A book that perfectly captures a moment in time. The artwork is striking and nostalgic, as other reviewers have said, you could frame any page. A beautiful translation of boredom, family dynamics, and the under whelming promise of a British caravan holiday.

There is something about the caravan holiday experience. You set off full of promise, with involuntary pipe-dreams of making new friends, romantic connections and wild adventures. Ultimately though there seems to be little disappointment in the real experience that finds you heading home after a subtle and introspective time. In his new Graphic novel Kingdom, Jon McNaught gives any people-watcher or pensive soul the opportunity of their dreams to zoom in on an ordinary family on the motorway during the holiday season in England, and to briefly and subtly step into the shoes of each family member during the trip. For me this book is about the very human need to carve out a personal space within a family dynamic. McNaught reveals how people define and find themselves through their treasures; the things they notice and are drawn to. He also shines a warm and understated light on generation gaps, and delicately exposes the effects of modern day technology without his tone becoming didactic. The many instances of human connection and disconnect are portrayed subtly, with no sense of judgement on any of the characters even when they hurt and disappoint each other. McNaughts muted colour palette of coral and blue complements the contemplative and sensitive overall tone. The underlying theme of death, and our separate ways of coming to terms with such a universal experience, is dealt with using an extra-fine touch. We are left to ponder our significance and impermanence, our individuality and our connection. I loved the juxtaposition of inside and outside, and the idea that a caravan treads the line between the two zones. For the young characters, being outside gives new perspective on life. We follow their viewpoints from up high, down low, from upside down and whilst spinning. All in all this has become one of my favourite graphic novels. It is a beautifully nostalgic and relatable read for anybody who has stepped out of their busy lives to spend time in a small isolated space with their family during the holidays. I think it would be a great gift for sibling and is a must-read for the thoughtful and inward-looking amongst us.

I was sent this book in exchange for an honest review. Being a Nobrow book this looks fantastic, like all their publications the artwork is beautiful, you could cut out any page, frame it and have a wonderful picture on your wall. The story for me didn't quite live up to this though. It heavily reminded me of trips to my grandparents who lived in a coastal village in Scotland; the anticipation, the journey, the weather. Unfortunately as I had done this many times this book just felt like it was telling me a story I was more than familiar with and left me a bit cold. Like those holidays though I will have to revisit it sometime and see if it is any better as I feel there may be something new to see.