Graphic Novel Review - Exquisite Corpse - Pénélope Bagieu (Author & Illustrator)
Translated into English by Alexis Siegel
Recommended for YA/Adults
French graphic novel author and illustrator Pénélope Bagieu isn't well known in the UK (this is her first English-languge release, I believe) but based on this quirky and charming tale of a young girl falling in love with a reclusive author, her recognition deserves to grow enormously.
22-year old trade rep Zoe is fed up with her job and her life with an abusive boyfriend, so when she happens upon reclusive author Thomas Rocher she finds her mood greatly improving. However, everything is thrown upside down when she learns the incredible truth; Thomas supposedly died several years earlier!
There's a charm running throughout this book that reminds me of French art-house flicks that I've come across before, with the love story of an unlikely couple played out with warm humour. Zoe is desperately in need of something new and exciting, as is Thomas if he's to find inspiration for his next novel. Thomas' editor (and ex-wife) is also around to throw a spanner in the works, and it seems unlikely that there's going to be a happy ending (I won't spoil whether or not there is one, and for whom). Zoe has a bit of manic pixie girl about her, Thomas is clearly batshit crazy on a liberal-arts level, and ex-wife Agathe is suitably snotty to her former love's new squeeze, and the way they play off each other is very well written indeed. The illustrations are offbeat and quirky and fit the text well; in short, everything is very well done and blends together beautifully. I also had to smile at the ending, with it's mini-twist giving a satisfying conclusion.
If I had one complaint, it's that it almost flies by too quickly. leaving me utterly charmed but finished in about 20 minutes. No, I don't know how it could have been extended, but perhaps then it's to the author's credit that I feel like I'm left craving more. I'll certainly be using this as an example to people in the library for a quick and easy introduction to graphic novels that aren't all about superheroes.
Credit as well to the translator, Alexis Siegel, because without a good translator it wouldn't have worked so well.
A lovely (quick) story that left me with a glowing smile!
4/5
Exquisite Corpse is published on 5th May 2015 by First Second Books
Exquisite Corpse is published on 5th May 2015 by First Second Books
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