Non-Spoiler Review: Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks

Last month I received a Waterstones gift card for my birthday, so while I was away for the weekend in Edinburgh I of course visited the mothership! One of the books I picked up was the recently published Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks.

I picked up a sampler at YALC and as it seemed like the sweetest autumnal read I needed a finished copy and couldn’t wait to get stuck in. Let’s just say, I wasn’t wrong! It’s fairly difficult to write a review of such a short graphic novel but I will do my best, so apologies if this is just a gush!

Synopsis

Deja and Josiah are best friends, but only for one season each year. They’ve worked at the local pumpkin patch since they were in high school but this year it’s different. Heading off to college in the next year means that this is their last season at the patch. So the two decide to go out with a bang and experience all the patch has to offer, making their last shift one to remember.

My Thoughts

For those new to graphic novels, Pumpkinheads is a great place to start. It’s not intimidating, with easy to follow dialogue and beautiful, atmospheric illustrations. However, it would also be perfect for seasoned fans of graphic novels too! The novel is also split into little chapters which helps make it a super speedy read.

The story spans just one night, but during that time we get to learn a lot about the characters. I’m really impressed by how three dimensional the characters were, and how everyone in the novel seemed so individual. There where characters of differing ethnicities and sexualities, with Deja herself being bisexual which I was happy to see included.

Spanning such a short space of time means that the narrative is fairly simple and short. I thought it was spot on for the season though! I really enjoyed seeing what the pair got up to in the patch and it was just lovely escapism.

The colour scheme was perfect for Autumn, with hues of oranges and blues and reds. I could just imagine myself curled up with a warm drink reading Pumpkinheads over and over; the story just encapsulates this cosy season and is so utterly sweet.

I devoured this in 15-20 minutes on the train home, flying through the pages and Deja and Josiah’s adventures. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for a sequel, particularly as a job relating to Santa’s Elves was alluded to…

Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell and Faith Erin Hicks is a new favourite of mine at 4/5 stars. I don’t know about you but I want to visit a pumpkin patch, and I definitely want to be friends with Josiah and Deja.

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