Going Graphic with the European Union: Interiorae by Gabriella Giandelli

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Over the past few decades, graphic novels have become a respected form of literature. Europe, in particular, has published a wide variety of graphic novels, and these works have become available to wider audiences due to the growth in popularity. In this summer series presented by the EUC, graphic novels from a wide variety of EU members will be reviewed and discussed. 

By Rachel Johannigmeier

In this final entry in "Going Graphic with the European Union" for the time being, I read the graphic novel, Interiorae by Gabriella Giandelli.  Originally published in four individual issues, this translated collection was made available in the US in 2012 by Fantagraphics.  As I read through the story, I entered a world of reality and many dreams, and the line between these two worlds began to blur.  While not a straightforward narrative, it is still a delightful and melancholic story.

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Story Information

Title: Interiorae

Creator: Gabriella Giandelli

Translator: Kim Thompson

Publisher: Fantagraphics

Audience: 16 and older

Interiorae is a story that shows two worlds.  One story is the exploration of the lives of the various tenants in an apartment building.  The other story is about the dark being living in the basement of the apartment who feeds on dreams and is assisted by a small bunny who can walk freely throughout the apartment.  The two worlds do not sound as if they really relate to each other, but as the story goes on, the narratives begin to clearly blend together.  The main conflict comes from the dwindling amount of the tenants dreams, and it appears that this lack of dreams spells doom for the apartment building itself.  As the story continues, the narrative takes on a dreamy atmosphere as it draws to its conclusion.

Interiorae is a story that does not necessarily have a deep and complex plot, but reading through it is a pleasant experience.  It is not an engrossing story, but as a reader I was able to simply enjoy the story.  There are no surprises, and for this type of story it works. 

It is also a piece that is stronger in its visuals than in its plot.  Giandelli's art is filled with a great deal of emotion, and the use of colors and shading is impressive.  She shines in the strange moments, such as the dream sequences, and she also shines in the quiet, normal moments of the story.  If the story did not have words in it, it would still be a fine story. 

I would recommend this graphic novel for readers who appreciate fantastic realism and compelling art.  It is truly an enjoyable visual novel.