Sophie LambdaCritiques

A GN about the author's own experience in a relationship with a toxic manipulator. The last third of the book, where she shifts into self-reflection and textbook definitions, ran a bit long for me. I would've preferred if it were more peppered throughout instead of dumped on at the end.

This is exactly what it is like to be in a toxic relationship. I loved learning about the psychology terms "flying monkeys" and "hoovering". I am happy that Sophie Lambda wrote this graphic novel, it will help a lot of people getting out of toxic relationships realize that they weren't going crazy, those things truly did happen, and allow them to move on.

Don't be fooled by the lovey-dovey cover illustration and oh-well title: So Much for Love is a graphic-novel memoir about the author's abusive relationship, and it's intense. This is an outstanding portrait of narcissistic toxicity, but it’s revelatory when it comes to showing how difficult leaving an abusive relationship is, on many levels. Those outside of (and therefore at a safe distance from) such toxicity are frequently confounded when the victim doesn’t "just leave" immediately. So Much for Love is directed most obviously at abuse victims, to empathize with and help them, but it has lessons for others too.

Full review on Goodreads.

The title tells the story here, as the author recounts her fairy-tale romance with a C-list actor that descended into gaslighting and emotional abuse as he revealed himself to be a narcissistic manipulator. The first two-thirds are very engaging as she describes the relationship in a cartoonish style with generous amounts of humor to give a respite from its the horrible and terrifying aspects.

The last quarter loses momentum as narrative gives way to a handbook format wherein she analyzes the psychological aspects and describes red flags and tactics used by toxic people like her ex. It's informative but moves the book firmly from showing to telling.

Recommended, especially for anyone who has inklings that their own relationship might not feel right.