Thursday, August 5, 2021

Ballad for Sophie

 


Information: 

Author: Filipe Melo
Illustrator: Juan Cavia
Translator: Gabriela Soares
Release date: September 7, 2021

My Thoughts:


For the older YA graphic novel reader, Ballad for Sophie tackles questions like can power, privilege and success be "bought"? What is the physical and emotional toll of regret? This story about a young journalist and a highly successful but very bitter and isolated artist at the end of his life acts as a kind of allegory for readers. I found it similar in artistic style and tone to the graphic novel adaptation of Hunter S. Thompson's Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas, but without as much booze, drugs and sex.  I think the questions I am left with at the end of this story is what is the cost of success and what is the cost of "winning"?

From the Publisher:

A young journalist prompts a reclusive piano superstar to open up, resulting in this stunning graphic sonata exploring a lifetime of rivalry, regret, and redemption.

1933. In the small French village of Cressy-la-Valoise, a local piano contest brings together two brilliant young players: Julien Dubois, the privileged heir of a wealthy family, and François Samson, the janitor's son. One wins, one loses, and both are changed forever.

1997. In a huge mansion stained with cigarette smoke and memories, a bitter old man is shaken by the unexpected visit of an interviewer. Somewhere between reality and fantasy, Julien composes, like in a musical score, a complex and moving story about the cost of success, rivalry, redemption, and flying pianos.

When all is said and done, did anyone ever truly win? And is there any music left to play?

No comments: