribute to her late friend. It's a collection of their memories – a way of immortalizing and sharing these moments with the world. This way, her dear friend and those memories can live on.

My Review:

Wow. Get ready to be hit in the feels. Honestly, But You Have Friends would have hit hard had it been a work of fiction. Knowing that it is all real, with real people, struggles, and memories, makes it more impactful.

I love and respect Emilia McKenzie's brutal and beautiful honesty in this graphic novel. This must have taken so much courage and passion for writing. I give her all the credit in the world for sharing her friend's story. Thank you.

While this is a highly emotional read, it is also powerful. I am so happy to have had the chance to read it.

Highlights:
Graphic Novel
Highly Emotional
True Story

Trigger Warnings:
Death of a Friend
Depression
Suicide

Thanks to Top Shelf Productions and #NetGalley for making this book available for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

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But You Have Friends

by Emilia Mckenzie

Reviewed by Quirky Cat on Apr 7, 2023

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