Are You My Mother?: A Comic Drama by Alison Bechdel

Alison Bechdel was an independent graphic novel artist and writer who released her artwork and publications to the public in the early 1980s. Bechdel quickly realized success in her accomplishments and was appointed as a MacArthur Fellow in 2012.

Are You My Mother? is Alison Bechdel’s sixth publication and second masterful book-length memoir that chronicles her life and experiences with her mother, her father, and her own self-discovery. Bechdel focuses on the complexity of mother-daughter relationships, how a mother’s decisions can continue to affect a daughter’s life, even beyond her mother’s death.

The book mainly centers upon the life of Bechdel’s mother, focusing on the fact that ever since she was young, Bechdel had sought out more information about her complicated mother. Her mother was a uniquely difficult individual; she had suffered from depression and melancholia throughout her adulthood, and her mood swings had a powerful effect on Bechdel.

This book is made up of many intricate memories woven into the narrative of mother-daughter relationships and the exploration of identity. It’s an honest representation of the deep love-hate dynamic between mother and daughter. In a time where women’s roles in a household were expected to be something traditionally feminine, Bechdel breaks these norms by presenting her mother as an independent woman with her own thoughts and ideas—something that Bechdel feels has been lost throughout her mother’s own life.

The novel documents Bechdel’s long journey to process her complicated family relationships. It includes scenes involving therapy, where Bechdel focuses on the many components of her relationships, making it hard to deny Bechdel’s courage and bravery to delve into the deep waters of family life. The narrative of Are You My Mother? is what drives a majority of the plot, and it’s beautifully executed.

Alison Bechdel’s skill for comic art is displayed as she illustrates communicating emotions and complicated relationships that readers can visualize in their minds. The drawings make it easier for readers to connect with the characters and circumstances.

A reading copy of this book is a must-have. Are You My Mother? is a power-punch of a memoir, by an inspiring woman. It’s filled with an honest narrative of events that are no doubt difficult to talk about, with depth of understanding and wisdom. Readers will walk away from this book with new perspectives and a better understanding of how difficult and complex family relationships can be.