The NAO of Brown

Author: Glyn Dillon

Full Title: The Nao of Brown

Genre: Graphic Novel / Psychological Fiction

The Nao of Brown follows Nao, a 28-year-old half-Japanese, half-English illustrator living in London, who grapples with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Her condition manifests as intrusive, violent thoughts that disturb her sense of self. Working in a designer toy shop and aspiring to build her illustration career, Nao longs for meaningful connections and a sense of belonging. As she navigates her mental health challenges, she becomes captivated by a fictional character named Pictor, a humanoid tree soldier from a story within the story. This narrative intertwines with Nao's own journey, exploring themes of identity, isolation, and the search for inner peace. The novel is noted for its delicate watercolor art and nuanced portrayal of psychological struggles.