Stone Fruit

Template:Short description Template:AboutTemplate:Infobox novel Stone Fruit is a graphic novel by Lee Lai, published May 11, 2021 by Fantagraphics.

In 2022, the book won the Lambda Literary Award for Graphic Novel/Comics, was a Barbara Gittings Literature Award honor book, and a finalist for the Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Graphic Novel/Comics.

Reception

Stone Fruit was generally well-received, including starred reviews from Booklist<ref name=":4">Template:Cite book</ref> and Publishers Weekly.<ref name=":5">Template:Cite web</ref>

Publishers Weekly applauded how Lai "skillfully captures the ways family dynamics and histories play out in romantic relationships, and how heavy those legacies can land," which results in "a poignant and mature rumination on how people change, and change each other, proving Lai a talent well worth watching."<ref name=":5" /> Terry Hong, writing for Booklist, called the novel a "jaw-dropping debut" with "stunning artistry," complementing by Lai's "complex narrative skills."<ref name=":4" /> Laura Olive Sackton, writing for the Chicago Review of Books, also applauded the novel, calling it "[a] remarkable contribution to this chorus of queer storytelling," saying the narrative is filled with "smart dialogue and character growth" and that through the illustration, Lai "literally draws transformation, and the feelings it evokes, onto the page."<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>

The Guardian's Rachel Cooke provided a mixed review, calling Stone Fruit "[a] downbeat but moving exploration of the aftermath of a relationship."<ref name=":6">Template:Cite web</ref> Cooke noted that while the book is affective, "you finish it with no hope at all that its characters will ever be able to resolve their difficulties. There is something intensely bleak at its centre."<ref name=":6" />

Awards and honors for Stone Fruit

Year	Award	Result	Ref.
2021	American Library Association's Best Graphic Novels for Adults	Top 10	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
	National Book Foundation's 5 Under 35 Award	Honoree	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
2022	Barbara Gittings Literature Award	Honor	<ref name=":02">Template:Cite web</ref>
	Lambda Literary Award for Graphic Novel/Comics	Winner	<ref name=":1">Template:Cite web</ref>
	Los Angeles Times Book Prize for Graphic Novel/Comics	Finalist	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref><ref name=":3">Template:Cite web</ref>
	American Library Association's Over the Rainbow Book List	Top 10	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>
	Stella Prize	Shortlist	<ref>Template:Cite web</ref>