Review by Booklist Review
French author-illustrator Pedrosa delivers a compelling narrative of four interwoven stories that seeks to answer the most basic human question: What is it that brings meaning to our lives? During the course of one year, we follow a divorced father, an elderly man, and a mysterious woman with a camera as they cultivate friendships, navigate failed relationships, and experience the joys and disappointments delivered by daily life. Set against these contemporary experiences is the story that binds them together, one of a young boy whose prehistoric life seems blissfully simple in comparison. Combined, they show a rich wealth of human experience that suggests possible answers to that ultimate question. The story is told primarily through sequential full-color panels, and several short passages of text add richness and depth. The color work is exceptional, with significant stylistic shifts between scenes, and bold, vibrant shapes with clear edges give way to subtle, ethereal layers that mirror the changing seasons and the emotions of the characters. Thoughtful and well executed, this will appeal to readers looking for an introspective, realistic portrait of the complexities of adulthood.--Hayes, Summer Copyright 2016 Booklist
From Booklist, Copyright (c) American Library Association. Used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
A child explores the wilderness. A woman clutches a camera to her belly, like a misplaced third eye. An old man feeds his dog things he shouldn't. Pedrosa's (Three Shadows) oversize ode to the quotidian is less a thrill ride than a quiet country stroll, but what beauty there is to be found along the way. Each and every page of this pageant is worth lingering over: pencil smears and streaks down the hollows of elderly faces; electric cyan denotes alienation and fear; a cave glows brilliantly scarlet by the light of a single torch. This is a luxurious garden in full bloom, the work of an artist at the height of his powers. Its subdued approach to its material may not engage some readers who prefer a more active story line. But as solely an art book, it is a lavish tribute to the power of sequential art. At its best-and it is frequently at its best-Pedrosa's work borders on magic. (Sept.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Library Journal Review
French creator Pedrosa has an impressive résumé as an animator, but his graphic novel Portugal brought him fame as a best-selling author. His follow-up is sure to cement his status. This ambitious volume follows the intertwining lives of diverse figures as they search, often unwittingly, for a sense of balance-just as day and night reach equilibrium during an equinox. Using a series of thematic devices, the author takes readers deeper into his characters' thinking and the underlying meaning of their actions. From the story of a cave painter to season-based chapters to photographic moments, it would be easy for such an affected novel to get mired in its own pretension; however, the engaging vignettes are at once accessible and transcendent. Pedrosa's fluid style and quiet compositions allow the color and ink washes to do the heavy lifting, but it is the mise-en-scène that makes this exceptional work one that allows us to empathize with the protagonists. Verdict Fans of modern European graphic novels will love this insightful book.-E.W. Genovese, Andrew Bayne Memorial Lib., Pittsburgh © Copyright 2016. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
(c) Copyright Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
