Oh brother: A graphic memoir by Georgina Chadderton

In this graphic memoir Georgina Chadderton introduces her cartoon character self to the reader, explaining that she loves to draw comics and that she grew up with a younger brother, Rob, who has autism and an intellectual disability. She wants to share what it is like to be a sibling of someone with high support needs and the complicated feelings she experienced. Before Gina starts year 8 at a new high school the family moves to a bigger house during the school holidays. She finds the changes difficult but exciting however it also throws up new challenges in managing Rob’s behaviours, like installing locks on cupboards and the fridge because of his tendency to steal snacks or tear up books. Gina loves her brother, who is non-verbal, and can communicate with him through sign language and the sounds he makes, but when Rob gets frustrated, he has meltdowns and can bite and pinch, something the family is prepared for, but still a problem. Mum, who works in disability support, and Dad, a professional doctor and amateur handyman, seem to have things as under control as they can be, but visits to the hairdresser or dentist are a challenge and what will Gina’s new school friends think, if she is lucky enough to find any? At school some of the other girls make fun of Gina’s boyish appearance, and when she starts her period at school she is too shy to get help, but she finds a friend called Callie who loves her cartooning and seems to have the self-confidence Gina lacks. Callie meets Rob at Gina’s house and she seems cool with his condition, they even have a sleep over while he is in respite care, but when a school project becomes a casualty, and Callie seems to be spending more time with her other friends, will their friendship survive?

The colourful cartoon characters are able to graphically communicate emotional turmoil in a unique way, with humour and compassion, particularly the close relationship between Gina and her brother. There are notes at the end with photos of the family and information about their lives since. One of young Gina’s worries was about how she would look after her brother when her parents couldn’t and it was good to see this articulated and to see how adult Rob is thriving in his own space in supported living. A great way to learn more about neurodiversity but also a well-paced entertaining read that deserves a wide audience, especially as the author is South Australian and it has a satisfying local feel.

Themes: Neurodiversity, Memoir, Cartooning, Family, Friendship.

Sue Speck