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A review by mat_tobin
Louis Undercover by Fanny Britt
5.0
Having read and unashamedly adored [b:Jane, the Fox, and Me|17214302|Jane, the Fox, and Me|Fanny Britt|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1361785734l/17214302._SX50_.jpg|23697965]when it first arrived on this, I was apprehensive about picking up this latest collaboration between Britt and Arsenault. Yet this second graphic novel from them is just as sharp and keen.
Louis is an 11 year old caught between a failed relationship between his parents and having to care, at times, for his younger brother. He loves both of them equally but his father is an alcoholic who drinks and drowns in self-pity whilst his mother stays strong but silent. He is also aware, as he is growing, of his adoration and love for a girl in his school: Billie. She is all the things that he wishes to be - strong, confident and willing to stand up for his beliefs against those who would challenge them. But he is something different and, perhaps, more important. He may be silent, but he observes and reflects. He sees the holes in his parents' lives, the fragility of his own and the needs of those around him.
Britt's paired down writing (very paired compared to many graphic novels), excellently translated by Morelli and Ouriou) brings with it a sense of poetry and song. With Arsenault's hand-on-heart illustrations, they reveal a father confused and deeply fragile aware of what he has lost to his drinking addiction and a sensitive 11 year old boy. Both author and illustrator could have victimised this weak, trapped father figure but through Louis' eyes, they are humble and deeply caring. The story is gentle in its craft and hopeful too. Mum's love and strength is something to be admired and respected.
I have to say that Louis' character reminded me much of myself. This is the first book I have read where a young, sensitive boy has been captured with such tenderness and truth. This is another beautiful and brave story.
Louis is an 11 year old caught between a failed relationship between his parents and having to care, at times, for his younger brother. He loves both of them equally but his father is an alcoholic who drinks and drowns in self-pity whilst his mother stays strong but silent. He is also aware, as he is growing, of his adoration and love for a girl in his school: Billie. She is all the things that he wishes to be - strong, confident and willing to stand up for his beliefs against those who would challenge them. But he is something different and, perhaps, more important. He may be silent, but he observes and reflects. He sees the holes in his parents' lives, the fragility of his own and the needs of those around him.
Britt's paired down writing (very paired compared to many graphic novels), excellently translated by Morelli and Ouriou) brings with it a sense of poetry and song. With Arsenault's hand-on-heart illustrations, they reveal a father confused and deeply fragile aware of what he has lost to his drinking addiction and a sensitive 11 year old boy. Both author and illustrator could have victimised this weak, trapped father figure but through Louis' eyes, they are humble and deeply caring. The story is gentle in its craft and hopeful too. Mum's love and strength is something to be admired and respected.
I have to say that Louis' character reminded me much of myself. This is the first book I have read where a young, sensitive boy has been captured with such tenderness and truth. This is another beautiful and brave story.