Wrinkles: Graphic Novel Review

  Recently, I came across a well-crafted graphic novel Wrinkles, written by Paco Roca, a Spanish cartoonist. It was later translated to English and adapted into an animated film (available on Amazon Prime). The plot follows Emilio, an elderly man suffering from Alzheimer’s Disease, and his roommate Miguel. Together, they hide his gradual decline to avoid discovery by the doctors who may send him to the ominous second floor where other dementia patients live. They simultaneously struggle to find happiness in the repetitive routines and grey atmosphere of the nursing home.

           The graphic novel’s visuals are captivating and poignant, and can strike the hearts of the readers. Wrinkles effectively transported me into the dull nursing home with its elderly inhabitants through its precise visuals. I appreciated how there was a story behind every character, main or minor, each possessing a vibrant past succumbing to inescapable ordeal (both physical and mental). Such moving experiences allow us to feel closer and more connected to the seniors. At the end of the novel, Paco Roca reveals how each character was inspired by true stories told by his friends and family members, incorporated through flashbacks, which are even more colorful and vibrant. Their youthful memories are a stark contrast to their existence in the  dreary nursing home. 

           In addition to the fantastic visuals, the novel provides readers with a realistic view of the living conditions of nursing home residents. Every day appears mundane; with nothing to excite the characters, they find themselves asleep the majority of the day with the exception of mealtime. Few visitors arrive unless there is a holiday, and readers can sense the immense loneliness that comes with living in the care center. The story is not cheerful but realistic.

           I highly recommend Wrinkles to anyone, young or old. The book not only portrays those living with Alzheimer’s, but how dreary life can be in a nursing home. Aging is something everyone experiences, and this book may encourage readers to get up and visit loved ones in senior centers. Although it is a short read, the details and accuracy are all but lacking; this book will surely open your eyes to a new point of view.

Amazon Link for Wrinkles –

https://www.amazon.com/Wrinkles-Paco-Roca/dp/160699932X - hardcover

https://www.amazon.com/Wrinkles-Paco-Roca/dp/0861662377 - paperback