The Deep Dark
In her newest graphic novel, The Deep Dark, Molly Knox Ostertag (Girl From the Sea and The Witch Boy) once again shares a hauntingly beautiful story about family and friendship with veins of the fantastical intertwined throughout. The story follows Magdala (Mags), as she holds tight to a deep dark secret, which is draining her energy and life.
Mags is isolated and lonely in a small desert town. She works, goes to school, and cares for an ailing grandmother, all in a muted fog. Ostertag, introduces the story in shades of gray, mimicking Mags’ pale existence. In the first pages there are only small splashes of color, from a text message, the glow of a tv, blood flowing down a drain, etc. Even her relationships feel empty and hollow. Her parents don’t really seem to understand her, and both they and her grandmother carry many expectations, especially in regards to the veil of secrecy she must hide behind. Mags occasionally hooks up with another girl from school, another secret, hidden from the girl’s boyfriend.
We only see hints of her secret in the basement. A lock on the basement door, a cage, and a bandaged hand. But we do see the effect: exhaustion, and little else. That changes when a childhood friend, who has since transitioned to Nessa (she/her), reaches out on social media. The illustrated memories are vibrant, in color and emotion. They are the first pages in full color. Ostertag shows sharp contrast to the current reality, creating a before and after, connected in some way to Nessa. Something happened in their childhood. A secret was shared and a young child lost their life.
Nessa is visiting for Christmas from LA, where she is studying photography. Mags comes more to life in her presence, but is still stifled. The gray becomes darker, but the color still hides. They are both eager to connect, but each holds something back. Mags is still controlled by the secret in the basement. Nessa knows something but is unsure, and she has her own story. A controlling ex-boyfriend who refuses to let go. But as their relationship rekindles, secrets come out, and with them, there is growing understanding, acceptance, and color.
The story is beautiful, and the expanding relationship between Mags and Nessa will be loved by many readers. Ostertag’s books have been a popular mainstay in many collections, and this one will be loved just as much, if not more so, than those that came before.
Both of the main characters are LGBTQ. Mags is lesbian and Nessa a trans bi-sexual woman. Their identities are clear, and a part of their character, however, they are non-issues in the plot. Both are out in the open. In a book whose main focus is secrets, it’s refreshing that their identities are never hidden.
The Deep Dark is a must purchase for high school collections. My school library will have a few copies. I know many students who seek out stories such as this one, and I know many readers will love it as much as me. Ostertag is a talented writer and illustrator, and this might be my favorite of her books.
The Deep DarkÂ
By Molly Knox Ostertag
Scholastic GRAPHIX, 2024
ISBN: 9781338840001
Publisher Age Rating:Â 14 and up
NFNT Age Recommendation: Older Teen (16-18), Teen (13-16)
Creator Representation:Â Lesbian,
Character Representation: Latinx, Lesbian, Trans,
