The Unique Structure of Jeff Lemire's Essex County

Photo Provided By:  Comics212, Jeff Lemire  

     In Jeff Lemire's graphic novel Essex County,  there are three interesting stories that intertwine in one book. These tales take a look at ordinary people's lives in a rural town in Essex County, Canada. Book one entitled, Tales from the Farm, is about a young pre-teen boy named Lester who lives with his new caregiver, his Uncle Ken. Lester lives with him on his farm because his mother passed away from cancer. Lester soon becomes friends with the cashier of a local gas station, Jimmy Lebeuf who we find out is a washed up ex hockey player. The two outcasts get along, and Lester shares his love of super hero comics to Jimmy. Lester's Uncle Ken knows all about Jimmy Lebeuf and his past, and disapproves of Lester spending time with him. In the next book, Ghost Stories, Lemire delves into the life of Lou Lebeuf, Jimmy's brother. He is an elderly senile man who has lost his hearing. He narrates his life story and the up and down relationship with his brother. He also has to realize that his time is almost up, and he passes away at the end. The third book, The Country Nurse. Lemire's last book of Essex County  goes into the life of Lou Lebeuf's nurse. This books deals with the nurse's loss of her son, and her relationships with how she is connected to Lester, Ken, and the Lebeufs. This chapter really ties everything together, and gives the reader a realization and understanding of the story as a whole. 

     I like how the author doesn't just jump right out and reveal why Uncle Ken feels this way about Lester. He makes it an intriguing reading/viewing experience. Lemire does an amazing job structuring the the story in these three books because it makes to reader curious to find out more about these characters and how they tie into the story as a whole. He brings a lot more character development using this method or structure. All in all Lemire's structure for this novel is genius!