The Fabric of Us
The Fabric of Us is a gentle story where grief and heartache are delicately explored through the eyes of a little girl who has lost her parent. We move through the mourning alongside her, sitting with the feelings and catching a glimpse of hope along the way.
The narrative begins with a glimpse of a loving family life where our main character lives with her two dads. Muted pastels with soft edging create a backdrop of warmth and comfort, while Papa is a pop of bright pink, emphasising his significance and energy as his sewing machine provides a soundtrack to their home.
However, we soon learn that the family has lost Papa. While it’s never directly stated, we know he has died. The colour language carries the emotive weight of the story, emphasising at first glance the grief the characters are experiencing, with a sudden shift to cool tones of blue. It provides a stark contrast that’s easily understood to convey the enormity of the loss. The mourning period is explored with sensitivity and compassion. Each page is a soothing, soft blanket as the characters begin to move forward by finding a way to keep Papa with them always through memories.
While the book may bring up difficult emotions, it is comforting in its relatability, and manageable for young children who have experienced a loss. The ending sits with the sadness in a touching and hopeful way while never forcing an immediate resolution of positivity or healing.
