Kate Beaton’s graphic memoir gives valuable insights into what it’s like to be working in the oil sands, especially if you’re a woman or in the minority. Her experience is deeply personal. It was retold with an honest and compassionate narrative. The sexual assaults and misogyny shouldn't be surprising but it broke my heart to see how those things affected her and the women around her. I also appreciate the artist’s way with words and how she shows compassion to others despite the grief it goes in hand with.
In Beaton’s drawing style, the characters don't express much emotion which pulls back the story in my opinion. Some scenes were cut short without a break or a visual hint and it could’ve been executed in a more subtle way. Overall, still a shattering and intimate book that is worth reading.