The Ghost Keeper by Johanna Taylor is as heartbreaking as it is heartwarming. I want to start this review with a personal note. I recently lost someone I greatly cared for. I greatly appreciate the content warning the author included at the beginning of the book. It gave me the opportunity to make an informed choice and to prepare myself for the story ahead. I cannot say that I did not struggle to read this graphic novel. Because I did struggle (caused by my recent loss), but it was worth it. There are so many things I loved about this book. The characters, the story, the accurate portrayal of mental illness, the softness, the ideas around death, and the satisfying ending. 

Dorian, the main character, was so easy to love. He is soft and kind much to his own detriment. Johanna Taylor did an amazing job with his depiction as a therapist. It was so accurate he even at some points sounded like my own therapist. I sympathized with him and wanted nothing more than to see him succeed. He was absolutely my favorite character. Aside from Muffin who was my favorite side character. 

Other than the characters the world itself was fascinating. A lot of the world is built around fear of the unknown and the different, as well as actions and choices. Every action taken and choice made had a profound affect on the world and the characters both living and dead. Something I greatly enjoyed about the world and story was its grayness (the idea of grey vs black and white thinking). It seemed there was no good verses evil but rather understanding verses unknowing. Or understanding and kindness verses fear and rash action based on lack of knowledge. I would love to see more books with this type of grey thinking. I found it very thought provoking. 

Overall, The Ghostkeeper by Johanna Taylor was a delightful and emotionally challenging read. However, it also helped me process my own grief. The way death was portrayed and the ambiguity of the afterlife brought me an odd peace. It was also a surprisingly soft read. But that could be caused by the romance. This graphic had a soft and slow queer romance, with longing looks and sweet moments shared between the chaos. And I truly think I will be reminded of this book every time I am grieving. I like the idea of meeting again behind deaths door despite the lives we live. I don't think the ending will be leaving my brain anytime soon. Lastly. I have yet to try it but I loved the inclusion of "Fife's Fantastical Scones" recipe. 

I think you should read The Ghostkeeper you might like it.