A small emotional bible for all who ponder first love

Norwegian cartoonist Nora Dåsnes returns with "Säg bara ja," a standalone graphic novel that continues the story of her beloved characters Tuva, Bao, and Linnéa. This latest installment shifts the focus back to Tuva, who, like in Dåsnes' debut "Vita lögner, röda hjärtan," documents her feelings and experiences through a diary format.

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Dear diary! Sorry I haven't written for a long time [...] But now it's ALMOST summer vacation and I have endless time.

The novel opens with Tuva's familiar "Dear diary!" greeting, followed by an apology for her absence. She eagerly anticipates summer vacation and the upcoming orchestra camp with her best friends. However, the camp introduces a new layer of emotional complexity as Tuva finds herself infatuated with Mariam, a fellow camper. The diary entries reveal Tuva's discomfort with her feelings being widely known, even by her father.

Dåsnes effectively uses a classic "About Me" book format for an introductory spread, where Tuva shares her likes (sour strawberry candy, music) and dislikes. This personal touch quickly establishes the book's central conflict: the confusing and often painful dynamics of first love. Tuva dreams of a relationship with Mariam, but her hopes are dashed when Mariam begins spending time with Amanda, a cool saxophonist.

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I got the idea for a diary from TikTok. All the girls there always write in your 'journal' in the morning and I never understood what they write about, but maybe they have jobs and stuff. Laundry times to remember or recipes for granola, I don't know.

While "Säg bara ja" may not possess the same immediate sparkle as its predecessors, Dåsnes skillfully crafts a nuanced emotional landscape. The book serves as a "small, multifaceted emotional bible" for anyone grappling with the uncertainties of young love, jealousy, and burgeoning desire. Dåsnes' ability to portray these complex feelings with sensitivity and authenticity makes the novel a valuable addition to contemporary children's literature.

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Säg bara ja has perhaps not the same immediate radiance as its two predecessors. Nevertheless, Nora Dåsnes succeeds in creating a small, but multifaceted emotional bible for all those who ponder how to handle...