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Jobs for Girls with Artistic Flair by June Gervais is a novel with zeal and passion. I came across this title through book recommendations from the many newsletters I subscribe to for book lovers. Initially, I thought the title intriguing, but it was not my usual choice of reads. After reading the synopsis, I decided to order the book and try it out.
The author, June Gervais, penned this debut novel after publications like Writer’s Digest, Sojourners, and Lit Hub. With an MFA in Writing and Literature from Bennington College, Gervais’s debut novel is published by Penguin Books.
The novel is fiction, but some extensive research of women tattoo artists and the tattoo business fueled the plot line. After all, the business was a male-dominated field for many years. Set in the mid-eighties, the novel explores what it was like for a young, artistic, driven girl to break out in the tattooing world at her brother’s shop in Long Island.
The main character, Gina Mulley, is determined to hone her craft of artistic expression through tattooing. Gina’s brother, Dominic, wants anything but. He thinks Gina is better suited for other lines of work. Dominic’s suggestions offend Gina, which makes her that much more invested in going after what she wants. Her goal is to become great in the field and prove her brother wrong. But Dominic, such a hard-headed guy, creates barriers for Gina to maneuver in hopes of deterring her passionate goals.
As Gina is checking off the items Dominic has set before her for the near future, she meets Anna. Anna and Gina begin hanging out together, encouraging one another, and forming a tight friendship. Anna helps Gina believe in herself and her goals. Dominic’s barriers don’t seem so insurmountable with Anna by Gina’s side. Growing closer, the two of them feel things bubbling under the surface, but the relationship is something that may tear Gina from her family. That, and Anna denies herself what her soul wants. Will the two of them ever be together as a couple?
Dominic is not the only family member Gina has to worry about. Dom and Gina’s mother, Stella, is unstable and irresponsible. Gina continues to give Stella chance after chance to make things right with her. Stella struggles with it, finding life and relationships difficult. Gina rests on her independence and forges forward toward her future. After all, she’s got big dreams to follow.
This coming-of-age story keeps the reader’s attention with suspense and the urge to root for Gina with their fist raised in the air. Gina has the talent and ambition to accomplish her artistic dreams. Her tattoos mean something to those searching for that special relic of their souls’ imprint or experiences.
You can purchase June Gervais’s book, Jobs for Girls with Artistic Flair, HERE or at your local bookstore.
This was written by our contributing writer, Nina Graue.
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