claudiaslibrarycard's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Louis Undercover is an excellently illustrated, absolutely gorgeous and haunting graphic novel. Louis is a young boy who is adjusting to going back and forth between his two parents who have recently split due to his father's alcoholism. The watercolor art and sketching is fantastic and really kept me in the story when I found the narrative arc a little weak and the main character emotionally underdeveloped.
My gripes with this story are the lack of depth to Louis, but I can also see his focus on a crush as a coping mechanism that is highly realistic. I felt it wrapped up abruptly, and I wanted more attention to the emotions that were a consequence of one major plot point (that I won't spoil). Overall, the art in this one takes the cake- I just wish the story had kept up.
My gripes with this story are the lack of depth to Louis, but I can also see his focus on a crush as a coping mechanism that is highly realistic. I felt it wrapped up abruptly, and I wanted more attention to the emotions that were a consequence of one major plot point (that I won't spoil). Overall, the art in this one takes the cake- I just wish the story had kept up.
shea_proulx's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
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? No
4.0
mat_tobin's review against another edition
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.
lindseyinthelibrary's review against another edition
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
pustulio's review against another edition
5.0
Muy hermoso
Visualmente hermoso y con una historia entre triste y feliz. Excelente libro para leer de una sentada. Ojalá el mapache esté bien.
Visualmente hermoso y con una historia entre triste y feliz. Excelente libro para leer de una sentada. Ojalá el mapache esté bien.
betweenbookends's review against another edition
4.0
It's completely fascinating when art & just a few sparse words can tell a story as emotive and beautifully wrought as any literary novel. Louis Undercover explores childhood & innocence, sibling camaraderie, friendship & first love under an overarching theme of growing up with an alcoholic father and a depressed mother. It's rare when in a graphic novel, you appreciate the art & the writing in equal measure. Fanny Britt's writing is so evocative, poetic and so utterly whimsical, it leaves an indelible mark. Isabelle Arsenault brings to life the characters, the subtlest of expressions with such vivid clarity and exuberance, and that combination is just perfection.
Ps. Truffle is the cutest character you'll ever meet in fictional world❣️
I can't recommend their work enough. I loved both Jane, the fox and me and Louis Undercover. I really urge you to pick it up if you enjoy graphic novels.
I managed to get an advanced copy. This title releases in October 2017!
Ps. Truffle is the cutest character you'll ever meet in fictional world❣️
I can't recommend their work enough. I loved both Jane, the fox and me and Louis Undercover. I really urge you to pick it up if you enjoy graphic novels.
I managed to get an advanced copy. This title releases in October 2017!
zanm's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
whimsy_and_rigor's review against another edition
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism
refractedtruth's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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? Yes
5.0
This story did an incredible job depicting a tough situation through the eyes of a child, as well as some other heavy hitting points. I read this in two sittings only because I had to bring it home from the library. Wonderfully crafted, masterfully executed.