"Building Stories" is a graphic novel by Chris Ware, a highly acclaimed cartoonist and graphic novelist. Published in 2012, this unconventional work stands out for its innovative and unique format. Instead of a traditional single-volume graphic novel, "Building Stories" is presented as a box containing 14 distinct printed works, including comics, pamphlets, newspapers, and even a cloth-bound book.
The various components inside the box offer different perspectives and timelines, creating a fragmented narrative that revolves around the lives of the residents in a Chicago apartment building. Readers are invited to engage with the pieces in a non-linear fashion, allowing for a customizable and immersive reading experience. Ware explores themes of loneliness, identity, and the passage of time, presenting a rich and intricate tapestry of interconnected stories.
The narrative unfolds through the eyes of different characters, including a young woman with a prosthetic leg, an elderly landlady, and a bee. The diverse storytelling devices and formats, along with Ware's meticulous and detailed illustrations, contribute to the emotional depth of the work.
"Building Stories" has received widespread acclaim for its experimental nature and its ability to push the boundaries of traditional graphic novel storytelling. It won several awards, including the Lynd Ward Graphic Novel Prize and the Eisner Award for Best Graphic Album – New. Chris Ware's work continues to be celebrated for its thought-provoking exploration of the human condition and its groundbreaking approach to visual storytelling.
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