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Tender
A psychological thriller about a woman obsessed with her vision for a picture-perfect, curated life. Carolanne wanted a perfect wedding, a perfect husband, a perfect family. She carefully performs her own roles (gal pal, bestie, girlfriend, wife, and expectant mother) and manipulates those around her to try and get the results she wants. Her desire to control the uncontrollable ultimately becomes her undoing. When things don't go her way, she exerts dominance over the one thing she does have total control her body; until that "betrays" her. After suffering a horrible loss, Carolanne spirals into a literal, all-consuming delusion causing her body to produce symptoms of a hysterical pregnancy ― as a result of her slicing off bits of her own flesh and eating them. Chicago cartoonist and educator Beth Hetland’s graphic novel debut is a brilliant psychological thriller that tears down the wall of a genre ― body horror ― so often identified with male creators. Heady and visceral, Tender uses horrific tropes to confront women’s societal expectations of self-sacrifice despite those traditional roles often coming at the expense of female sexuality and empowerment. Full-color illustrations throughout
148 pages, Hardcover
Published March 12, 2024
About the author
Beth Hetland
9 books10 followersBeth Hetland is an American cartoonist, illustrator and educator.
Hetland studied fine arts at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (BFA 2009) and comics at The Center for Cartoon Studies in Vermont (MFA 2011). She is now back at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago as an adjoint Professor, where she mostly lectures about cartooning and comics writing.
After self-publishing comics for years, her first major graphic novel, the psychological horror Tender, was published in 2024 by Fantagraphics.
Hetland studied fine arts at The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (BFA 2009) and comics at The Center for Cartoon Studies in Vermont (MFA 2011). She is now back at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago as an adjoint Professor, where she mostly lectures about cartooning and comics writing.
After self-publishing comics for years, her first major graphic novel, the psychological horror Tender, was published in 2024 by Fantagraphics.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews
December 15, 2023
I had to let this sit with me for a day before I could even figure out what I was going to say. I was stunned by the ending of this horror graphic novel. But in between I felt like I was constantly being punched in the gut.
Did I know it was even possible to feel this way after reading a graphic novel? No. I didn’t. The triggers in this one are many. With self mutilation being high on the list. It really hit home as I was nodding. Pressure to make your life seem perfect can be a crushing feeling. I sympathized with the main character as this world isn’t meant for single women.
Excuse me while I go back and stare at a wall asking what the heck did I just actually read.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the arc of the graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.
Did I know it was even possible to feel this way after reading a graphic novel? No. I didn’t. The triggers in this one are many. With self mutilation being high on the list. It really hit home as I was nodding. Pressure to make your life seem perfect can be a crushing feeling. I sympathized with the main character as this world isn’t meant for single women.
Excuse me while I go back and stare at a wall asking what the heck did I just actually read.
Thank you to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for the arc of the graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.
December 20, 2023
This unique graphic novel is just as sad as it is disturbing. It is a little bit gory, and there’s one part that I found upsetting.
I thought the writing was really good, as well as the illustrations.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I thought the writing was really good, as well as the illustrations.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2024
Not for the faint of heart. This is one of the scariest stories I've read.
April 20, 2024
I love horror comics, books, films, etc. and generally consider myself as having a high tolerance towards the genre. It's rare to find something that'll get under my skin. But Beth Hetland's Tender is one of the few that really got to me. This is truly a disturbing read, largely due to Hetland capably weaving in realistic fears and a true sense of sorrow into the narrative. There is some body horror aspects here and there, but the imagery itself rarely got to me on its own. It's a combination of the protagonist's spiraling mental condition alongside the horrific imagery that makes Tender one of the more gripping graphic novels of the year.
The story follows Carolanne, a woman who has some pretty trivial goals in life. She wants to find a nice man, have a lovely wedding, start a family, and build a cozy little home life. She gets her wish when she starts dating one of her coworkers who she's crushed on for quite some time, and things take off from there. But as we follow Carolanne's story, we see her obsession with comparing her life to that of her friends and coworkers, particularly from the lens of social media. Her expectations from life comes from comparison to others - and Tender demonstrates exactly why it's the thief of all joy. Things crumble slowly for Carolanne, and the descent is genuinely harrowing because of just how realistic the circumstances are.
This is going to be a tough read for some since it touches on topics like self-harm and more, and it doesn't really do it in all that tender of a way. It's blunt and brutal in its depiction of depression and loss, and Hetland's very descriptive style of drawing doesn't make things much easier. Her illustrations are simple in design, but the expressions are evocative and touching, making her characters feel incredibly real. A lot of warning to those wanting to read this - Tender is really not something for the faint of heart.
The story follows Carolanne, a woman who has some pretty trivial goals in life. She wants to find a nice man, have a lovely wedding, start a family, and build a cozy little home life. She gets her wish when she starts dating one of her coworkers who she's crushed on for quite some time, and things take off from there. But as we follow Carolanne's story, we see her obsession with comparing her life to that of her friends and coworkers, particularly from the lens of social media. Her expectations from life comes from comparison to others - and Tender demonstrates exactly why it's the thief of all joy. Things crumble slowly for Carolanne, and the descent is genuinely harrowing because of just how realistic the circumstances are.
This is going to be a tough read for some since it touches on topics like self-harm and more, and it doesn't really do it in all that tender of a way. It's blunt and brutal in its depiction of depression and loss, and Hetland's very descriptive style of drawing doesn't make things much easier. Her illustrations are simple in design, but the expressions are evocative and touching, making her characters feel incredibly real. A lot of warning to those wanting to read this - Tender is really not something for the faint of heart.
December 20, 2023
This graphic novel was indeed graphic. I feel like I was left wanting a bit more from the story itself. The comic is so short that it feels difficult to connect with the main character before shit hits the fan. Maybe I'm an odd one out, but it was not my favorite.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read and review this ARC.
Thanks to NetGalley for letting me read and review this ARC.
December 27, 2023
Viscerally upsetting, I cringed multiple times. Carolanne is a woman is a woman so obsessed with fulfilling her vision of a perfect life that she'll do anything (except talk to people or go to therapy I guess).
Intense body horror.
Intense body horror.
June 2, 2024
Completely gruesome and heartbreaking.
February 25, 2024
4.5/5
- Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing me a copy through NetGalley. -
I have to say I had an amazing weekend read-athon full of great reads!
This is one of the list.
Super duper disturbing, with very peculiar art and coloring.
I got sucked up into this world of expectations and time seemed so have stopped while I was reading it.
I got super invested, mainly thanks to the story that was super smooth.
This sense of quotidianity mixed with thriller and horror vibes, was the perfect mix to create this twisted graphic novel. All seemed normal at first, simply following the life of a couple.
Then we slowly discover that things are not always as easy as they seem and that it's easy to fall into a tunnel of no return.
Tragedies, very strong experiences and expectations can change people, but not always they decide to let it show.
And this is exactly what happens here. We follow and watch Carolanne falling into this dark and twisted abyss.
- Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing me a copy through NetGalley. -
I have to say I had an amazing weekend read-athon full of great reads!
This is one of the list.
Super duper disturbing, with very peculiar art and coloring.
I got sucked up into this world of expectations and time seemed so have stopped while I was reading it.
I got super invested, mainly thanks to the story that was super smooth.
This sense of quotidianity mixed with thriller and horror vibes, was the perfect mix to create this twisted graphic novel. All seemed normal at first, simply following the life of a couple.
Then we slowly discover that things are not always as easy as they seem and that it's easy to fall into a tunnel of no return.
Tragedies, very strong experiences and expectations can change people, but not always they decide to let it show.
And this is exactly what happens here. We follow and watch Carolanne falling into this dark and twisted abyss.
Read
January 11, 2024*not rating*
I’m so confused about what I read after finishing this. It didn’t make sense to me, but I enjoyed the creepy feeling it gave. The illustrations were disturbing and gruesome, there were a few adult images here and there. I loved the idea behind this, portraying the negative sides of social media… but the book itself didn’t make sense to me.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with access to read this book!
I’m so confused about what I read after finishing this. It didn’t make sense to me, but I enjoyed the creepy feeling it gave. The illustrations were disturbing and gruesome, there were a few adult images here and there. I loved the idea behind this, portraying the negative sides of social media… but the book itself didn’t make sense to me.
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with access to read this book!
September 27, 2024
Definitely NOT for the faint-hearted 🫣
August 5, 2024
fantastic and disgusting!
February 27, 2024
actual rating: 3.5/5 stars
tender follows carolanne, a woman fixated on the pursuit of an ideal existence: a flawless wedding, a perfect husband, and a curated family. as she meticulously plays her various roles, manipulating those around her to fit her vision, her desperate need for controlcauses her to unravel. when faced with uncontrollable circumstances and a devastating loss, carolanne's descent into madness takes a horrifying turn as she engages in self-harm, consuming fragments of her own flesh in a desperate attempt to regain control.
the art is the main selling point of this graphic novel. the art has an interplay of colors which intensifies the more nightmarish scenes, effectively capturing the emotional turmoil within. however, the story itself tends to lean towards the straightforward, allowing the bold art to shine while falling short in fully exploring the complex themes promised by the novel's description.
the graphic novel challenges traditional body horror norms by presenting a female perspective on self-sacrifice, societal expectations, and the consequences of relentless pursuit of an unattainable ideal. while trying to have a in-depth exploration of these themes, the narrative fell short in delivering a comprehensive and nuanced discussion of these subjects. the graphic novel touched upon the psychological toll of societal pressures and the protagonist's descent into madness, but the depth of exploration into these themes remained somewhat superficial.
thank you to fantagraphics books and netgalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
tender follows carolanne, a woman fixated on the pursuit of an ideal existence: a flawless wedding, a perfect husband, and a curated family. as she meticulously plays her various roles, manipulating those around her to fit her vision, her desperate need for controlcauses her to unravel. when faced with uncontrollable circumstances and a devastating loss, carolanne's descent into madness takes a horrifying turn as she engages in self-harm, consuming fragments of her own flesh in a desperate attempt to regain control.
the art is the main selling point of this graphic novel. the art has an interplay of colors which intensifies the more nightmarish scenes, effectively capturing the emotional turmoil within. however, the story itself tends to lean towards the straightforward, allowing the bold art to shine while falling short in fully exploring the complex themes promised by the novel's description.
the graphic novel challenges traditional body horror norms by presenting a female perspective on self-sacrifice, societal expectations, and the consequences of relentless pursuit of an unattainable ideal. while trying to have a in-depth exploration of these themes, the narrative fell short in delivering a comprehensive and nuanced discussion of these subjects. the graphic novel touched upon the psychological toll of societal pressures and the protagonist's descent into madness, but the depth of exploration into these themes remained somewhat superficial.
thank you to fantagraphics books and netgalley for an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2023
3.5/5
Whoa, it's surprisingly dark. It begins with Carolanne, happily married and pregnant. After a while, Hetland takes readers into the past to illustrate how the idyllics started. It's during this journey that you realize things aren't what they seem on the surface, or in the Instagram posts so important to the protagonist. The narrative is told with simplicity and good timing.
Carolanne is obsessed with an image of a perfect, happy life and yearns to control the uncontrollable. Once she experiences a devastating loss, the story transforms into one of obsession and body horror. It's a quick yet engaging read, well-crafted and compelling.
ARC through NetGalley
Whoa, it's surprisingly dark. It begins with Carolanne, happily married and pregnant. After a while, Hetland takes readers into the past to illustrate how the idyllics started. It's during this journey that you realize things aren't what they seem on the surface, or in the Instagram posts so important to the protagonist. The narrative is told with simplicity and good timing.
Carolanne is obsessed with an image of a perfect, happy life and yearns to control the uncontrollable. Once she experiences a devastating loss, the story transforms into one of obsession and body horror. It's a quick yet engaging read, well-crafted and compelling.
ARC through NetGalley
June 5, 2024
Pretty brutally dark and gruesome, takes a hard look at what the main character wants out of life and then takes it away from her in as brutal a way as possible. I can only imagine how the loss of a child can destroy a person and losing your partner right after is devastating. Her brutal coping with self harm was intense to see and the artwork was super interesting
April 26, 2024
AHHHHHHHHHHH THIS GUTTED ME! What the actual ****?!?
August 23, 2024
Well jaw to the floor and maybe some dinner came back to visit.
January 29, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is an extremely unique graphic novel about a woman in pursuit of making her life perfect, or at least look perfect.
Tender deals with heavy content such as self harm, animal cruelty, depression and more. The imagery is something out of this world and it honestly gave me a physical reaction by making my skin crawl. Beautiful art style and amazing angles, the illustrations flow naturally and that brings you closer to the main character, who you can't help but feel a lot for.
I'm quite literally staring at a wall, taking in everything I just read. Great thought provoking graphic novel by Beth Hetland.
This is an extremely unique graphic novel about a woman in pursuit of making her life perfect, or at least look perfect.
Tender deals with heavy content such as self harm, animal cruelty, depression and more. The imagery is something out of this world and it honestly gave me a physical reaction by making my skin crawl. Beautiful art style and amazing angles, the illustrations flow naturally and that brings you closer to the main character, who you can't help but feel a lot for.
I'm quite literally staring at a wall, taking in everything I just read. Great thought provoking graphic novel by Beth Hetland.
January 14, 2024
TW: Language, cutting, animal death (off screen), depression, anxiety, loss of baby, divorce, jealousy, nudity, mental health, postpartum
*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:A psychological thriller about a woman obsessed with her vision for a picture-perfect, curated life. Carolanne wanted a perfect wedding, a perfect husband, a perfect family. She carefully performs her own roles (gal pal, bestie, girlfriend, wife, and expectant mother) and manipulates those around her to try and get the results she wants. Her desire to control the uncontrollable ultimately becomes her undoing. When things don't go her way, she exerts dominance over the one thing she does have total control her body; until that "betrays" her. After suffering a horrible loss, Carolanne spirals into a literal, all-consuming delusion causing her body to produce symptoms of a hysterical pregnancy ― as a result of her slicing off bits of her own flesh and eating them.
Release Date: March 12th, 2024
Genre: Graphic Novel - Horror
Pages: 168
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
What I Liked:
1. Story was dark
2. Writing was short and to the point
What I Didn't Like:
1. The art style
2. Story confusing at times
Overall Thoughts:
Carolanne being obsessed for the next step that she can't even take a second to really appreciate the one step she just had. She's a terrible friend because she is just more worried about herself and can't even be happy for her friends accomplishments. She barely even listens to them when they are talking to her.
So then she finally meets someone only to then become so obsessed with the idea of marriage and why hasn't he asked her yet. It's insane because it appears like it's only a few months into their relationship before they move in together and then she is asking for the next step - marriage. All this time she is dealing with her not being adequate enough (when she looks on social media of her friends successes with jealousy) by ripping her body apart. She pulls out hair, bites her fingers apart, and cuts herself til she bleeds.
She then gets pregnant but looses the baby after it is born. My heart ached for her for the way that Lee was treating her. I understand this is a difficult time for them both so I won't say who was in the wrong or right or even if there is a side to choose, it was just sad to see this. She spirals down for 90 days trying her best to get back to normal. She is finally ready to try again for another baby but Lee seems like he just doesn't care anymore.
I can't believe Lee just divorced her after she was depressed and she had lost the baby. Then his therapist telling him he should divorce her. Sick.
So with Lee gone and her going deeper and deeper into her depression and mental health she kills the cat (sad) and tells people that she is pregnant (she isn't). It seriously was so odd to read/see her putting lines on the pregnancy test.
I didn't understand though why would the doctor have to meet with the husband? What does he have to do with her body not bleeding?
Final Thoughts:
I though this graphic novel was pretty good. I didn't expect such graphic gory scenes to happen. Watching Carolanne's mental decline was so heart breaking and sad.
It ends on an ambiguous ending with never knowing what is really under her shirt making her look pregnant.
I just didn't care for the scratchy blue artwork.
If you love Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke you'll love this.
IG | Blog
Thanks to Netgalley and Fantagraphics for this ebook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*****SPOILERS*****
About the book:A psychological thriller about a woman obsessed with her vision for a picture-perfect, curated life. Carolanne wanted a perfect wedding, a perfect husband, a perfect family. She carefully performs her own roles (gal pal, bestie, girlfriend, wife, and expectant mother) and manipulates those around her to try and get the results she wants. Her desire to control the uncontrollable ultimately becomes her undoing. When things don't go her way, she exerts dominance over the one thing she does have total control her body; until that "betrays" her. After suffering a horrible loss, Carolanne spirals into a literal, all-consuming delusion causing her body to produce symptoms of a hysterical pregnancy ― as a result of her slicing off bits of her own flesh and eating them.
Release Date: March 12th, 2024
Genre: Graphic Novel - Horror
Pages: 168
Rating: ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐
What I Liked:
1. Story was dark
2. Writing was short and to the point
What I Didn't Like:
1. The art style
2. Story confusing at times
Overall Thoughts:
Carolanne being obsessed for the next step that she can't even take a second to really appreciate the one step she just had. She's a terrible friend because she is just more worried about herself and can't even be happy for her friends accomplishments. She barely even listens to them when they are talking to her.
So then she finally meets someone only to then become so obsessed with the idea of marriage and why hasn't he asked her yet. It's insane because it appears like it's only a few months into their relationship before they move in together and then she is asking for the next step - marriage. All this time she is dealing with her not being adequate enough (when she looks on social media of her friends successes with jealousy) by ripping her body apart. She pulls out hair, bites her fingers apart, and cuts herself til she bleeds.
She then gets pregnant but looses the baby after it is born. My heart ached for her for the way that Lee was treating her. I understand this is a difficult time for them both so I won't say who was in the wrong or right or even if there is a side to choose, it was just sad to see this. She spirals down for 90 days trying her best to get back to normal. She is finally ready to try again for another baby but Lee seems like he just doesn't care anymore.
I can't believe Lee just divorced her after she was depressed and she had lost the baby. Then his therapist telling him he should divorce her. Sick.
So with Lee gone and her going deeper and deeper into her depression and mental health she kills the cat (sad) and tells people that she is pregnant (she isn't). It seriously was so odd to read/see her putting lines on the pregnancy test.
I didn't understand though why would the doctor have to meet with the husband? What does he have to do with her body not bleeding?
Final Thoughts:
I though this graphic novel was pretty good. I didn't expect such graphic gory scenes to happen. Watching Carolanne's mental decline was so heart breaking and sad.
It ends on an ambiguous ending with never knowing what is really under her shirt making her look pregnant.
I just didn't care for the scratchy blue artwork.
If you love Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke you'll love this.
IG | Blog
Thanks to Netgalley and Fantagraphics for this ebook. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 17, 2023
This was a really hard one for me to read. While I never experienced the things in this book myself I know several people who have and I know what it did to them. That being said I do think this really captures how grief can slowly eat you alive piece by piece. I do think this is a book you need to be in the right head space for or it could put you in a really dark place so definitely read this with caution.
December 12, 2023
Arc from Netgalley.
That got dark in a hurry. The book is wonderful and fearless. Hetland has no qualms showing her look at mourning.
That got dark in a hurry. The book is wonderful and fearless. Hetland has no qualms showing her look at mourning.
February 18, 2024
Thank you, NetGalley and Fantagraphics Books, for the chance to read and review Tender by Beth Hetland.
Tender is Beth Hetland's debut graphic novel. It follows the story of a woman so consumed with the desire for a perfect life that she slowly has a nervous breakdown and starts eating her own flesh. At least, that's what the blurb says.
Tender is more the story of a woman let down by the support systems around her, who has a nervous breakdown because she's literally had a miscarriage, and her husband goes to therapy himself but doesn't care enough to make her go.
After this, we have some spoilers, so read at your own risk.
Carolanne (our main character) has a monotonous life, but a life nonetheless. She has a cat, friends, and a job, and while she doesn't have a partner and child, she's doing okay. Lonely and fearful of the world moving on and her without these things, but that's a sort of fear that's been programmed into women. We're supposed to be off the shelf by 25 and there is something wrong with us if we aren't.
Then you see Carolanne with a partner, a man who seems sweet but also seemed slightly off to me. For instance, the breakdown at Taylor's wedding about how Carolanne appears to be obsessed with marriage was a red flag, unless there was something that the author hadn't shown us? The weird way in which he goes to therapy but doesn't take her. There don't seem to be any follow-up visits for her either. The way he leaves without really trying to help her recover. She is in a terrible place with how she talks about trying again after 90 days as if the first thing hadn't happened.
The chapters where her nervous breakdown is complete, where she's literally eating herself were drawn very differently. I loved that Beth used art to show us how Carolanne was doing internally!
Overall, 4 out of 5 stars!
Tender is Beth Hetland's debut graphic novel. It follows the story of a woman so consumed with the desire for a perfect life that she slowly has a nervous breakdown and starts eating her own flesh. At least, that's what the blurb says.
Tender is more the story of a woman let down by the support systems around her, who has a nervous breakdown because she's literally had a miscarriage, and her husband goes to therapy himself but doesn't care enough to make her go.
After this, we have some spoilers, so read at your own risk.
Carolanne (our main character) has a monotonous life, but a life nonetheless. She has a cat, friends, and a job, and while she doesn't have a partner and child, she's doing okay. Lonely and fearful of the world moving on and her without these things, but that's a sort of fear that's been programmed into women. We're supposed to be off the shelf by 25 and there is something wrong with us if we aren't.
Then you see Carolanne with a partner, a man who seems sweet but also seemed slightly off to me. For instance, the breakdown at Taylor's wedding about how Carolanne appears to be obsessed with marriage was a red flag, unless there was something that the author hadn't shown us? The weird way in which he goes to therapy but doesn't take her. There don't seem to be any follow-up visits for her either. The way he leaves without really trying to help her recover. She is in a terrible place with how she talks about trying again after 90 days as if the first thing hadn't happened.
The chapters where her nervous breakdown is complete, where she's literally eating herself were drawn very differently. I loved that Beth used art to show us how Carolanne was doing internally!
Overall, 4 out of 5 stars!
December 13, 2023
The impact of reading this was truly hard-hitting. The narrative delivers a powerful punch, unfolding the unsettling journey of a woman striving to project a picturesque life. As fragments of her world crumble, she succumbs to maintaining a façade, allowing it to consume her, distancing herself from reality. "Tender" is a disquieting yet brutally honest exploration of the pitfalls associated with the pursuit of an ideal life. The protagonist's descent into psychosis driven by her yearning for motherhood adds a chilling layer.
The artwork also stood out with its unique blend of colors and dream sequences. I found every aspect of this eerie tale captivating, appreciating Hetland's portrayal of societal expectations surrounding marriage and parenthood. The depictions of body horror, particularly Carolanne's self-mutilation, were vividly illustrated and challenging to read at times. Fortunately, it was a quick read for the story that it was.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
The artwork also stood out with its unique blend of colors and dream sequences. I found every aspect of this eerie tale captivating, appreciating Hetland's portrayal of societal expectations surrounding marriage and parenthood. The depictions of body horror, particularly Carolanne's self-mutilation, were vividly illustrated and challenging to read at times. Fortunately, it was a quick read for the story that it was.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 11, 2023
4.5 rounded down
Tender by Beth Hetland is an incredibly creepy and stomach-churning graphic novel about a woman whose desperate need to have the “perfect life” turns truly horrifying as things don’t go to plan. Hetland crafts a masterful sense of unease as she slowly reveals the extent of the psychological terror simmering under the surface of Carolanne—who, like so many of us, just wants to keep up with the life milestones of her closest friends.
When she suffers a terrible loss she resorts to exerting control over the only thing she can—herself, her own body. As Carolanne’s mental health unravels, so too does Hetland’s art style. And the effect is perfectly rendered. It’s gruesome, it’s sad, and it’s not for a reader averse to body-horror, that’s for sure. What an accomplishment, though. I was freaked out and when I finished it—I was totally stunned.
For fans of horror, psychological thrillers, and that special feeling of ending a book wondering WTF did I just read? This would be one you might want to check the trigger warnings for before you dive in.
Thanks so much to @netgalley and @fantagraphics for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Tender by Beth Hetland is out March 12, 2024.
Tender by Beth Hetland is an incredibly creepy and stomach-churning graphic novel about a woman whose desperate need to have the “perfect life” turns truly horrifying as things don’t go to plan. Hetland crafts a masterful sense of unease as she slowly reveals the extent of the psychological terror simmering under the surface of Carolanne—who, like so many of us, just wants to keep up with the life milestones of her closest friends.
When she suffers a terrible loss she resorts to exerting control over the only thing she can—herself, her own body. As Carolanne’s mental health unravels, so too does Hetland’s art style. And the effect is perfectly rendered. It’s gruesome, it’s sad, and it’s not for a reader averse to body-horror, that’s for sure. What an accomplishment, though. I was freaked out and when I finished it—I was totally stunned.
For fans of horror, psychological thrillers, and that special feeling of ending a book wondering WTF did I just read? This would be one you might want to check the trigger warnings for before you dive in.
Thanks so much to @netgalley and @fantagraphics for the eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Tender by Beth Hetland is out March 12, 2024.
January 5, 2024
Tender is a graphic novel that is perfect for my fellow body horror girlies. I thought this was such a refreshing take on body horror because rather than being misogynistic and sexualized and written by men, this one is very obviously written by a woman, for women.
Tender is about Carolanne, a woman who cares a lot about how others see her. We see her progression through what she expects to be her dream future (work, boyfriend, marriage, husband, etc.), until something veers her off course and sends her spiraling.
This was a quick read and hard to look away from. I found myself physically cringing at some of the illustrations, but in a the way that we want to be disturbed by this type of story.
Tender was entertaining and explored women's societal expectations, female empowerment, motherhood, and more.
*Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review*
CONTENT WARNINGS:
Tender is about Carolanne, a woman who cares a lot about how others see her. We see her progression through what she expects to be her dream future (work, boyfriend, marriage, husband, etc.), until something veers her off course and sends her spiraling.
This was a quick read and hard to look away from. I found myself physically cringing at some of the illustrations, but in a the way that we want to be disturbed by this type of story.
Tender was entertaining and explored women's societal expectations, female empowerment, motherhood, and more.
*Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review*
CONTENT WARNINGS:
April 14, 2024
Bone-chilling and unexpected.
Proceed with caution: This isn’t a book you can just walk away from.
—————
I am neither a fan of graphic horror nor body horror, yet this story has me questioning my loyalties.
There was something about the cover and premise that appealed to my morbid curiosity. By the end of it all, I was in pieces struggling to let go. In part because of how invested I had become in the main character’s unraveling, but more-so to avoid the lingering dread I felt as I turned from the last page.
“Tender” sticks with you in a way I wouldn’t have predicted. While some stories have me stewing over the plots for days after, this one has me agonizing over how easily uncomfortable it left me - and the fact that I don’t entirely hate it.
Proceed with caution: This isn’t a book you can just walk away from.
—————
I am neither a fan of graphic horror nor body horror, yet this story has me questioning my loyalties.
There was something about the cover and premise that appealed to my morbid curiosity. By the end of it all, I was in pieces struggling to let go. In part because of how invested I had become in the main character’s unraveling, but more-so to avoid the lingering dread I felt as I turned from the last page.
“Tender” sticks with you in a way I wouldn’t have predicted. While some stories have me stewing over the plots for days after, this one has me agonizing over how easily uncomfortable it left me - and the fact that I don’t entirely hate it.
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February 26, 2024I was not sure what to expect with this graphic novel but I think I liked it, although disturbing. The imagery is well done and I liked the use of color. I think this book does a great job showing what the pressures of society to appear like everyone else does. Probably 3.75 stars, I would have liked a bit more meat to the novel.
April 30, 2024
Wow, truly did not know what I was getting into with this graphic novel. Just ordered it from the library because I like to read all the Drawn and Quarterly and Fantgraphics stuff (this is a 2024 Fantagraphics release) and yikes, this was some well executed, wonderfully twisted stuff. I guess the cover art should have tipped me off but jeez.
August 27, 2024
Woof, what a disturbing story. I like the hints throughout the story of how unwell the main character will become, it definitely warns you plenty that something gruesome and sinister is coming. Be prepared for gore! I appreciate the feelings this book conveys and the feelings that it leaves with the reader: that aspect is just downright impressive. It's not easy to depict grief in such a haunting way that will leave such a lasting impression.
September 27, 2024
This is easily one of the top 5 most fucked up books I've ever read. It was also incredibly well done.
So like... definitely read this, but only if you're in a really good headspace and you're someone who is okay with reading some pretty horrifying stuff.
CWs:
So like... definitely read this, but only if you're in a really good headspace and you're someone who is okay with reading some pretty horrifying stuff.
CWs:
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