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The graphic novel Pardalita is slightly more sophisticated Heartstoppers, but with two female characters. Now, I am not saying that Alice Oseman’s graphic novel series is not sophisticated, or serious, but it has a lighter tone due to the differences in style. The graphic novel by Joana Estrela (and translated by Lyn Miller-Lachmann) has sparse text and art that makes this a more artistic exploration of one girl and the crush she has on the title character. It is emotional with an oddly hopefulness, while also having a somber tone, it is a not for everyone graphic novel, but the right reader will find a cozy, strong read.
Now the main story is simple enough, our narrator is a 16-year-old girl who is going through life not really sure what she wants out of it. That is until she meets an older classmate and forms something a little more than a crush on her. The style of the book is our narrator telling us thing in an almost diary format. The artwork varies between almost nothing but black lines on a white background, to a more fleshed-out-ness like the cover. But nothing is ever “solid” but more as it a quick sketch to be a place holder to map out where Estrela wants to take us, when they polish and finish things.
It is an experience book that I almost wonder if you are supposed to assume might be a bit of imagination and poetic license is taken on the narrator’s part. I am wondering how autobiographical it might be. There is a lot going on between what we are given on the page. The fact this book is set in Portugal, is interesting (as there is some comparisons with the Portuguese language and English). As I said, it is not for everyone, but teens (strong 14 to adult) would be a good audience. I am not going to say this is my favorite book of the year, but I will say this is a good read that needs to be found and slowly allowed to savor.