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A review by james1star
All Princesses Die Before Dawn by Quentin Zuttion
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