3.5/5

CW: Lots of sexism. Sexual assault is also a strong theme.

Graphic novels are a medium I really enjoy, especially when I don't have the energy for prose. They can, however, be a very strong medium for story telling. Beaton relates her experiences of the Albertan oil sands through a chain of images and I definitely feel she chose the right format for this.

- This book does have lighter moments but a lot of it is quite blue and serious. There are lots of frustrating moments encountered by the author in their experiences and the resentment and anger at what has happened seeps off the pages.

- Although in monochrome the artwork is beautifully done and is very expressive. 

- It is a slow read. The last third of the book was my favourite where we begin to examine and explore more poignantly the issues at the oil sands: sexism, drug use, mental health, sexual assault, environmental issues, abuse of the lands and people's indigenous to the area. These are handled really well though I wish there was more about them.

If you want a serious, slice-of-life graphic novel which deals with difficult subjects then Ducks will be excellent for you.