While I enjoyed reading the two parts that are inclined in Emma & Capucine, Volume 1 by Jérôme Hamon and Lena Sayaphoum, I was not able to be WOWed by it. There is nothing new to the events or thoughts happening. However, it is still a nice coming of age story Part One. We deal with growing apart from an older sibling, dealing with a dream not happening, finding new dreams, parents learning to support rather than push for themselves, and jealousy. There are at least a couple more volumes that have collected different parts to the bigger story, yet I am not really sure I want to continue. Yet, we end on a “Chapter Closed but there is more to come” note so I am not saying it is not an option.
This is a book for dance lovers ages at least 10 and up. While there is not anything hugely mature or adult (so far), there are some concepts (dating, bullying, miscommunication) that might not be for the too young and/or sensitive reader. The major issue I had with things was it was hard to tell the female characters apart, with the exception of Emma as she seems to be the only character with blond hair. Even her mother and sister would look exact;u the same if it was not for the slightly more mature look to the eyes of the mother and she is taller. There are several of the other dancers who look like they are either Capucine or the girlfriend of a male character who has a special connection with Emma. The second part is I am not exactly sure how old the characters are. There is mention of “the last so many years” but that still was confusing at times.
The reading of the book came from an online reader copy I was sent via the publisher itself. I have usually had good luck with TokyoPop and I am looking forward to reading more publications from them. The book is currently available in English, but I am wondering if there are also French editions as the story is set in Paris.