Despite some familiar tropes, this was a work of art. Masterfully thought-out and conducted with very unique elements too.
Summary:
A persistent young journalist is determined to interview renowned pianist, Julien Dubois, but he hasn't been heard from in years and hasn't played a note in decades. But something about this young lady makes him recount his story. From his youth in German-occupied France to his struggle with and against all that comes with fame in the 60s, the virtuoso opens up about his journey with the stipulation that her story not be about him. But the interviewer has some secrets of her own to share.
Verdict: 8/10
Attention to detail and artistry are the two phrases I think sum up this graphic novel. While the story was slightly predictable plot-wise, the artwork and colors were beautifully used.
The book is split into sections based on the periods of Julien's life and the different characters they touch on (including Julien's own different personas/aliases). While this division is clever in itself, I loved seeing which colors were brought out in each chapter. Blue is the first as Julien's childhood and the war bring out more sad themes - a depressing yet still slightly hopeful attitude. But for his fame and loss of control, the artist brings out red with his years as Eric Bonjour almost entirely lost in dark crimson.
One of the details I loved was the skin-tones. Throughout the flashbacks, the characters blend into the background for the most part. Suddenly, when Julien meets Anne-Marie, she's the first person to look rich and rosy. And she starts to bring that to him as well. The scenes with her add that yellow tone that we see more in the present.
And of course one of the most brilliant additions that I've never seen in a novel before: a soundtrack. Obviously, this ballad that Julien writes is the central action for the book. The authors include actual composed sheet music for the reader as a sort of epilogue so the audience can actually see and play the music if they desire. Not only that, but they have a recording of the song on Spotify so that the reader can hear it! It brought the whole piece to life for me in such a unique way.
While I respect this use of music, I was surprised that there wasn't more about music throughout the story. The first part did highlight it, which was probably why that section was my favorite, but then Julien loses himself and his connection with music as the story goes on. It isn't until the end that we see this come back.
My main criticism is probably with the ending. Similar to a Nicholas Sparks creation, the novel went out of its way to pull on the reader's heartstrings in the most predictable fashion it could. I know many reviews have said how moving the finale was, but for me, the "big reveal" seemed largely unnecessary. I felt like the main character's journey, his reconnection with the people that really mattered, and how he furthered music after all was more important.
But SPOILER ALERT I guess we have to include a surprise daughter in order to pass on the legacy. It's an overdone twist at this point. Yes, it gets the theme across that he will live on and did something more with his life. I was just hoping for something more original. SPOILER ENDED
Also small disclaimer that this novel deals with violence, nudity, sex, drugs, and the works. Viewer/reader discretion advised. Despite that, the messages and themes were all tasteful and well depicted. It also brings up parts of history and society that I think go largely ignored such as women who "allied" with the Germans in France or the abuse that many child musicians face when being groomed for excellence. The historical aspect and the music was really what intrigued me most and I wish that had been highlighted more throughout.
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