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[Following is a volunteer review of "Love and Marriage" by Arthur Hartz.]

Love and Marriage by Arthur Hartz is a graphic novel that illustrates the complexities of interpersonal romantic relations from dating to married life through different phases and under diverse circumstances. The author explores various motivations for entering a relationship as well as what someone might want to get from a relationship. He also explains how people pick partners based on appearance, character, or behavior.

The novel is split into two parts. The first part focuses on courtship and dating. Anyone who is young and has tried dating in the modern world is well aware of how difficult the process is. The book perfectly captures that, focusing on the early phases of a relationship and the reasons behind our preferences for a particular characteristic in a person. The second part of the book concentrates on problems that can arise in any relationship, revealing the truth about married life.

Graphic illustrations are excellent at reflecting reality, and this book does just that. Marriage is a tough subject to write about because it is individual to each couple. However, the author did a great job in reflecting married life, which will make sense to long-time couples. The author does not prejudice towards either gender and deftly highlights existing gender inequalities in marriages. He writes with both perspectives in mind. Hence the book exposes the relationship issues that both men and women experience.

Lack of support can sink a marriage. The author points out how women put their careers on hold for the men but that men wouldn't participate in the household chores. Although, there is something to be learned from each illustration. I commend the author's ability to condense such a broad range of subjects into clever images which are hilarious while imparting a strong message. The author's twist on the wedding vow "In sickness and in health" to "In minor sickness and in health" is one example in particular that I found to be amusing.

I didn't have any complaints regarding the book. It reads quickly. Every illustration has a message that should be carefully considered. The drawings are flawlessly executed. I didn't come across any grammatical errors. Therefore I give Love and Marriage 5 out of 5 stars.

I recommend this book to all adult readers who enjoy reading graphic books. However, there are allusions to sexual encounters and provocative display of some body parts. Therefore, I wouldn't recommend it to younger readers.

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Love and Marriage
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It looks like you've found another gem by this author. That minor twist on the wedding vow is telling indeed. One is rarely thinking of having a long, debilitating illness at their wedding.
Thank you for your lovely review and recommendation.

MsH2k wrote: ↑28 Feb 2023, 18:54 It looks like you've found another gem by this author. That minor twist on the wedding vow is telling indeed. One is rarely thinking of having a long, debilitating illness at their wedding.
Thank you for your lovely review and recommendation.

Thank you so much for stopping by @@MsH2k

This is going to be an interesting read. I enjoy a humorous take on marriage and relationships. Your review is very detailed and enjoyable. Thank you.

Nisha DSouza wrote: ↑03 Mar 2023, 12:42 This is going to be an interesting read. I enjoy a humorous take on marriage and relationships. Your review is very detailed and enjoyable. Thank you.

Thanks for reading the review @Nisha DSouza !

My pleasure, @khaulah.

This sounds like a really interesting concept for a book and not one that I have come across before. Nice review.

Ben Madeley wrote: ↑08 Mar 2023, 09:55 This sounds like a really interesting concept for a book and not one that I have come across before. Nice review.

Thank you!