The Roots of My Hair - Lou Lubie - ★★★★.½

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AUTHOR & ILLUSTRATOR: Lou Lubie
GENRE: Graphic Novel
PUBLICATION DATE: May 5, 2026
RATING: 4.5 stars.


In a Nutshell: An adult graphic novel about a girl coming to terms with her hair and her identity. Great plot, steady pacing, wonderful themes, powerful message. Excellent use of ‘hair’ to discuss several societal and feminine issues. The illustrations are perfect for the story. Much recommended.


Plot Preview:
Rose is a young mixed-race Creole girl growing up on Réunion Island in the Indian Ocean. She hates her excessively kinky hair and the torture of maintaining it. As soon as she is allowed to, she begins straightening it. Even after moving to mainland France for higher studies, she remains obsessed with fitting in especially where hair is concerned. But after a point, she begins questioning why only curly hair has to go through so much discrimination.
The story comes to us in Rose’s first-person perspective.


This graphic novel, originally published in French under the title “Racines” in 2024, won a lot of acclaim and French awards. It is now available in English for the first time.


Bookish Yays:
💇🏻‍♀️ The ‘punny’ title, with roots talking about hair as well as ancestral identity. Love it!

💇🏻‍♀️ Rose as a character. So easy to understand her struggles and her need to fit in.

💇🏻‍♀️ The realistic portrayal of societal attitude towards curly hair especially when it belongs to non-white races. Nothing feels exaggerated!

💇🏻‍♀️ The information on Réunion Island. I am embarrassed that I didn’t know anything about the place, including where it was. This graphic novel is an excellent way of learning more about the island and its history.

💇🏻‍♀️ The depiction of the frustrations of managing curly hair and the expenses involved. Though my hair isn't as curly as Rose’s 4a curls, I could relate to her feelings. I love how the book covers not just the physical struggles but also the mental and financial burden of living with curly hair.

💇🏻‍♀️ The translation. This English version translates all the French text to English but retains the Réunion Creole dialogues in speech bubbles, with their immediate translation given in the same panel. The reading flow is not hindered because of this clever decision.

💇🏻‍♀️ The plot development, with a good mix of Rose’s personal life, historical and contemporary societal attitudes towards curly hair, and supporting data wherever needed. I didn’t expect so much info on important topics even beyond hair. I especially loved the focus on ‘pink tax’ and on the exploitation by the hair care industry.

💇🏻‍♀️ The humour. Brings just the right amount of levity in an otherwise serious book.

💇🏻‍♀️ The illustrations. Absolutely perfect for the book. I can't believe the author is a self-taught artist!


Bookish Okays:
💈 I wish there had been more about Rose’s family, especially about her mother and about their Creole heritage. Though the latter has the longest role of the family members, there was still scope to include more of her feelings.


Overall, this graphic novel is fictional but it clearly has roots in reality as well. The author-illustrator has done an excellent job in ensuring that her vision of this book and the end-result match. Anyone who still believes that graphic novels are only for children/young adults and that they cover only basic/light topics should pick up this book to understand how graphic novels are leading the way in increasing awareness on oft-ignored important issues.

Definitely recommended. Given the storytelling approach and the relevance of the topic, this would be a wonderful option for all readers above the age of 15, no matter which race they belong to and what kind of hair they have.

My thanks to Helvetiq for providing the DRC of “The Roots of My Hair” via Edelweiss+. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

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