Alison Bechdel's graphic memoirs Fun Home and Are You My Mothers?

What is it about?

This articles examines Bechdel's graphic memoirs for the insights they provide into how books and reading shape the difficult relationship between Alison, her mother and her father as well as her own lesbian coming out. It argues that Fun Home and Are You My Mother? portray reading as a vital activity that allows Alison to understand better how homophobia and historical context shaped her family relationships.

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Why is it important?

The article examines how homophobia is experienced and perpetuated, and it explores ways of resistance. Focusing on the important role played by books in developing a sense of self in relation to others, it shows that reading literature can have a real impact on how lives are lived and understood.