About the Book

A provocative graphic memoir perfect for fans of Allie Brosh's Solutions and Other Problems

The 2023 Russ Manning Most Promising Newcomer Award winning cartoonist, Zoe Thorogood (writer and artist of The Impending Blindness of Billie Scott, artist on Joe Hill's Rain graphic novelisation), records six months of her own life as it falls apart in a desperate attempt to put it back together again in the only way she knows how. It's Lonely at the Centre of the Earth is an intimate and meta-narrative look into the life of a selfish artist who must create for her own survival. A poignant and original depiction of a young woman's struggle with mental health—through the ups and downs of anxiety, depression, and imposter syndrome—as she forges a promising career in sequential art and finds herself along the way.

Review

This book was recommended to me by Amazon, and I gave it a chance because I thought it had an interesting concept. I also liked the cover and was excited to see the rest of Thorogood’s art within the pages. I had no prior knowledge of Thorogood or her work.

It’s Lonely At The Centre of the Earth is probably one of the most brutally honest autobiographic novels, I have read in a long time. Thorogood is upfront about her depression, loneliness, and suicidal thoughts. She doesn’t hold back. Thorogood writes about her trying to understand the world, understanding herself while also wanting to create.

This book did jump from place to place, and that felt intentional—as if the author was working it out as she wrote. As much as I respect it, it was hard to follow at times.

I adored the art in this—especially how it switched up art styles depending on the emotions or situations. I found that to be creative and it really helped drive home the emotions and what the author was trying to say.

Final Thoughts

It’s Lonely At The Centre of the Earth is an extremely raw book, and I hope Zoe Thorogood is in a good place mentally. It’s clear that the author put all her emotions into it, and some parts very hit at the heart.

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