Reviews

Sylvie by Sylvie Kantorovitz

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thenextgenlib's review against another edition

4.0

I loved this easy to read graphic novel that was autobiographical. I loved reading about someone growing up in France. Sylvie’s struggle to be seen as a true French person when she was born in Casablanca. She also struggles with knowing what she’s supposed to do for her future at a young age and fought with her brother like most siblings do. I found the whole story relatable.

willowtree7's review against another edition

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informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

5.0

droar's review against another edition

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4.0

Sylvie is a graphic memoir recounting moments in the authors life from age five(ish) to eighteen(ish). The episodic nature of the story keeps things light while still giving a rounded accounting, and the illustrations are fun and emotive without being too overpowering. It's a solid memoir that I quite enjoyed but I'm not sure if I'll be handing this one out a lot to younger readers. It's entirely appropriate for them, but the wide span of time covered and general chill vibe lends this more to an older audience than a teen audience (I know there are teens who will enjoy this book, but it'll be a harder sell for uncertain readers, especially when much of the first half of the book has the author firmly in the 5-8 age range).

Audience quibbling aside, I loved the way Kantorovitz talked about her parents. She presents them as genuine people with flaws and irritating habits in a way that walks up to that Diary of a Wimpy Kid snarky-ness without feeling mean or unloving. Its a tricky line to walk but Kantorovitz handles it well. I do wish we could have seen more of Albert and the younger siblings, but it makes sense that they would step out of center frame as schooling and future became more important. Overall I really enjoyed spending a too brief time in Sylvie's life and honestly didn't want the book to end when we got to the closing. I'll happily read any and all follow ups Kantorovitz wants to give us!

Fully recommended to any lovers of graphic memoirs & any introspective and/or art minded young people in your life!

lawbooks600's review

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3.0

6/10, it was ok.

chocobooks's review against another edition

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4.0

,, Sylvie" was a cute story about growing up little girl, who became a young women on the last pages. Is brilliant in it simple. Definitely I can recommend it for girls, who start growing.