Soupy leaves home

No cover — Cecil Castellucci: Soupy leaves home (2017, Dark Horse Comics)

194 pages

English language

Published Nov. 24, 2017 by Dark Horse Comics.

ISBN:: 978-1-61655-431-6

(1 review)

Pearl "Soupy" Plankette ran away from her abusive father, but has nowhere to go until she stumbles upon a disguise that gives her the key to a new identity. Reborn as a boy named Soupy, she hitches her star to Remy "Ramshackle" Smith, a hobo who takes her under his wing. Ramshackle's kindness and protection go a long way to help Soupy heal from her difficult past. But Ramshackle has his own demons to wrestle with, and he'll need Soupy just as much as she needs him.

1 edition

Jack 💜 reviewed Soupy leaves home by Cecil Castellucci

Review of 'Soupy leaves home' on 'Goodreads'

2 stars

I find the ‘wise and noble hobo’ trope to be pretty kitsch - and this romanticized account of homeless wanderer life in the Depression is as saccharine as it comes. It’s enough to make David Cage blush.

Probably the most infuriating part is the ending, where Soupy inexplicably makes peace with their abusive father and grandmother. It’s honestly infuriating. I hate when stories try to convince young people that they’re obligated to forgive their parents no matter what.

The art and deliberate use of minimal color is charming, and easily the strongest aspect of the book. A shame it’s wasted on this story.

Subjects

Homeless teenagers
Runaway teenagers
Juvenile fiction