SELF PORTRAIT

Discovering yourself takes time.

Volbeda’s translated debut, which was named the Rainbow Book of the Year in its original Netherlands, unfolds in epistolary format as teenager Jip writes unsent letters to an unnamed classmate (and crush), discussing life, family matters, and general frustrations around an uncompleted art assignment to draw a self-portrait over spring break. Jip loves and has a talent for drawing, making it surprising that this project should be a struggle. Throughout most of the book, Jip’s gender is unspecified, but clues appear, conveying coded messages that supply contextual information, such as a reference to a forebear named Jipernicus, the opinion other kids in gym class have about Jip’s grooming habits, and Jip’s choice to wear a hoodie and baseball cap even though it’s warm out. As the novel progresses, readers slowly learn about the gender Jip’s peers and family members assume to be correct. Ultimately, the letters help Jip to realize the truth and thus to draw an accurate and affirming self-portrait. The story’s meandering narrative is authentic, both in its stream-of-consciousness delivery and in the ways Jip’s self-discovery unfolds. Glimpses of subplots, such as Jip’s grandmother’s cognitive decline and Jip’s parents’ turbulent marriage, are naturally woven in; these open-ended vignettes further enhance the realism and beauty of Jip’s world and journey. Volbeda’s exquisitely delicate sketches, executed with fineliners and mechanical pencils, are sprinkled throughout, adding texture.

Breathtakingly raw and fresh, just like adolescence itself.