01 Jun Book Review of Flung Out of Space: Inspired by the Indecent Adventures…
Personal Reflections on Flung Out of Space: Inspired by the Indecent Adventures
When I first laid eyes on Flung Out of Space: Inspired by the Indecent Adventures…, I was immediately drawn in by its tantalizing premise—exploring the life of Patricia Highsmith, the brilliant yet polarizing author of The Price of Salt. Having always been intrigued by writers whose personal lives cast shadows as deep as their literary impacts, I felt compelled to dive into this graphic novel. The notion of grappling with Highsmith’s legacy while balancing her complexities as a person and an artist was enticing. But what I didn’t expect was to feel so divided about my experience.
At its core, Flung Out of Space attempts to navigate the stormy waters of Highsmith’s life, particularly her motivations behind creating an iconic lesbian novel. The narrative takes the reader on a journey through her frustrations—struggling against societal constraints and wrestling with her own self-identity. However, as I turned each page, I couldn’t shake the feeling that the creators were entangled in a moral conflict of their own, uncertain about how to portray someone so intricately flawed. This left me feeling more like a spectator than an engaged participant in the exploration of her character.
The writing itself is competent, balancing humor and gravity, but it didn’t quite delve deep enough into the darker aspects of Highsmith’s personality. I longed for a more robust portrayal of her failings—a richer acknowledgment of her antisemitic remarks and manipulative relationships. Instead, the narrative felt like it skimmed the surface of her legacy, as if it were too hesitant to embrace the full spectrum of her complexity. There’s a poignant moment when the foreword states it’s a success if the reader feels conflicted about Highsmith—but I found myself less conflicted and more frustrated. Surely, the messy intricacies of humanity deserve more than a polite nod.
A notable element worth mentioning is how Flung Out of Space socio-historically situates Highsmith amid her contemporaries and the literary world. However, the commentary on the pulp genre felt too short, leaving out the larger conversation about how Highsmith fought against the expectations placed upon her as a woman in the ’40s. I wished for a deeper dive into her achievements, which would have amplified the emotional weight of her struggles.
In the end, while Flung Out of Space is a beautifully rendered piece with a satisfying artistic style, it misses the mark when it comes to leaving a lasting impact as both a retelling and an exploration. The creators seem to hold back from fully committing to either valorizing or condemning Highsmith, resulting in a work that feels safe rather than incendiary.
Who would enjoy this graphic novel? Readers interested in Highsmith’s work or those who appreciate stories centered on the ambiguities of moral character may find something worthwhile here. However, if you’re seeking an in-depth exploration of her complicated legacy, you might leave feeling just as I did—curious yet wanting more.
Reflecting on my experience, this book resonated with me as a reminder of the grappling that comes with understanding flawed artists. I left with questions rather than answers, which left me in a hopeful state of contemplation, albeit with a touch of disappointment. Often, the most challenging stories are the ones that linger long after the last page is turned, pushing us into deeper reflection. Unfortunately, Flung Out of Space felt like it pulled back at the cusp of an impactful journey.
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