Joséphine
Written on Dec 7, 2015
Full review is up on Word Revel.
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August 23, 2015
Initial thoughts: This book reduced me to tears, even though it was clear right from the beginning that the main character was dead/was going to die. Through diary entries this graphic novel deviated her teen hood, which shed light on her struggles, hopes and dreams. The art work is set up very cleverly through the contrast of blue versus a muted monotone. It offered such an introspective and honest portrayal of Clem. Some might question if it was really necessary to situate it as a love story between two girls. It could've very well been about a heterosexual couple. Perhaps, my friend, that was the point — to show what love is, regardless of who the lovers are.
Despite the heart-wrenching mess Blue is the Warmest Color left me in, it wasn't free of flaws. While the first half was meticulously laid out, things started becoming much more abrupt towards to the end. I'm not sure if that was a representation of Clem's state of mind but to me, that left quite a gap in the story. Also, the translation from English to French could've been a little tighter, in that it should've been more precise.