giant is a silent graphic novel published by Faber and Faber, in June 2024. The book is inspired by the journey my brother faced after being diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and how our family were affected. The main character wakes up one morning to find he has grown to the size of a giant, which acts as three metaphors: the physical mutation of cancer; the idea of feeling like the ‘elephant in the room’; but also, the ‘giant’ strength he takes away with him following his recovery.
These illustrations have been created in ball-point pen on cartridge paper. Click here to order your copy of 'giant' now! 'As someone who is motivated by words, a silent graphic novel needs to be exceptional to hold my interest. Giant is that. Ray uses a visual metaphor to tell the story of her brother’s experience with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The metaphor itself, her brother’s giant stature, is a touching representation of the loneliness of illness as it marks one as different from their peers. What Ray also captures in her artwork – hand-drawn in black-and-white ballpoint pen – is the radiating effect of illness. We see shadows of worry beneath his parents’ eyes, and Ray’s creative use of panelling displays the almost constant “elephant in the room” that becomes part of the family home since the life-threatening diagnosis. A stunning meditation on illness and care.' Brigid O’Dea, The Irish Times This project is supported by The Society of Authors and Arts Council England National Lottery Fund. |