At first I didn’t think I was going to like Jeff Lemire’s Tales From the Farm (Essex County Vol 1). It was roughly drawn, sparse and somewhat jarring. The characters were all harsh lines and contrast, and the dialogue was simple and abrupt.
But a few pages into the graphic novel and I had completely forgotten all those criticisms and was fully focused on the simple but gripping story, recommended to me by Dan Brown.
Set in Essex County in Southwestern Ontario, the story focuses on the goofy, highly imaginative boy Lester (think Calvin from Calvin and Hobbes, but without the cuteness and with a bleak chicken farm as the setting) and his uncle Ken, who is raising him following his mother’s death.
Ken is a single, hard working, old-school farmer doing his best to raise a child and thereby keep a promise to his dead sister. Lester, who wears a mask and cape for most
of the book, feels like he’s more of an obligation than a loved one, and their relationship is tense.
"Hey Les, Hockey Night in Canada’s on…two to one for Boston, second period, wanna watch with me?” Ken asks one night after dinner.
"…Nah,” Les replies, then disappears into the basement to watch the game on his own.
It’s sad and a little uncomfortable to read this kind of relational grappling between two people not really equipped for the relationship they’re thrust into.
But in increments, little by little, you become more comfortable as a reader as Lemire reveals the deeper truths behind the relationship and you get fully drawn in without even realizing that it’s happening.
There’s simplicity in the storytelling and sparseness to the drawings that combine to tell a powerful but simple story that’s revealed through a few characters, a farm and a country gas station.
If you’ve ever lived in the country or been around farmers or small town hockey players, this story will resonate. If not, that’s ok too; I think you’ll still like it.
I'm looking forward to reading the next two installments in the series.
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