Review by Frank Plowright

Although drawn by adaptable artist Štěpánka Jislová, Bald is the memoir of Czech writer Tereza Čechová concentrating on the period of her life when she suffered from alopecia, a medical condition causing hair to fall out. With men it’s generally a gradual process over decades, but can also occur during periods of stress, and it’s a side-effect of treatment for illnesses. Cancer treatment is also a cause in women, but the condition is otherwise far rarer, making it more distressing, and while it’s generally temporary, when it starts to happen there’s no way of knowing whether or not it’ll be permanent.

While an upsetting condition both the writing and the illustration take a lighthearted approach as seen on the sample art, adding a veneer of confidence that all turned out well in the end. Čechová relates a youth during which personal care was important, and she’s on the verge of getting married when she first notices hair falling out. For all the good intentions about not staring at or remarking on people who look different, it happens, and while temporary solutions were available Čechová felt self-conscious and investigating online provided little comfort.

Alopecia is obviously a very personal problem, but while transmitting how Čechová feels, Bald is a long way in before comment from those close to her. Husband to be Andrew is seen making a brief supportive statement when the problem first manifests on holiday in Iceland, and next appears a dozen pages later flying off to Africa for several months. In the meantime the condition is explained, but no-one seems to know why it’s happening.

Perhaps black, white and pink wouldn’t be everyone’s choice of colour, but Jislová’s stylised cartooning is otherwise attractive and effective. People and situations resonate, and she’s good with explanatory diagrams.

Bald is a happily meandering journey discussing all sorts of follicle-related matters from historical significance of women’s hair to the variety of and problems with wigs, which is why sometimes a form of turban is preferable. Feelings are revealed once Čechová considers we know her well enough, and she’s honest in disclosing her imaginative fantasies.

There’s a frustration about the lack of narrative closure, but real life doesn’t conform to such artificial constructs. Bald becomes an informative personal journey with some surprising discoveries and fascinating comparisons.