This weekend was unintentionally a weekend where I learned I have read so much that I’m repeating authors and not even realizing it! One of the books I read was Layers: A Memoir by Pénélope Bagieu (translated by Montana Kane). When I saw what else they had written I was shocked. I’ve read several of their books in English. I started with the title Brazen: Rebel Ladies Who Rocked the World (lovely collection of women who were brazen); California Dreamin’: Cass Elliot Before the Mamas & the Papas (due to my love of Mama Cass), and Exquisite Corpse (I was a little confused but mostly enjoy it). And I noticed that if you didn’t like one, that was fine, as each one had something different about it. However, once I learned of the illustrator connection, I did see the similarities.
This time we have interesting short stories about highlighted events in Bagieu’s life. Things are relatable, funny, unusual and familiar. We all have been there (issues with parents, lovers, siblings), could be there (death of a parent, parties) and might be there again. We unfold the life of the author, but we could be her in these black and white illustrations. There is mature content, therefore, this book is for the at least 14 and up age range. There is mention/showing some sexual assault, having some yummy sex with the true love (at the time) of your life, and adult substances used. This is set in France so some wording and/or situation might not be what we expect to see/are used to, yet it is a universal story allowing for almost anyone to enjoy.
The illustrations are, as mentioned, black and white. There are minimal details, and maybe not as fleshed out as one would like. Yet, it fits the quick “chapter/story” format. I think as things are not really “deep dives” into an area/subject, we don’t need a lot. Now onto their adaptation of The Witches: The Graphic Novel (by Roald Dahl).
