#louis undercover

[torontocomics]

Debuting at TCAF 2017 - LOUIS UNDERCOVER by Fanny Britt and Isabelle Arsenault

Published by Groundwood Books

Translators: Christelle Morelli and Susan Ouriou Hardcover Publication date: October 1, 2017 ISBN: 978-1-55498-859-4 $19.95

In this powerful new graphic novel from Fanny Britt and Isabelle Arsenault, we meet Louis, a young boy who shuttles between his alcoholic dad and his worried mom, and who, with the help of his best friend, tries to summon up the courage to speak to his true love, Billie. A beautifully illustrated, true-to-life portrayal of just how complex family relationships can be, seen through the eyes of a wise, sensitive boy who manages to find his own way forward.

[kingsbridgelibraryteens]

Middle School Monday: Louis Undercover by Fanny Britt & Isabelle Arsenault

Louis is a boy who is dealing with several sources of tension in his life. His parents already live apart, but his father has been emotionally devastated since the breakup. The book opens with the line, “My dad cries,” and we soon learn that Louis’ father is sometimes a functioning alcoholic, but sometimes he can’t function at all. As the older son, Louis tries to shield his younger brother Truffle from their father’s despair, and he tries to maintain the fragile balance between the broken pieces of his family. Meanwhile, he harbors an aching crush on a girl named Billie, but he’s too shy to even speak one word to her. As his family situation gets worse at home, Louis wants more than anything else to be brave, whether than means being brave while his family falls apart or being brave enough to tell Billie how he really feels.

This sensitive and touching graphic novel is by the same author/illustrator team who created the superb book Jane, the Fox, and Me, and they are both absolutely worth reading. Older kids, teens, and even adults will appreciate the quiet beauty in these books.

[riverrereads]

Review of Louis Undercover by Fanny Britt 

Around three years ago, I read Britt’s Jane, the Fox, and Me, and I really enjoyed it. When I saw the cover for Louis Undercover, I immediately recognized the art style and knew that I had to read it. 

It’s about a boy named Louis, who is witnessing a difficult time in his family. There is not a lot of plot, just a meandering story, which I personally found very fitting given the subject matter. 

Similarly to Jane, the Fox, and Me, this is a beautiful book that deals with some heavy topics from the perspective of a child. The combination makes this a quick and interesting read. For me, this book provides a bit more emotional depth to contrast with the simplicity of the story. Overall, I really enjoyed this, and I would certainly recommend this book to people who enjoy unique and beautiful looking books. 

Rating: ★★★★

Disclaimer: ARC kindly provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review