by Zidrou (writer) and Arno Monin (artist) and Jeremy Melloul (translator) (741.5 Zid)
At first glance, I figured this
graphic novel by Belgians Zidrou (writer) and Arno Monin (artist) was going to
be a typical sentimental feel-good story. The cover sums up that impression —
crusty old grandfatherly Gabriel faces off against adorable waif Qinaya, and
you presume the story is about how an old white guy comes to love the little
dark-skinned girl his children have adopted.
Don’t be misled — that is part of
this complex story, but only part, and not the most important part. In a
nutshell, retired Belgian butcher Gabriel does find it initially hard to
connect when his forty-something son and wife adoption a little girl in Peru
following a devastating earthquake that has left hundreds dead, including
little Qinaya’s parents. In the first half of this two-part graphic novel,
Gabriel does go through the growing pains of a new relationship and does come
to love his incomprehensibly cute new granddaughter. That’s what makes the
second half of this story the most important — when it turns out Gabriel’s son
cut some corners in the adoption process and actually kidnapped Qinaya, whose
parents turn out to be alive. In the second half of this story, Gabriel travels
to Peru, first to see Qinaya one last time, but also in a voyage of personal
growth and discovery, that leads him back to Belgium and a chance to mend some
fences in his family.
The artwork in The Adoption is absolutely phenomenal, from the
highly detailed and expressive characters, to the well-realized geography —
both up close and in scenic backdrops. The storyline is emotional and I
challenge any reader not to be affected by the twists and turns.
Highly recommended!
[If you enjoy this, you may also wish to try The House by Paco Roca, Paul at Home by Michel Rabagliati.]
[
publisher’s official The Adoption
web page ] | [ one of many Zidrou
author pages for this Belgian writer ] [ official Arno
Monin Instagram feed ]
Recommended
by Scott C.
Bennett Martin Public Library — Public Service
Have you read or listened to
this one? What did you think? Did you find this review helpful?
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