‘Soppy: A Love Story’ review
By Brittney MacDonald, Life & Style Editor
5/5
When we think of the romance genre, we often recall tales of heroes and heroines saving the lives of their beloveds in some grand way that often involves endangering themselves in the process. But for those of us who have been in love, we know that narratives like this aren’t often the reality. It’s the little things that become the most awe inspiring: those singular moments when your partner will bring you coffee because they know you hate mornings or watch your favourite movie with you despite the fact it’s animated and in Japanese. It’s that kind of love that is celebrated in Soppy.
Written and drawn by Philippa Rice, Soppy is not so much a graphic novel as it is a collection of moments in time. There is no plot or intrigue, just brief glimpses into Rice’s life with her boyfriend. To some that might sound boring, but I actually found it to be incredibly honest and charming.
The appeal here does not lie in the complexity of the narrative or in the character development, but in the reader’s response to the moments presented. It’s recognition for those in long term relationships, nostalgia for those who have been in one, and optimism for people who have yet to experience it.
Artistically the panels are very simple, but they reflect the simplicity of the story they represent. I found Rice’s aesthetic to be adorable, and I appreciated the bold choices she made in regards to how she presented herself, her boyfriend, and the world they inhabit.
I think this is a great book if you just want something to pass the time. It’s perfect for making you laugh when stuck on the bus, and you don’t need to really sit down and analyze it—just get it and be happy.
