Alison Bechdel’s graphic novel memoir is both haunting and irritating. Mining her memories of a father who struggled with his own sexuality, Bechdel also explores her own sexual awakening. Her recounting of family life is both funny and sad as she tries to gain her parent’s attention - they were both very much wrapped up in their own needs and struggles. What was irritating? The constant references to classic literature, particularly Joyce, Proust and Homer - I found it painfully self-indulgent and I’m sure it would be a real turn-off for many readers. However, that is a minor quibble: I came away from Fun Home moved by Bechdel’s honesty and her ability to combine the genres of comics and memoir to create a unique new genre.