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lynnesis's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
geekwayne's review against another edition
5.0
'Limited Edition' by Aude Picault is a graphic novel about a young woman who feels discouraged by the relationships in her life. I really liked the story and art.
Claire is a neonatal nurse who, when we meet her, has had a series of boyfriends. Now that she is in her 30s, she is feeling the pressure of settling down. Her mother wants her to find someone and her friends are starting to have babies. When she meets Franck, it all seems to be perfect, but, as in any relationship, there are problems.
The story is quite good. I love the look at Claire's life in the hospital, as well as her insecurities as a person. The art is perfect for the story. The lettering is handwritten, and I had to really pay attention at times to figure out what the words were, but the style gave the book a unique charm. The book ends with a bibliography of feminist essays and studies about gender relations, which seems fitting after the story that is told.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
Claire is a neonatal nurse who, when we meet her, has had a series of boyfriends. Now that she is in her 30s, she is feeling the pressure of settling down. Her mother wants her to find someone and her friends are starting to have babies. When she meets Franck, it all seems to be perfect, but, as in any relationship, there are problems.
The story is quite good. I love the look at Claire's life in the hospital, as well as her insecurities as a person. The art is perfect for the story. The lettering is handwritten, and I had to really pay attention at times to figure out what the words were, but the style gave the book a unique charm. The book ends with a bibliography of feminist essays and studies about gender relations, which seems fitting after the story that is told.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
palomaarld's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
louisenb's review against another edition
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
lattelibrarian's review
4.0
"We can't have a baby if I want."
And thus is the crux of Claire's problems with her relationship. She begins by being desperately single, wanting nothing more than to consummate the relationship, marriage, and family of her dreams. She understands it'll take work, but she has no problem cooking and having sex and living with somebody else. Until she does cook and have sex and lives with somebody else--Franck, that is, who is a veritable manchild.
He views her not as somebody who knocked him off his feet, but as somebody he's content with. He doesn't mind the cooking or the sex or the cleaning. So it's perfect for him. But for Claire? Not so much. The shelf she always bumps her arm into never gets fixed. She never orgasms. And she's always the one hosting and cleaning and trying to make the relationship work. She loves Franck, sure, but at what cost?
When she accidentally gets pregnant, it should be a happy time. The time to have a serious conversation and perhaps even move her relationship forward to something more serious than just living together. But when he says she can keep it "if she wants", that's when things noticeably turn sour--and for a good cause. Everything so far has been "if she wants", and nothing has been about them. So Claire realizes what the audience has known for a long time: Franck isn't worth shit. She's cute, funny, and has a job that is both stressful and hugely rewarding. And what does Franck offer her? Little to nothing. Claire, like all women, deserve somebody who is truly worth their salt.
Illustrated with minimal colors and an adorable cartoon style, Idéal Standard, similar to Josephine (though in a much more serious tone), suggests that what many women want is truly worth waiting for. It doesn't matter the family pressure or friend pressure or personal pressure--wait for the right time and the right person. Even if you don't want to. It suggests that by yourself, you are confident and strong and funny and beautiful, and you don't need somebody by your side to make you feel that way.
Idéal Standard is a testament to the female reality of growing older--and growing up.
Review cross-listed here!
And thus is the crux of Claire's problems with her relationship. She begins by being desperately single, wanting nothing more than to consummate the relationship, marriage, and family of her dreams. She understands it'll take work, but she has no problem cooking and having sex and living with somebody else. Until she does cook and have sex and lives with somebody else--Franck, that is, who is a veritable manchild.
He views her not as somebody who knocked him off his feet, but as somebody he's content with. He doesn't mind the cooking or the sex or the cleaning. So it's perfect for him. But for Claire? Not so much. The shelf she always bumps her arm into never gets fixed. She never orgasms. And she's always the one hosting and cleaning and trying to make the relationship work. She loves Franck, sure, but at what cost?
When she accidentally gets pregnant, it should be a happy time. The time to have a serious conversation and perhaps even move her relationship forward to something more serious than just living together. But when he says she can keep it "if she wants", that's when things noticeably turn sour--and for a good cause. Everything so far has been "if she wants", and nothing has been about them. So Claire realizes what the audience has known for a long time: Franck isn't worth shit. She's cute, funny, and has a job that is both stressful and hugely rewarding. And what does Franck offer her? Little to nothing. Claire, like all women, deserve somebody who is truly worth their salt.
Illustrated with minimal colors and an adorable cartoon style, Idéal Standard, similar to Josephine (though in a much more serious tone), suggests that what many women want is truly worth waiting for. It doesn't matter the family pressure or friend pressure or personal pressure--wait for the right time and the right person. Even if you don't want to. It suggests that by yourself, you are confident and strong and funny and beautiful, and you don't need somebody by your side to make you feel that way.
Idéal Standard is a testament to the female reality of growing older--and growing up.
Review cross-listed here!
boggremlin's review against another edition
3.0
This was an interesting comic. It follows the life and relationship of a French neonatal nurse who worries she'll never have a family of her own. The bulk of the comic is devoted to her relationship with Franck. While the relationship is initially good, their years together are a series of resentments and disappointments. It's tender and relatable, and I was very happy I wasn't dating anyone once I'd read it.
This is a slice-of-life narrative, one without any real rising or falling action. It's interesting and engaging, and the panels are easy to follow; the artwork isn't overly detailed, but it grounds the characters very well, and Picault's background settings are consistent and recognizable. I really liked her use of monochromatic colors to convey mood and season. Despite all dialog occurring in a cursive typeface, it was easy to read (even on a small screen!).
There are a number of things about this comic that make it seem especially French. Sexual activity is depicted frequently and matter-of-factly, but not in a prurient fashion. When a character opts for an abortion, the process reflects the European standard of care, rather than an American one.
My favorite parts were when Claire, the protagonist, cares for the premature babies in the hospital. Her nurturing instincts were palpable, and her desire for a family of her own had a sweet weight to it.
Overall, I enjoyed this comic and would recommend it to readers of intimate, domestic narratives. (Netgalley Review)
This is a slice-of-life narrative, one without any real rising or falling action. It's interesting and engaging, and the panels are easy to follow; the artwork isn't overly detailed, but it grounds the characters very well, and Picault's background settings are consistent and recognizable. I really liked her use of monochromatic colors to convey mood and season. Despite all dialog occurring in a cursive typeface, it was easy to read (even on a small screen!).
There are a number of things about this comic that make it seem especially French. Sexual activity is depicted frequently and matter-of-factly, but not in a prurient fashion. When a character opts for an abortion, the process reflects the European standard of care, rather than an American one.
My favorite parts were when Claire, the protagonist, cares for the premature babies in the hospital. Her nurturing instincts were palpable, and her desire for a family of her own had a sweet weight to it.
Overall, I enjoyed this comic and would recommend it to readers of intimate, domestic narratives. (Netgalley Review)
emmanovella's review against another edition
3.0
2.75
Received from netgalley.. the artwork was very simple but nice. I appreciated the message of loving yourself. I’m not sure where, but this fell a little flat for me but it was still an enjoyable read
Received from netgalley.. the artwork was very simple but nice. I appreciated the message of loving yourself. I’m not sure where, but this fell a little flat for me but it was still an enjoyable read
madwimmin's review against another edition
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5