From Booklist The title of Nilsen’s latest set of sketchbook pieces made shortly after the death of his fiancée, Cheryl, in 2005, is bivalent. It refers to the end of his life with her, a time filled with doing “whatever I want all the time” (often enough, crying); carrying on imaginary dialogues with Cheryl, in which they appear as outline figures only; and expounding philosophically via another outline-man. It also indicates that this collection concludes his public presentation of his grief, though not his grieving, which he knows will continue, diminishing, until he dies. If The End’s contents aren’t as deeply affecting or as narrative-driven as those of Don’t Go Where I Can’t Follow (2012), they’re as intelligently written and beautifully drawn—whether simply or intricately—as anything else this front-runner in his generation of comics artists has done. The last piece ends in blank-paneled silence, bringing to mind Wittgenstein’s famous proposition, “What we cannot speak about, we must pass over in silence.” --Ray Olson Read more Review “Poignant, engaging, and philosophical, Nilsen’s graphic memoir documents loss and is a testament to grieving. Fans of graphic memoirs will find the creator’s use of surprise appealing. [Starred Review]” - Brian Looker, Library Journal Read more See all Editorial Reviews
M**K
'The End' is interesting.
'The End' is kind of a graphic novel... And that's what readers will either love or hate about it.'The End' is actually Nilsen's sketchbook where he took to grieve, brainstorm, have imaginary dialogues, breakdown, and heal after the death of his partner. t doesn't have a plot. Sometimes, it's incoherent. Yet, the absurdity and chaotic nature of the book reflects the emotional turmoil one must experience when losing their loved one. At times, I didn't enjoy it. Other times, I was in love with it.It's unfair to review, judge, or criticize 'The End' for its shortcomings as it wasn't intended to be read by an audience (I imagine). Perhaps a foreword about the nature of Nilsen's relationship with his deceased partner would help humanize the story, as at times, it can be extremely abstract.If you're looking for something DIFFERENT, I would highly recommend it. If you're looking for a narrative with characterization, this ain't for you. This is 'The End.'
A**E
Five Stars
Heart wrenching. Having experienced grief, this is a true expression of the emotions.
P**A
... on grief after the death of the woman he loved. It's not about her
An illustrated meditation on grief after the death of the woman he loved. It's not about her, but about the aftermath for him, the long, tumultuous time alone, thinking, rethinking, imaging conversations, turning to labyrinths. Beautiful illustrations of a long, painful, time.
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