The Runaway's Diary - Graphic Novel Review

Whilst at the library I picked up this book as the cover was gorgeous and I recognised James Patterson's name, even if I don't read his stuff.  So, how was it?

Well, The Runaway's Diary is a sometimes thoughtful exploration of a young girl’s journey. The story centers on Eleanor, a fifteen-year-old girl who runs away from home to find her sister in Seattle. Armed with little more than a few old postcards and a bus ticket, she quickly finds her imagined adventure turning into a harsh reality. As she navigates the streets of a city that's much larger and colder than she anticipated, she is taken in by a grumpy but kind woman and eventually finds a makeshift family among a group of other homeless teens. Her search for her sister becomes a search for adaptation and survival as she struggles to cope with her new reality.

I enjoyed my time with the book and think that one of the book’s greatest strengths is its use of Eleanor as an unreliable narrator. The story's inconsistencies and the somewhat sanitized portrayal of homelessness are not plot holes, but rather deliberate artistic choices that give us a window into Eleanor’s mind. She’s a young girl processing trauma and coping with a frightening situation by framing it as a grand adventure where no real harm can come to her.

I think that the choice made in the story are particularly effective for its tween and young adult audience, as it allows them to engage with heavy themes like poverty and vulnerability in a way that feels safe and understandable. The hints of darker truths are present, but they remain understated, leaving the reader to contemplate them without being traumatised. While the graphic novel may have its share of slower moments and lacks the non-stop action of a typical Patterson thriller (I've seen a few films but read none of his books), it’s a deliberate and effective departure for the author.

Complementing this narrative is the beautiful and clear artwork by Valeria Wicker. Her character designs are clear and simple but embued with a  lot of personality. Eleanor's crazy hair is a visual clue to her inner turmoil but it doesn't have to be spelt out for her audience. The layouts are easy to follow and is such a visually appealing experience that it makes the story's emotional beats hit with more impact.

Overall, it's a solid graphic novel that is well worth a read, particularly for its unique take on an unreliable narrator and its gentle, yet honest, approach to difficult subjects.