Loveless

I've hit my first real stumper. Loveless - the graphic novel by Brian Azzarello.

So, it's Loveless Vol. 1 - A Kin of Homecoming.

My problems are thus and such:

Wow, the language. And yes, it probably could be argued that that was the language they used, however I'm not sure that having n-gger constantly throughout a book is really going to aid the book against any potential challenges. Also, there's plenty of Mother-f*ckers and the like throughout.

There's also about two pages of more explicit sex than I'm comfortable with. One is a scene of a woman seducing her husband - a finger licking, nipple rubbing, and it's implied that it's also vaginal touching, followed be a silouhette of him on top of her in a sexual position. (Missionary, if any one is curious). The next page shows the woman, in flashback, being raped by a union soldier, and finding out that all the men have had a go of her, and - no! wait - the black soldiers haven't, so let them have a go.

Now, if is was presented as more of a historical piece, I don't think I would have such a hard time with it. The art work isn't bad, but... I feel like the book is trying to push the envelope, but instead just crossed the line.

More disturbing to me, I guess, is finding out that a lot of libraries have it shelved in their YA section...

If I'm having a hard time justifying bringing it into an adult section - does it really belong in the YA?

The other problem, is I'm having a hard time finding reviews of this. Which makes me wonder if it belongs in the library.

But this also raises a concern of mine. I'm not for censorship, but I do have a duty to get materials that fit within the standards of the library. I take that to mean the I have to be able to justify why anything is in my section - good review in Booklist, PW, or LJ, but also, if it has good reviews among other graphic novel readers. I'm doing my best to defend my choices and give my library no reason to question what I do, or to have any reason as to doubt my ability.

That being said, it does concern me greatly to hear people say that they have titles like this in their teen section - especially when it says right on the back that it's suggested for mature audiences.

Am I saying they are asking for trouble? ... A little. If I'm having a problem justifying putting this into my adult graphic novel section, does it really belong in the YA?