This is a collection of ~20 two-page graphic-format vignettes that are linked through shared characters in the city of Ystov, loosely meaning “Y-town” based on its location at the fork of a river probably in Eastern Europe. The stories are interesting and imaginative; the illustrations sometimes lack clarity and are not really to my taste except in managing to feel whimsical and bleak at once. Being vignettes, it all combines into a sum that’s more than its parts and I'm still ruminating on what it all together meant. ( )

Interesting art work - water colors in bright blue, green, orange and red. Ystov seems to be a fictional city where author's characters live. Each chapter is dedicated to a character with peculiar idiosyncrasy or virtue (put it as you may). In later chapters, story of few of characters intermingle. Abstract story telling, but intriguingly sweet art. ( )