By: Your Sarcastic Book Buddy
Let’s face it: high school sucks. You’ve got acne, unrequited crushes, and a ghostly bestie who’s way too invested in your love life. Such is the chaotic charm of Vera Brosgol’s Anya’s Ghost—a graphic novel that’s equal parts coming-of-age cringe and supernatural thriller. Think Mean Girls meets The Conjuring, but with more Russian angst and fewer glitter pens.
1. Meet Anya: The Ultimate Teen Misfit
Anya Borzakovskaya isn’t just your average grumpy teen. She’s a Russian immigrant with a chip on her shoulder the size of Siberia. Her hobbies include:
- Rolling her eyes at her mom’s “too greasy” pierogi (blasphemy!).
- Crushing on Sean, the school’s resident himbo, who’s dating Elizabeth—a human Barbie doll.
- Skipping class to smoke with her only friend, Siobhan, who dresses like a 1920s newsboy 11.
But Anya’s life takes a turn when she literally falls into a plot device—a well—and meets Emily, a ghost who’s been dead for 90 years. Emily’s vibe? Sweet, helpful, and totally not hiding a murderous past. At first, she’s like a supernatural Alexa: “Anya, cheat on this test! Anya, stalk Sean! Anya, stop eating carbs!” 210.
2. Emily: The Ghost with the Most (Red Flags)
Emily starts as the ultimate wingwoman:
- Helps Anya ace exams by ghost-peeking at answers.
- Engineers “accidental” meet-cutes with Sean.
- Offers fashion tips (because nothing says “date-ready” like a ghost-approved sweater).
But soon, Emily’s true colors emerge—spoiler alert—she’s a manipulative, homicidal spirit who lied about her tragic backstory. Turns out, she didn’t die fleeing a murderer; she was the murderer. Whoops! Suddenly, Anya’s BFF is more Single White Female than Casper 410.
3. The Real Horror? Teenage Insecurities
Brosgol masterfully uses horror to mirror Anya’s internal struggles:
- Body Image Woes: Anya’s obsession with her weight is scarier than Emily’s skeleton form.
- Immigrant Identity Crisis: She’s embarrassed by her Russian roots, her mom’s accent, and Dima—the “fobby” nerd who’s also Russian (the horror!).
- Popularity Hunger: Anya’s desperation to fit in makes her cling to Emily, even as the ghost terrorizes her family 1112.
The message? Trying to erase who you are is scarier than any ghost. Also, maybe don’t trust dead girls who offer relationship advice.
4. Why This Book Slaps (Despite the Ghostly Gaslighting)
- Art Style: Brosgol’s moody violet palette screams “teen angst” 4. The art shifts from quirky to creepy—like Emily’s glow-up from sad ghost to skeletal nightmare 2.
- Awards Galore: Eisner Award? Harvey Award? Check. Even Neil Gaiman called it a “masterpiece” (though one critic politely disagreed, calling the ending “too easy” 11).
- Cultural Relatability: Anya’s immigrant struggles—like teachers butchering her last name—hit hard. Brosgol, a Russian immigrant herself, nails the “I’m-not-like-other-teens” vibe 12.
5. Life Lessons from Anya’s Ghost
- Ghosts are Terrible Therapists: Emily’s advice? “Seduce Sean! Bully your brother! Live vicariously through me!” Hard pass.
- Family > Frenemies: Anya finally defends her mom and brother—after Emily tries to yeet her mom down the stairs. Priorities!
- Smoking is Uncool: Anya ditches cigarettes after realizing they’re “not as cool as [she] thought” 11. Take notes, teens.
Final Verdict: A+ for Chaos
Anya’s Ghost is the perfect read for anyone who’s ever:
- Faked a personality to fit in.
- Regretted trusting a “nice” person.
- Wondered if their crush is worth a haunted well.
Brosgol serves up a story that’s funny, freaky, and oddly heartfelt. Just don’t read it alone in the dark—or near any wells.
P.S. The Square Fish edition? It’s the one with 240 pages of purple-tinged drama 12. You’re welcome. 🎃