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andrikkk's review
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
junisreading's review
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I had an idea this was going to make me emotional, but I didn't expect to cry this much, to feel this much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
peterparker's review
challenging
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
The main thing that intrigued me and brought me to read this book was its description. There are so few books about queer kids finding out who they are at such a young age and I’m so glad this exists. The book takes place over a day and deals with a family and their separate struggles. The main character Lulu struggles by not being very interested in traditional boy things and imagines what it would be like to kiss a boy. His teenage older sister struggles with being in love with someone who doesn’t necessarily love her back for the right reasons. Meanwhile their mother is struggling to get through to their father who didn’t come home last night.
This book has a lot of heavy material so I would recommend going through reviewers content warnings as at certain times during the book I had to pause to collect my thoughts. It’s still a really good book just very emotional and heavy topics that I’m glad are being talked about.
When I first started reading I thought the art was ok but then as the book went on it became amazing. The art style is simple yet striking in certain scenes. The way it conveys complex emotions in later scenes is beautiful. I wasn’t looking at the art through the right lens at first and definitely came around to it more.
One thing that I thought was really clever about this book was framing all the family problems at the same time we are seeing clips of Princess Diana’s tragic death. The framing for that is brilliant and sticks the landing as Lulu figures out who he is as Princess Diana was such an icon to the queer community. I also love the hopeful ending as the family really goes through a lot during this day.
I received a free eARC from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book has a lot of heavy material so I would recommend going through reviewers content warnings as at certain times during the book I had to pause to collect my thoughts. It’s still a really good book just very emotional and heavy topics that I’m glad are being talked about.
When I first started reading I thought the art was ok but then as the book went on it became amazing. The art style is simple yet striking in certain scenes. The way it conveys complex emotions in later scenes is beautiful. I wasn’t looking at the art through the right lens at first and definitely came around to it more.
One thing that I thought was really clever about this book was framing all the family problems at the same time we are seeing clips of Princess Diana’s tragic death. The framing for that is brilliant and sticks the landing as Lulu figures out who he is as Princess Diana was such an icon to the queer community. I also love the hopeful ending as the family really goes through a lot during this day.
I received a free eARC from the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Homophobia
panic_at_the_bookshelf's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The intro to this story immediately caught my interest. There was something in the drawings and the way the words were used that sucked me into this story.
There were so many things about Lulu that brought back memories from my childhood and years as a teenager. Memories I didn't even know I had. The way Luly played with the toys, the things that caused Luly to be annoyed, hearing things your parents say about you behind you back... It brought back some warmth, some pain and probably healed a few wounds. It was so recognizable, because once upon a time I was the main character in familiar scenes. Both pretty and horrible ones. So thank you, Quentin Zuttion, for giving a visualisation and somehow making me feel less alone in all of this. Thank you, for bringing up harder subjects while also adding enough warmth and hope.
Apart from the story, I am also a big fan of the art style! I was amazed by how the art was used to bring the fantasy world of children alive. Seeing the real world change into the ones they imagine being in, was such a lovely and beautiful experience.
This is for sure a graphic novel I'd like to reread sooner or later! May the fairy tales you once had as a kid come true one way or another.
Special thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this story in exchange for an honest review.
There were so many things about Lulu that brought back memories from my childhood and years as a teenager. Memories I didn't even know I had. The way Luly played with the toys, the things that caused Luly to be annoyed, hearing things your parents say about you behind you back... It brought back some warmth, some pain and probably healed a few wounds. It was so recognizable, because once upon a time I was the main character in familiar scenes. Both pretty and horrible ones. So thank you, Quentin Zuttion, for giving a visualisation and somehow making me feel less alone in all of this. Thank you, for bringing up harder subjects while also adding enough warmth and hope.
Apart from the story, I am also a big fan of the art style! I was amazed by how the art was used to bring the fantasy world of children alive. Seeing the real world change into the ones they imagine being in, was such a lovely and beautiful experience.
This is for sure a graphic novel I'd like to reread sooner or later! May the fairy tales you once had as a kid come true one way or another.
Special thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this story in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
Minor: Car accident and Homophobia
ariqua's review
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This was a lot. I read it on my phone so the pictures weren't the greatest, but it's more about the emotions of the story. It revolves around a family, each with their own problems. The parents are on the edge of a divorce, the teenage daughter is dealing with boy troubles and self image problems, and the young brother is dealing with feelings about his best friend he doesn't understand. Everything is woven together very well and is a wonderful read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Toxic relationship, Injury/Injury detail, Body shaming, Bullying, and Homophobia
prufrockpreptooth's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Qui c'est qui a encore eu envie de chialer ? Bah c'est bibi, hein... C'est pas un secret, les dessins sont beaucoup trop talentueux, moi, j'adore à chaque fois. Et l'histoire, pause d'un été, douce et dure à la fois, se dévore : une famille qui accroche, sûrement semblable à tant d'autre, et pourtant bien définie, bien détaillée et on finit bien sûr par aimer (presque) tout le monde !
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship and Sexual assault
Minor: Homophobia and Infidelity
majakrmer's review
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia
james1star's review
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Europe Comics for a review copy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.
This is a very solid 4 ⭐️ book for me. The central plot takes place over one hot, end of summer day from the perspectives of Lulu, his sister Cam and their mum. It starts with the news of Princess Diana’s death but each character is more focused on their own dramas: discovering one’s sexuality and gender identity and first love for another boy, a relationship with an older boy who she’s falling for but is being used, and a failing marriage respectively. This day will prove to be a decisive one for each of them and Zuitton uses a ‘slice of life’ approach to show this. There are some heavier themes touched on but not explicitly mentioned, I believe to cater to a larger audience and younger demographic, specifically those of Lulu’s and Cam’s ages (7-16) where such topics should be taught and I believe are handled well. I know the story is based in part on some truth, the author’s childhood and family but it is a very universal portrayal of coming to terms with one’s sexuality - lots of relatability and, albeit not one-for-one, comparisons I personally could make. I loved how Lulu tried to experience his dreams playing with princess dolls and childhood games using his imagination - there’s a certain bit where you can so perfectly understand what’s going on inside his mind and it’s captured amazingly.
The graphic elements were truly mesmerising and beautiful. There is a recurring use of light and water which adds a dreamlike, ethereal notion but it’s undoubtedly clear to the reader that the basic is firmly grounded in the real world. The characters are honestly very developed despite taking place over a single day, you get to know them and they’re slightly flawed but lovable. It definitely makes you want to know more about them, another instalment would be amazing but as it is, I’m happy.
My only real qualm was that the length didn’t really allow that much discussion or exploration of some of the topics. This means that some plot lines left us with loose ends - which yes leads to ambiguity - that I kind of wanted more focus on. The impact is somewhat lessened but overall I would most definitely recommend this book and I am intrigued to check out more of Zuitton’s works.
This is a very solid 4 ⭐️ book for me. The central plot takes place over one hot, end of summer day from the perspectives of Lulu, his sister Cam and their mum. It starts with the news of Princess Diana’s death but each character is more focused on their own dramas: discovering one’s sexuality and gender identity and first love for another boy, a relationship with an older boy who she’s falling for but is being used, and a failing marriage respectively. This day will prove to be a decisive one for each of them and Zuitton uses a ‘slice of life’ approach to show this. There are some heavier themes touched on but not explicitly mentioned, I believe to cater to a larger audience and younger demographic, specifically those of Lulu’s and Cam’s ages (7-16) where such topics should be taught and I believe are handled well. I know the story is based in part on some truth, the author’s childhood and family but it is a very universal portrayal of coming to terms with one’s sexuality - lots of relatability and, albeit not one-for-one, comparisons I personally could make. I loved how Lulu tried to experience his dreams playing with princess dolls and childhood games using his imagination - there’s a certain bit where you can so perfectly understand what’s going on inside his mind and it’s captured amazingly.
The graphic elements were truly mesmerising and beautiful. There is a recurring use of light and water which adds a dreamlike, ethereal notion but it’s undoubtedly clear to the reader that the basic is firmly grounded in the real world. The characters are honestly very developed despite taking place over a single day, you get to know them and they’re slightly flawed but lovable. It definitely makes you want to know more about them, another instalment would be amazing but as it is, I’m happy.
My only real qualm was that the length didn’t really allow that much discussion or exploration of some of the topics. This means that some plot lines left us with loose ends - which yes leads to ambiguity - that I kind of wanted more focus on. The impact is somewhat lessened but overall I would most definitely recommend this book and I am intrigued to check out more of Zuitton’s works.
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Car accident, Homophobia, and Death
reallife_kazbrekker's review
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.0
Thank you to Netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this book!
This book was so much more heartbreaking than I was expecting, eventho I probably should have expected it form the title... I didn't cry tho, because it wasn't that kind of heartbreaking. Just the kind where you feel bad for the people involved.
So yeah, I felt so bad for Lulu, Cam and their mom. I hope they will continue to support each other through other challenges they might face in the future.
One sentence that came to mind while I read the last page of this was: At least they have each other.
And I'm very glad that they do.
This book was so much more heartbreaking than I was expecting, eventho I probably should have expected it form the title... I didn't cry tho, because it wasn't that kind of heartbreaking. Just the kind where you feel bad for the people involved.
So yeah, I felt so bad for Lulu, Cam and their mom. I hope they will continue to support each other through other challenges they might face in the future.
One sentence that came to mind while I read the last page of this was: At least they have each other.
And I'm very glad that they do.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Sexual assault
thewordsdevourer's review
adventurous
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC
All Princesses Die Before Dawn is a slow read, chronicling the lives of a family in suburban France on one fateful day. The story is nice but not impactful enough for me, while the art fits the story with its dreamy style.
There are multiple things happening in this novel, all with the setting and thematic backdrop of Princess Diana's death. Zuttion does a good job of layering the story and its themes, though it can feel a little disjointed at times. A sense of melancholy also permeates the book; coupling with the slow pace, it makes for a moody combination suited for certain readers more than others, with me belonging in the latter. We do not learn much about the characters aside from the one day shown in the novel, and while I am interested in Lulu's story, I do not feel connected enough to or impacted by the other characters and overall plot (or lack thereof). As someone who quite values emotional impact in my reading, needless to say this is not as good a reading experience as can be.
The art fares better in my opinion. It has a certain dream-like, ethereal quality that fits the book's inclusion of fairytales and renders the story with a particular uniqueness. The color scheme is nice as well, maintaining the novel's dreaminess while also portraying the vibrane and tranquility of summer. It can be hard to discern facial expressions at times, however, and the font in the e-book edition is small, making it almost impossible to see punctuations.
This is a nice read overall, but its pace, tone and story are suited for some readers more than others. One has to be in a particular mood to truly enjoy it, but objectively it is nice enough.
All Princesses Die Before Dawn is a slow read, chronicling the lives of a family in suburban France on one fateful day. The story is nice but not impactful enough for me, while the art fits the story with its dreamy style.
There are multiple things happening in this novel, all with the setting and thematic backdrop of Princess Diana's death. Zuttion does a good job of layering the story and its themes, though it can feel a little disjointed at times. A sense of melancholy also permeates the book; coupling with the slow pace, it makes for a moody combination suited for certain readers more than others, with me belonging in the latter. We do not learn much about the characters aside from the one day shown in the novel, and while I am interested in Lulu's story, I do not feel connected enough to or impacted by the other characters and overall plot (or lack thereof). As someone who quite values emotional impact in my reading, needless to say this is not as good a reading experience as can be.
The art fares better in my opinion. It has a certain dream-like, ethereal quality that fits the book's inclusion of fairytales and renders the story with a particular uniqueness. The color scheme is nice as well, maintaining the novel's dreaminess while also portraying the vibrane and tranquility of summer. It can be hard to discern facial expressions at times, however, and the font in the e-book edition is small, making it almost impossible to see punctuations.
This is a nice read overall, but its pace, tone and story are suited for some readers more than others. One has to be in a particular mood to truly enjoy it, but objectively it is nice enough.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Sexual content, Infidelity, Homophobia, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Death, Car accident, and Medical content