Greenberg’s enchanting second graphic novel returns to the strange world of her award-winning debut, The Encyclopaedia of Early Earth. The two have much in common – including self-regarding god Birdman, old crones, special sausages and a deep love of stories and the people who tell them. But while the first was narrated by a man of the icy north, this follows Cherry and her maid Hero. Their secret love is threatened when Cherry’s husband’s boorish friend wagers he can seduce Cherry over the course of 100 nights. Hero tells stories to distract him, taking in dark swamps, floating greenhouses, cursed daughters and a harp that sings of murder. Danger lurks within these tales and after each dangling cliffhanger, but Hero weaves a web that has soon snared the suitor, the sentries and most of the townsfolk. Greenberg’s artwork is whimsical, and her plots reference countless fables. But there’s also real darkness, and the stories speak movingly of the desperation of a narrow, patriarchal world in which “happily ever after” often translates as forced marriage to a strange man.
• The One Hundred Nights of Hero is published by Jonathan Cape at £18.99. To order a copy for £15.57 go to bookshop.theguardian.com or call 0330 333 6846. Free UK p&p over £10, online orders only. Phone orders min p&p of £1.99.
