This was an interesting graphic novel. I wasn't necessarily sure what to expect in terms of plot except that it probably focused on dancing to some de This was an interesting graphic novel. I wasn't necessarily sure what to expect in terms of plot except that it probably focused on dancing to some degree. Emma and Violette is about two sisters who are both ballerinas; however, one is more "naturally" gifted at dancing than the other. Their mother pushes both of them to get into a prestigious ballet school so they can become principle dancers. There were a few things about this that I enjoyed. Hamon included some great conversations related to parenting and how difficult it can be to draw the line at your aspirations and what your child wants to do. Emma and Violette's mother was so caught up in her deferred dreams that she was unknowingly projecting onto her daughters. It causes a lot of discourse in their household. Hamon also touched a little bit on what it's like to be teen that is attempting to find their voice. It can be hard to stand up for what you want as a teenager especially when you want nothing more than to make your parents happy.
While I enjoyed the art (it does feel a little stiff in some sections), I had some trouble following the story in some areas. There were characters that weren't fleshed out so readers don't know who they are or what role they play in the story as a whole. There also appeared to be some awkward moments in the dialogue. I'm not sure if this had anything to do with the translation as this was originally written in French. There were great moments with the supportive father in the book, but part of me feels like I was missing out on something because the entire story wasn't necessarily there. Overall, it was a decent read. I'm definitely willing to try out the rest of the series to see what happens to both girls.
Merged review:
This was an interesting graphic novel. I wasn't necessarily sure what to expect in terms of plot except that it probably focused on dancing to some degree. Emma and Violette is about two sisters who are both ballerinas; however, one is more "naturally" gifted at dancing than the other. Their mother pushes both of them to get into a prestigious ballet school so they can become principle dancers. There were a few things about this that I enjoyed. Hamon included some great conversations related to parenting and how difficult it can be to draw the line at your aspirations and what your child wants to do. Emma and Violette's mother was so caught up in her deferred dreams that she was unknowingly projecting onto her daughters. It causes a lot of discourse in their household. Hamon also touched a little bit on what it's like to be teen that is attempting to find their voice. It can be hard to stand up for what you want as a teenager especially when you want nothing more than to make your parents happy.
While I enjoyed the art (it does feel a little stiff in some sections), I had some trouble following the story in some areas. There were characters that weren't fleshed out so readers don't know who they are or what role they play in the story as a whole. There also appeared to be some awkward moments in the dialogue. I'm not sure if this had anything to do with the translation as this was originally written in French. There were great moments with the supportive father in the book, but part of me feels like I was missing out on something because the entire story wasn't necessarily there. Overall, it was a decent read. I'm definitely willing to try out the rest of the series to see what happens to both girls....more
This was heartbreaking, heartwarming, and hilarious all at once. Told as short stories, readers get the opportunity to see different parts of her lifeThis was heartbreaking, heartwarming, and hilarious all at once. Told as short stories, readers get the opportunity to see different parts of her life in particularly poignant moments that encompass who she was a teen and young adult. Culturally, it was interesting to read about the flexibility that Parisian teens had in comparison to my own experience. In the most hard and vulnerable parts of this book, readers gain insight to her struggles, but most importantly her growth. I think that some readers will have difficulty with this one if they’re looking for a linear memoir, but I rather enjoyed the lack of cohesiveness. The artwork was beautiful and reminded me of some things that I would see in Sunday comics. A wonderful read. ...more
Honestly ya'll...I don't know if I even have the words to describe how beautiful this book was for me. It took me through a world wind of feelings andHonestly ya'll...I don't know if I even have the words to describe how beautiful this book was for me. It took me through a world wind of feelings and emotions that I couldn't even begin to describe. Just read this one. The romance, the history of WWII, the impact of the Japanese internment camps, love lost, love regained...this book has it all. Grab some tissues. That's all I can say. Not long review for this gem of a book. ...more
Nightlights is one of those difficult books to rate because there are two different elements at play. Overall, I think that this is a graphic novel thNightlights is one of those difficult books to rate because there are two different elements at play. Overall, I think that this is a graphic novel that many children would enjoy.
The story itself is focused on Sandy who see nightlights in her bedroom every night. Through capturing these nightlights, Sandy is able to create drawings and bring her drawings to life. As to be expected, a darker and more sinister force makes an appearance and makes things more complicated. Unfortunately, I wasn't a huge fan of the storyline. I thought it lacked depth and could have used a lot more development especially with the abrupt ending; however, the artwork was absolutely beautiful. It is clear that the author thought out each panel carefully as well as the color palette. Everything popped off the page and really drew the reader in. I simply wish the story matched the artwork. Nevertheless, if you're look for a slightly spooky/weird graphic novel for children, I would check this one out. ...more
That ending. Honestly, I didn’t expect that and I listened to the last 20 minutes of this book twice to make sure I understood what the author was insThat ending. Honestly, I didn’t expect that and I listened to the last 20 minutes of this book twice to make sure I understood what the author was insinuating. Brilliantly done and I’m glad this was my last read of January
2021 is the year of translated works. I read quite a bit of manga which is technically translated; however, my ultimate goal is to broaden my horizons in relationship to translations. Ghachar Ghochar wasn’t on my radar. I randomly found the audiobook and made the decision to give it a try after reading the synopsis. The most interesting aspect of this reading experience is that the most defining moments of this book don’t come until the end meaning readers won’t grasp the true nature of the book until the last few pages. Set in Bangalore, Ghachar Ghochar opens with a young man sitting at coffee shop describing the setting of the coffee shop and those around him. Eventually he switches the narrative to a story focused on how his family went from poverty to acquiring massive wealth. This book isn’t so much about plot as it is about character study. Readers spend the entirety of the book watching a close knit family alter and change in very complex and intriguing ways after acquiring money. From small things such as less family meals to more complex situations like failed marriages, it’s fascinating to see the evolution of who they were to who they have become. As a reader, spectator, it’s easy to see how horrid the family becomes but they become so immersed in their new found wealth that they can’t see the changes within themselves. It’s only through the arrival of the narrator’s wife that their way of life becomes challenged. This is probably the first translated book that I’ve read from India and it won’t be my last. The following quote ties the meaning this book together beautifully: “it’s not we who control money, it’s the money that controls us. When there’s only a little, it behaves meekly; when it grows, it becomes brash and has its way with us.” With great exploration of Indian culture and family dynamics, Ghachar Ghochar is dynamic and interesting read that I highly recommend. ...more
Bookishrealm
>
Books:
translated
(5)
Loading...
