Interested in getting your hands on four free books? Well you’re in luck, because Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature are offering just that through their Big City Reads campaign. With stories ranging from loneliness to police injustice, and styles varying from prose to graphic novel, there’s something for every reader. Four young writers give us their run down of the books, continuing with Chloë Choong's thoughts on The Sad Ghost Club...
When you read the title The Sad Ghost Club, it is so easy to fall into the trap of presuming that this is going to be a sad story, with sad characters, a sad plot, and a sad ending - like with many other portrayals of mental illness. However, as soon as you delve into the beautifully-illustrated pages of this graphic novel, it becomes apparent that this is not the case; this is, in fact, an uplifting story that addresses mental health in a very delicate way. Lize Meddings’ The Sad Ghost Club provides insight into how mental health struggles can affect day-to-day life through the character SG, a ghost who struggles with their wellbeing.
SG has frequently appeared on social media since 2014, within individual comics that aim to raise positive mental health awareness. As I imagine is the case with many people, when I saw SG on the cover of this graphic novel, I immediately recognised them as the character I had so often encountered on Instagram. Yet, I still found myself wondering how well a graphic novel could tackle such a serious topic, one that is often very misunderstood. I quickly realised that I was completely wrong to question this.
The nature of graphic novels allows SGC to depict mental health struggles in a very accurate yet accessible way. Throughout the panels we see SG tackle everyday life with symptoms of anxiety and depression and observe exactly what effect this has on ‘simple’ everyday tasks, academic performance, social interactions, motivation, and self-esteem. But the reason this book is so incredible is because, as the back cover says, this is absolutely not a sad story.
As such a loveable character, SG inspires the realisation that nobody is deserving of cruel self-criticism
SG’s struggles with motivation, self-criticism, and overthinking provide comfort to those who see themselves in them. Struggling with mental health often feels very lonely and isolating, yet SG’s character alone validates that other people experience this too. As SG analyses scenarios, such as getting out of bed or encountering people in public, in excruciating detail, it is uplifting to recognise yourself within them and realise you’re not alone. SGC is also successful in its attempt to not tell a ‘sad story’, as seeing SG criticise themself so frequently encourages you to be kinder to yourself. As such a loveable character, SG inspires the realisation that nobody is deserving of such cruel self-criticism.
The comforting nature of this story is only amplified when SG encounters Socks, another sad ghost. Socks’ character contributes in two ways. The first being visually; SG has been the only ‘relatable’ character so far, and also the only one who is not depicted as human. As Socks is also depicted as a ghost, they provide an indisputable reminder that SG, and you as the reader, are not alone in your struggles. Secondly, the conversation between SG and Socks enlightens SG to the fact that other people feel the same way they do. After feeling lost and isolated in a room full of human characters, Socks provides solace to both SG and the reader, highlighting the importance of reaching out and seeking like-minded people.
There is a lot of stigma and misunderstanding around mental illness, and this book takes a step into the right direction of raising awareness and opening the floor to conversation about mental wellbeing
The accessibility of this book allows it to not only be enjoyable to read at any age, but also addresses mental health struggles in a way that it easy to comprehend. While those who suffer with their mental health may find SG and Socks relatable and seek support within this story, those who can’t relate are able to easily understand what it is like. And so, Meddings’ aim to raise positive mental health awareness is executed perfectly. There is a lot of stigma and misunderstanding around mental illness, and this book takes a step into the right direction of raising awareness and opening the floor to conversation about mental wellbeing.
The Sad Ghost Club uses comic art to create: the perfect pick-me-up for those struggling and seeking an uplifting story; an accurate and clear account to recommend to those who may not understand; and, most importantly, proof that books addressing mental health struggles do not just have to be another sad story.
From Monday 4 July to Friday 12 August, Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature will be handing out free books across the city. Explore four titles championed by the city’s young people, inspiring Nottingham with the mood-boosting power of words. Find out more here.
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