Paul Has a Summer Job

Tami Oliphant is a Ph.D. candidate in Library and Information Studies at the University of Western Ontario.

This charming graphic novel captures one young man’s passage into
adulthood over the course of a summer. Paul is a typical teenager—he
resists doing things he doesn’t like (e.g., school work), and is
passionate about things he does like (e.g., art). When Paul is kicked
off a school art project he spearheaded because of his less-than-stellar
grades, he resentfully quits school to find a job in the “real
world.” He quickly finds work in a printer’s shop, but soon becomes
disillusioned with the life of a working stiff.

Paul is rescued from his burgeoning depression by a friend who offers
him a summer job as a camp counsellor. Despite thinking he is
psychologically and physically ill-equipped for the job, Paul eagerly
accepts and heads out to the Quebec woods. However, this is no ordinary
summer camp—it is run by a footloose Catholic priest for
underprivileged kids. From living in primitive conditions and digging
latrines to fighting his teammate, Paul’s first few weeks are
difficult. Eventually he finds small successes in mastering mountain
climbing, connecting with the kids and his co-counsellors (by showing
his sensitive side), and falling in love.

Even though the novel takes place in 1979, readers will be engrossed by
the author’s simple, yet quirky and effective, storyline. There
isn’t a single false note in this graphic novel—the story is
nostalgic, but not sentimental. The characters, including both the camp
counsellors and the kids, and their relationships with each other are
richly drawn. Rabagliati gracefully and effortlessly portrays Paul’s
tentative steps into adulthood.