Joie de Vivre

Sarah Firth's debut graphic novel Eventually Everything Connects (2023) is a beautiful, articulate, meditation on life. Subtitled 'Eight Essays on Uncertainty' Firth writes about the environment, diversity, and the joys of the little things in life, in interconnected visual essays.

The first essay, 'Joie de Vivre' is about the repetitions of life, our daily routine and finding the joy in simplicity. Can we find meaning in the seemingly meaningless?. In 'Like a moth to a flame' Firth ponders our obsession with our phones and the need to disconnect. In other essays she writes about sexual dreams and taboos, life cycles, the environment, mental health. 

These are deeply thoughtful, personal essays in which Firth grapples with the complexities and contradictions of life. Despite the deep subject matter, Firth's humour and creative illustrations make the essays relatable and compelling. 

I found this book fascinating on many levels. Had Firth written on these topics in prose they would have been interesting enough. But she has elevated the reader's connection to her and the subject material through her illustrations. She positions herself in many of the illustrations - at various stages in her life - and shares her vulnerability and anxieties. 

After reading each essay I went back and spent time reviewing some of the intricate drawings and really appreciate them. Whether a panel of illustrations on what diverse people were doing at that moment in time, or a whole page devoted to self-reflection, Firth's drawings provide another layer of meaning. 

I first heard about this book at the Sydney Writers Festival in 2022 when Nakkiah Lui introduced her as part of a panel of new talent. Firth read an excerpt and shared her website with illustrations for Joie de Vivre. Firth said at the time that she was glad Lui's new publishing house Joan had picked up the book as other publishers had rejected it as it could not be easily categorised. I had totally forgotten to look out for this book and was only reminded of it in August this year when it was shortlisted for the Prime Minister's Literary Awards, prompting me to order a copy. 

I am so glad to have read Eventually Everything Connects. For anyone wanting to have a look at Firth's work before committing to the whole book, her website has extracts from this book. 

Graphic novels are not for everyone, but I really appreciate this genre. My reviews of other graphic novels can be found on this blog, including: Mandy Ord's When One Person Dies the Whole World is Over (2020), Jim Broadbent's Dull Margaret (2018), Nick Drasno's Sabrina (2018) and Chris Ware's Jimmy Corrigan: The Smartest Kid on Earth (2000).