Fun Home

by Alison Bechdel
Fun Home cover
Good Books rating 3.56
Graphic Novels / Comics
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Waterstones
Paperback • £10.99–£16.99
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Technical
  • ID: 567
  • Added: 2025-09-18
  • Updated: 2025-11-01
  • ISBN: 9781529193510
  • Publisher: Random House
  • Published: 2021-11-11
  • Formats: 55
  • Reviews: 4

Fun Home is a critically acclaimed graphic memoir that delves into the intricate dynamics of Alison Bechdel's family life, particularly her relationship with her father. Through pitch-perfect illustrations and a narrative that balances humor and heartache, Bechdel recounts her childhood memories, college experiences, and present-day reflections. The story unfolds as she discovers her own sexuality and the shocking truths about her father's hidden life. /n/n The memoir is not just a personal journey but also a profound exploration of identity, secrecy, and the bonds that tie families together. Bechdel's gothic drawings and finely woven blend of yearning and fantasy make this a groundbreaking and redemptive read, praised as one of the Guardian's 100 Best Books of the 21st Century.

Reviews
Amanja Reads · 2023-08-22
critical 1.00

The reviewer criticizes the book for degrading certain communities and places the author on a pedestal, ultimately not recommending it.

The reviewer expresses strong dissatisfaction with the book, arguing that it degrades certain communities and elevates the author to an unfair pedestal. They find the narrative problematic and do not recommend it to others. The reviewer's critique highlights a divisive perspective on the book's content and its portrayal of various themes.

Quick quotes

    She degrades her own communities and places herself on a pedestal

    I cannot in any way recommend that anyone read Fun Home: A Family Tragicomic

    The narrative is problematic and divisive

Oberlin Review · 2019-09-27
moving 4.75

The graphic novel holds a special place in the reviewer's heart, capturing the intricacies of a father-daughter relationship with emotional honesty. It's a deeply personal and moving exploration of family and identity.

The reviewer shares a deeply personal connection with this graphic novel, praising its emotional honesty and the way it captures the complexities of a father-daughter relationship. They appreciate how Bechdel's work delves into themes of family and identity with such depth and sensitivity. The reviewer finds it deeply moving and a significant addition to their personal library of meaningful reads. The exploration of these themes is done with such care that it resonates on a deeply personal level.

Quick quotes

    Fun Home occupies a really special place in my heart

    In this graphic novel, Alison Bechdel captures her relationship with her father in all its complexity

    It's a deeply personal and moving exploration of family and identity

Subtitledreams · 2019-07-05
overwhelming 4.50

The book is overwhelming in its emotional weight, dealing with heavy topics that leave the reviewer deeply affected. The play adaptation is noted for drawing different emotions compared to the book.

The reviewer is deeply affected by 'Fun Home', finding it to be a heavy and emotionally charged read. They note that the book deals with profound topics that leave a lasting impact. The reviewer also compares the book to its play adaptation, highlighting how each medium draws out different emotional responses. They appreciate the depth and complexity of the narrative, which makes it a memorable and impactful read.

Quick quotes

    The book had me sniffling a bit, but mainly overwhelmed me with the weight of the topic.

    The play drew a completely different emotional response compared to the book.

    The depth and complexity of the narrative make it a memorable and impactful read.

Colorful Book Reviews · 2017-06-01
insightful 4.00

The story is noted for its deep exploration of the author's sexuality and gender expression, as well as her relationship with her father.

The reviewer highlights the book's thorough examination of the author's journey of self-discovery and her complex relationship with her father. They appreciate the memoir's ability to weave together themes of sexuality, gender expression, and personal growth in a compelling narrative. The reviewer finds the book to be a powerful exploration of these themes, making it a memorable read.

Quick quotes

    This story explores both the author's understanding of her sexuality and gender expression as well as her father's death.

    The memoir is a powerful exploration of self-discovery and personal growth.

    The book's themes of sexuality and gender expression are woven together in a compelling narrative.

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