Blankets

Summary

Blankets is a deeply personal coming-of-age graphic novel that chronicles Craig Thompson’s childhood and adolescence in rural Wisconsin. It explores his strict religious upbringing, his struggles with faith, and his first love. The story captures the awkwardness of growing up—sibling rivalries, the suffocating influence of fundamentalism, and the transformative power of romance. At its heart is Craig’s relationship with Raina, a girl he meets at a Christian winter camp. Their brief but intense romance becomes a defining experience, shaping Craig’s understanding of love, independence, and belief. The book’s sprawling black-and-white illustrations evoke both the harshness of Wisconsin winters and the warmth of intimate connection. Blankets is celebrated as one of the most significant works in autobiographical comics, praised for its honesty and emotional resonance.