“Take It as a Compliment” is an award-winning graphic novel – collection of stories which use illustration and text to talk about sexual violence and harassment, sexual assault in close relationships and child abuse. Stories were gathered from mostly anonymous sources, online, through emails, and online interviews, and the author shaped them into stories and illustrated them. Every story is told in a different narrative and art style, so every victim’s unique voice and experience could be highlighted. The author manages to depict their emotions in every story on just a few pages.

It is important to emphasize that the stories do not depict just the abuse of women; they explore the sexual harassment of men, children and same-sex sexual abuse.

This book reminds the victims of abuse that they are not alone and us all that we need to do something because sexual harassment, whether physical or verbal, should never be taken as a compliment. “Take It as a Compliment” is not simply a social commentary and appeal, it is also an extraordinary work of art which gives a voice to the abused and silenced and can contribute to the open discussion of sexual violence and, most importantly, victim protection.

Independent Publisher’s Outstanding Book of the Year Independent Spirit Award 2016.