A review by ethancf
Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton

5.0

Stylistically a rather large departure for Beaton, eschewing her humor for an immersive, day-in-the-life look at her time as an oil worker in Alberta. It's not the easiest read, as it features sexual assault, environmental collapse, and the exploitation of workers to the point of physical harm, chronic illness, and in some cases death. However, Beaton's swift writing style pulls you along, never relishing in the darkest moments. Moments of levity are here and most welcome, as well as moments of utter mundanity. The fact that even those dull moments don't sink the pacing of this is a testament not only to Beaton's strength as a writer but also her terrific artwork.

This isn't an easy recommendation, and I'd advise people to check the content warnings before picking it up - especially fans of Beaton's offbeat humor in her past works. Still, I think this is her strongest work yet.