REVIEW: Waves by Ingrid Chabbert & Carole Maurel

Waves – Ingrid Chabbert & Carole Maurel

A young woman and her wife’s attempts to have a child unfold in this poetic tale that ebbs and flows like the sea.

After years of difficulty trying to have children, a young couple finally announces their pregnancy, only to have the most joyous day of their lives replaced with one of unexpected heartbreak. Their relationship is put to the test as they forge ahead, working together to rebuild themselves amidst the churning tumult of devastating loss, and ultimately facing the soul-crushing reality that they may never conceive a child of their own.

Based on author Ingrid Chabbert’s own experience, coupled with soft, sometimes dreamlike illustrations by Carole Maurel, Waves is a deeply moving story that poignantly captures a woman’s exploration of her pain in order to rediscover hope.

As somebody who has no interest in having children, I couldn’t even begin to imagine the grief and pain couples go through when they’re trying to have a child only to lose them to a miscarriage. I would even be an insensitive ass and dismiss the whole thing with “why don’t they just adopt?”

Author Ingrid Chabbert shares her story via Waves, a graphic novel about two women trying really hard to have a baby. They were so close to their dream only to have it snatched away. Truly heartbreaking! Theirs is a very moving story about coping with a loss so immense that simply to continue moving is like learning to breathe again.

“It’s like learning everything over”
“No choice.”
“It’s kind of like learning to walk again”
“Yeah, just as frustrating”

Their journey towards healing and recovery is reflected on their dreams of being submerged in the sea and struggling to swim against turbulent waters. It was very overwhelming. I would have drowned already. Yet these women kept fighting and their love for each other and the baby remained strong.

They found support from other couples with similar experiences. The comfort and relief they received from these shared stories was palpable. I’m happy they found reasons to smile again. They also found solace in writing and traveling. The idea that healing and inner peace don’t have to involve prayer to a god also resonated strongly with me

Waves is an eye-opening experience for me. It reminded me and my callous streak, not to minimize other people’s pain. It showed my pessimistic self that even in their deepest despair people can still find the strength to move on. And in the midst of grief

“You are allowed to laugh.”

P.S.

I received a copy of Waves from  BOOM! Studios  via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Rating:
4 Stars – minor quibbles but I loved it to bits

Soundtrack: Ocean Breathes Salty
Artist: Modest Mouse
Album: Good News for People Who Love Bad News