Exploring Identity and Substance: A Review of "Becky’s Purse"

Becky’s Purse, authored by Mia Glanz, intricately weaves the narrative of her childhood friend Becky, presenting it through a collection of personal artifacts and handwritten notes. This approach creates an intimate portrayal that transcends merely visual appearances, inviting readers into the essence of Becky's life.

Currently residing in Mexico City, Mia Glanz, who has deep ties to Vancouver, is both an artist and photographer. Throughout their life, Mia and Becky have shared a transformative journey, beginning from their childhood, which frames the book's exploration. They met in grade two during an artistic assignment that required them to portray their partner based on a description. From those early days, their bond deepened as they enjoyed simple pleasures such as indulging in five-cent candies. The friendship evolved, encapsulating pivotal moments, including their first experience with ecstasy at age seventeen.

A Portrait Through Found Objects

As the years passed, the friends’ paths diverged significantly. Mia embraced a career as a working artist and eventually became a bar manager, while Becky struggled with addiction. Notably, Becky’s face remains unseen throughout the book. Instead, her story is articulated through the objects she possesses, crafting an authentic narrative that emphasizes the significance of these items over surface-level stereotypes that might accompany a visual image.

Mia's storytelling approach prompts readers to reflect on identity beyond physical characteristics. For instance, she noted, “If someone viewed my empty room filled with vintage film cameras and Polaroid snapshots, would their impression of me shift if they were shown a photo of my face instead?” This perspective underscores the idea that our belongings often tell more about us than we might realize, a sentiment echoed through Becky’s intimate associations with her few but meaningful possessions.

The objects featured in Becky’s Purse are presented akin to evidence in a forensic investigation, with each photograph expertly captured on a Hasselblad 500 C/M. This technique creates a strong visual impact, conveying not just physical items but the emotional baggage and stories they carry. It's through these photographs that readers can glimpse the transient nature of Becky's existence, highlighting how her possessions are perhaps the only constants in her shifting circumstances.

Becky’s Notes

Complementing the visuals are the notes penned by Becky herself. During a crucial period of recovery, she shared her thoughts and stories with Mia, which form the other half of the book. These reflections can feel dark and raw but provide an authentic insight into her life, revealing experiences that she regards as mundane yet vastly defining.

By allowing Becky to narrate her own story, Mia honors her friend’s agency, showcasing the unique font derived from Becky’s handwriting, which adds both character and a haunting quality to the text. This design choice enhances the personal touch of the narrative, connecting readers more intimately to Becky’s thoughts and feelings.

Layout and Typography

The book’s layout further reinforces its storytelling philosophy. Each spread typically juxtaposes a photograph of an item from Becky’s purse with her handwritten note. This simplicity in design facilitates reader engagement, inviting them to delve into the juxtaposition of imagery and narrative.

Such an arrangement compels readers to focus not just on Becky's possessions but also on the significance of her words, fostering a deeper understanding of the interplay between the two. The visual representation serves as a bridge to Becky's lived reality, crafting a multifaceted portrait of someone often overlooked.

Paper, Binding, and Weight

Becky’s Purse is printed on coated paper, measuring 7x7 inches (18cm²), with a weight approximating 40lb, making it both aesthetically pleasing and functional. Its perfect binding allows for economical shipping, facilitating accessibility to a wider audience.

What I Thought of This Book

My connection to this book is personal; Daren, who runs Softgrain Books and is my podcast co-host, shared a review copy with me. After delving into its pages, I felt compelled to purchase it at full price. It wasn’t an impulsive decision but rather a strong conviction that this piece of art deserves a place on my shelf. It encapsulates the stories of misunderstood individuals like Becky, prompting vital conversations about addiction and identity.

Where to Buy Becky’s Purse

The book is released in a limited edition of just 500 copies, currently available for purchase through the Softgrain Books website. Notably, a portion of the sales proceeds is donated to the WISH Drop-In Centre Society in Vancouver's Downtown Eastside, which supports the community that Becky is a part of.