The Book Tour

Andi Watson — 2020

A page-turning, Kafkaesque dark comedy in brilliant retro style, this graphic novel watches one man try to keep it together while everything falls apart. Upon the publication of his latest novel, G. H. Fretwell, a minor English writer, embarks on a book tour to promote it. Nothing is going according to plan, and his trip gradually turns into a nightmare. But now the police want to ask him some questions about a mysterious disappearance, and it seems that Fretwell's troubles are only just beginning... In his first book for adults in many years, acclaimed cartoonist Andi Watson evokes all the anxieties felt by every writer and compresses them into a comedic gem of a book. Witty, surreal, and sharply observant, The Book Tour offers a captivating lesson in letting go.

Reviews

Ari Holbert@wafflebox

Dec 14, 2022

I picked up this delightfully kafkaesque work on a whim and am glad I did. Although I’m not a professional writer, I could sympathize with the protagonist’s ongoing trials and tribulations. Watson’s drawing style too lent a welcoming coziness seen especially in the depiction of European style cobbled streets and closely grouped buildings, alleys, and archways. Despite the simplicity of the protagonist’s design, his face conveyed a lot of feeling and I couldn’t help but hope his luck would somehow change. Being published is quite the accomplishment!

Isabela H @isabelah

Oct 8, 2022

Honestly just a very strange book. It was fun to read in the sense that I wanted to see what was going to happen next, but it wasn't super engaging content. I wouldn't really recommend this book. ** spoilers ahead ** I saw someone in another review describe the main character as a British Jon Arbuckle and I couldn't agree more. I found myself interested in what other bad and unfortunate things were going to happen to him along his journey, but I couldn't help but feel like I wasn't satisfied by the end of the book, despite being bored.