HUNGER'S BITE

In the early 20th century, a young woman yearns for greater mysteries and adventures than she can find aboard ship, but when a new owner takes over, there may be more of both than she’s ready for.

Neeta Pandey, who’s of Indian descent, grew up on the Lark as the ward of the British captain and in the company of his son, her best friend Emery Botwright. Neeta’s late mother was Emery’s ayah, so Capt. Botwright favored her, paying her school tuition and offering her a room on the ship during holidays; her brother, Aamir, meanwhile, works in the galley. Tired of the crossing between Liverpool and New York, she dreams of going on a grand tour of Europe after she graduates. But Emery is ready to follow in his father’s footsteps—and he wants Neeta with him. When Mr. Honeycutt, the crass, sexist new owner from America, arrives, the friends are driven further apart. The wealthy first-class passengers seem unaffected, but Neeta can see that the staff and crew are suffering under Honeycutt’s harsh ways. Neeta turns to mysterious passenger Warwick Farley, who shares her concerns, and together they try to figure out the terrible things happening aboard the Lark. This satisfying graphic novel, which is lightly infused with horror elements, has dynamic illustrations that feature an effective use of color to evoke mood. The themes of class and power imbalances are masterfully handled and timely. Most characters present white.

Atmospheric and compelling.