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Carole, ce que nous laissons derrière nous
Ceci est l'histoire d'une famille d'origine arménienne dont les ancêtres connurent l'exode, de la Turquie jusqu'en France. Ceci est l'histoire de deux frères partis à la recherche d'une tombe oubliée, quelque part à Istanbul. Ceci est l'histoire de Carole, une petite fille qui ne vécut que quelques jours. Ceci est aussi une histoire sur l'identité, l'intégration, la nationalité, le deuil et l'espoir. Ceci est une histoire vraie, délicate et bouleversante.
224 pages, Paperback
Published June 9, 2023
1 person is currently reading
55 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 17, 2023
We really thought we had witnessed something amazing with those protests.
We thought we were watching the world change in front of us and that things never be the same.
I have received this Graphic Novel ARC in exchange for an honest review, Thanks to Europe Comics, Thanks to Clement Fabre, for this amazing journey.
Revolution, i remember that was how we collectively as Egyptians felt witnessing the end of a tyrant reign, how he was brought to court for his crimes.
But then it all slipped from our hands like quick sand, The Tyrant was found not guilty in all his crimes, all the protestors killers were found not guilty for their crimes.
Protestors were systematically killed by the army regime that had taken over ruling at that time, till elections were made, aided by the police whose job is supposed to be protecting us, not help oppress us.
And if you were a little famous, they would scare you into leaving by sending people who you think are your friends to tell you they intend to put you in jail, that along with all the death threats of course.
End result is, another tyrant regime in Al Sisi, who has been ruling for 10 years and is already running for a third term of 6 years after he changed the constitution, the current best hope for an opposition met with the same tactics to thwart a legit new runner in the next elections.
And me probably going to jail for saying all that 😅
If we look at the French revolution in history books, and when it finally got a good constitution we will know, that yeah things don't magically change after one revolution, and after so many losses in life, and so many imprisoned, you have to keep hammering, Did Egyptians break the wall of fear or no, i have no idea, what that guy did was courageous and he had support, but still it's not visible where we go from here.
Sorry for the long Egyptian politics opener, rarely anybody read reviews on goodreads anyway.
I was sure i was going to hate this country.
But in fact it's beautiful, I don't want to leave.
I have a strong feeling that i belong here.
Carole was beautiful, Carole was heartbreaking, Carole was the exploration of Trauma through generations, Carole was the exploration of your heritage if you are an immigrant who never visited home, Carole was the exploration of ourselves and our Familial bonds.
Carole was Hope And Despair And Change all at the same time.
Carole is a real life story of Clement Fabre and his brother Robin who are French from Armenian descent whose grand-grand parents lived through the Armenian Genocide by the Ottomans in Turkey in 1890.
Clement and his brother explore their heritage through searching for the lost Grave of Carole, The Baby sister of their mother who died five days only after her birth.
They are in Turkey in a critical time where there is protests against the current Turkish Tyrant Ragab Tayyb Erdogan, and yeah he is still ruling so obviously they failed.
I really loved That clement waited so long to write and draw this Graphic novel, because we got glimpses of how the family has fared in those years, just little glimpses but they were beautiful and sometimes sad.
Overall amazing experience that made me cry in the end, but i have a ruling to not be a suck up and change my rating after an emotional ending, so we remain at 3 stars.
If you are reading this to learn about the Genocide sadly, it won't be much help, but it's not like we can't read about it online, consider this an introduction, a glimpse into the fact that Yeah The Ottomans among their many horrendous crimes did in fact almost wipe out The Armenians, killing all men, and forcing women and children into converting to Islam.
December 17, 2023
It's odd - there are moments you look forward to so eagerly that it's impossible to experience them at the time. As if you were too aware of the moment to be able to seize it. It's a sort of resistance of the soul.
Carole - lovely watercolour illustrations and beautifully written autobiography.
...sometimes it's important to give yourself up to something greater than yourself.
Carole - lovely watercolour illustrations and beautifully written autobiography.
...sometimes it's important to give yourself up to something greater than yourself.
May 15, 2025
sublime BD sur une enquête sur l'histoire familiale oubliée, ça donne envie de faire pareil
September 7, 2023
Thank you to Netgalley and Europe Comics for providing me with a free electronic copy of Carole in exchange for an honest review.
Carole follows the story of two brothers, who journey to Istanbul at a time of turbulence and protest to try and find the missing grave of their mother's older sister, Carole, who died when only a few days old.
A touching story that explores the family history of Armenians living in Turkey before fleeing to France during the genocide. A story of identity and belonging, of heritage and ancestry. I enjoyed the relationship between the two brothers, and with their grandparents, and the brothers' realisation that their investigation brings pain and suffering back into focus for people around them.
Beautifully written and lovingly drawn, I really enjoyed this book. I was hoping that we would find some finality, some truth exposed or uncovered, but because this story is real, things don't always turn out that way. It's a lovely graphic novel, great for a relaxing read.
Carole follows the story of two brothers, who journey to Istanbul at a time of turbulence and protest to try and find the missing grave of their mother's older sister, Carole, who died when only a few days old.
A touching story that explores the family history of Armenians living in Turkey before fleeing to France during the genocide. A story of identity and belonging, of heritage and ancestry. I enjoyed the relationship between the two brothers, and with their grandparents, and the brothers' realisation that their investigation brings pain and suffering back into focus for people around them.
Beautifully written and lovingly drawn, I really enjoyed this book. I was hoping that we would find some finality, some truth exposed or uncovered, but because this story is real, things don't always turn out that way. It's a lovely graphic novel, great for a relaxing read.
December 29, 2024
A personal story, family history, and Turkish politics. And above all, Istanbul. Its beauty radiates from every picture.
Unfortunately, two things didn't work for me - the text (individual letters) was harder to read. There were a lot of flashbacks in the story. As much as I like them, they didn't suit me here.
I liked the scenes directly from Istanbul. The atmosphere of the city is very well conveyed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Europe Comics for a free digital review copy. This is my honest review.
Unfortunately, two things didn't work for me - the text (individual letters) was harder to read. There were a lot of flashbacks in the story. As much as I like them, they didn't suit me here.
I liked the scenes directly from Istanbul. The atmosphere of the city is very well conveyed.
Thank you to NetGalley and Europe Comics for a free digital review copy. This is my honest review.
July 25, 2024
A graphic novel that in no way is for everyone. It features two brothers, chalk and cheese visually if nothing else, who find out their first potential aunt lived for only five days. Their grandparents – those who had the child – went to Istanbul once to try and find the grave, but what with the passing of time and what with the family being of Armenian heritage, there was nothing left. And so our brothers go too, finding a cosmopolitan city they admire, anti-Erdogan riots – and still some stuffiness against the Armenian people the Turks tried to exterminate. This ends up a kind of meditation about homeland, the strength of family ties, the value in knowing family histories – and of course about the Armenian genocide, that Hitler once thanked for teaching him how to do it.
What the brothers see only raises more questions than answers, and the structure of the book is reflective of that – oddly, flashbacks to the men asking their grandfolks questions are written with such a flow to the story that they sound like 'now', not before the trip was fully planned. Yes there is clearly contact between France where the family lives and Turkey, but the scenes of the original conversations are written as if they took place during the trip. It's possibly only afterwards you see this as less than realistic, and it does bring an immediacy to things that the characters only benefit from, but it's there.
And yet this is not something anyone could universally recommend. It is, for one thing, about a dead child, and racism, and genocides, and how all that weaves into a happy, successful pair of elderly people who are seeing their proxies revisit it all. Oh, and beyond those triggers you have the Turkish politics, too. It clearly is too serious and personal a piece to have genre trappings, like a child-seeking thriller, and that again is a reason why it's understated nature is not a populist one. I wasn't ungrateful for the chance to read it, but I can't really praise it either, and wouldn't ever consider returning. But while in its company it was a likeably thoughtful read – three and a half stars.
What the brothers see only raises more questions than answers, and the structure of the book is reflective of that – oddly, flashbacks to the men asking their grandfolks questions are written with such a flow to the story that they sound like 'now', not before the trip was fully planned. Yes there is clearly contact between France where the family lives and Turkey, but the scenes of the original conversations are written as if they took place during the trip. It's possibly only afterwards you see this as less than realistic, and it does bring an immediacy to things that the characters only benefit from, but it's there.
And yet this is not something anyone could universally recommend. It is, for one thing, about a dead child, and racism, and genocides, and how all that weaves into a happy, successful pair of elderly people who are seeing their proxies revisit it all. Oh, and beyond those triggers you have the Turkish politics, too. It clearly is too serious and personal a piece to have genre trappings, like a child-seeking thriller, and that again is a reason why it's understated nature is not a populist one. I wasn't ungrateful for the chance to read it, but I can't really praise it either, and wouldn't ever consider returning. But while in its company it was a likeably thoughtful read – three and a half stars.
August 29, 2023
This tender, moving, story is now available. I recommend it.
Thank you to Europe Comics and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this graphic novel for review. I've become a big fan of this publisher. The work is always high quality and brings our attention to something important. They've introduced us to the lives of extraordinary people like Marzi and Slava. I'm always interested in what Europe Comics has to say.
This graphic novel takes an indirect approach to telling the story of the survivors of the Armenian genocide, by centering the story on two brothers, who seek the final resting place of their mother's older sister, who died as a baby in Istanbul.
The first thing we notice is how elegantly and tenderly the story is rendered, in beautiful script. The approach to talking about discrimination and genocide is also carefully constructed. Intergenerational trauma is a subject we are just beginning to understand. But, it is obvious that it has a huge effect on descendants.
The novel interrogates questions of identity. What makes us who we are? How much of our sense of self is generated outside of us?
When the brothers search the Armenian cemetery in Istanbul for their Grandparents first child, the search is represented well by the illustrations, unencumbered by dialogue. You get the sense of the enormity of their quest and the quiet grief of it.
The history is presented a little at a time, which keeps it fresh and fascinating. It's the perfect kind of pacing for the story.
The author takes so much care with the story, engaging with the complicated issues of dealing with past horrors, moving forward, and assimilation into a new place and culture. There is, as the author concludes, no way to consciously or unconsciously excise the experience of having to flee. It's like a fight or flight feeling that stays with families for generations.
The unease permeates the pages as the brothers realize the connections of history: how Armenians, Greeks, and Jews were all terrorized, and how authoritarians always choose scapegoats, both then and now. Protest is tolerated somewhat in some areas, but definitely not in others, which is unsettling once one sees the fuller picture, the danger inherent in the imbalance.
This sense of foreboding leads to a potentially terrible revelation, something that the brothers didn't realize that they were moving toward the whole time. It is impossible to come to terms with the past unless we face it truthfully. Even then, the work of straddling different cultures within our DNA can be daunting and make us feel as if we are being pulled in different directions at the same time.
One possible avenue of resolution is to channel those conflicting confusing feelings into artistic expression: to create something solid as a vessel for them.
This book is that vessel.
Thank you to Europe Comics and NetGalley for providing an ARC of this graphic novel for review. I've become a big fan of this publisher. The work is always high quality and brings our attention to something important. They've introduced us to the lives of extraordinary people like Marzi and Slava. I'm always interested in what Europe Comics has to say.
This graphic novel takes an indirect approach to telling the story of the survivors of the Armenian genocide, by centering the story on two brothers, who seek the final resting place of their mother's older sister, who died as a baby in Istanbul.
The first thing we notice is how elegantly and tenderly the story is rendered, in beautiful script. The approach to talking about discrimination and genocide is also carefully constructed. Intergenerational trauma is a subject we are just beginning to understand. But, it is obvious that it has a huge effect on descendants.
The novel interrogates questions of identity. What makes us who we are? How much of our sense of self is generated outside of us?
When the brothers search the Armenian cemetery in Istanbul for their Grandparents first child, the search is represented well by the illustrations, unencumbered by dialogue. You get the sense of the enormity of their quest and the quiet grief of it.
The history is presented a little at a time, which keeps it fresh and fascinating. It's the perfect kind of pacing for the story.
The author takes so much care with the story, engaging with the complicated issues of dealing with past horrors, moving forward, and assimilation into a new place and culture. There is, as the author concludes, no way to consciously or unconsciously excise the experience of having to flee. It's like a fight or flight feeling that stays with families for generations.
The unease permeates the pages as the brothers realize the connections of history: how Armenians, Greeks, and Jews were all terrorized, and how authoritarians always choose scapegoats, both then and now. Protest is tolerated somewhat in some areas, but definitely not in others, which is unsettling once one sees the fuller picture, the danger inherent in the imbalance.
This sense of foreboding leads to a potentially terrible revelation, something that the brothers didn't realize that they were moving toward the whole time. It is impossible to come to terms with the past unless we face it truthfully. Even then, the work of straddling different cultures within our DNA can be daunting and make us feel as if we are being pulled in different directions at the same time.
One possible avenue of resolution is to channel those conflicting confusing feelings into artistic expression: to create something solid as a vessel for them.
This book is that vessel.
November 28, 2023
Many thanks to NetGalley and Europe Comics!
Carole is an autobiographical graphic novel about Clément C. Fabre's journey with his brother, Robin, as they venture back to their grandparents hometown of Istanbul, Turkey in search of their dead infant aunt's grave--one of the money, but by far the most important, things lost to their grandparents during the years following the first Armenian genocide.
Carole, their deceased aunt, is an unspoken ache haunting two generations of Clément's family--to the point he was in the dark about it for 28 years. A conversation between his therapist, an elderly Jewish man hinted at being a survivor of the Holocaust, gave him the much needed yet gentle push to dig into his family's history: to find the root of the unrest he'd been avoiding in his sessions the past year. The therapist's encouragement comes to fruition when Clément and Robin catch up on their train ride to their mother's. Robin brings up Carole in passing, and Clément's sense of self implodes.
Talk of visiting Istanbul ensues on the train ride and is solidified on a visit to their grandparents with their mother. Finally, after too many years of it being absent, Clement's curiosity about his family and its origins flourishes. Plans are made, and Robin and Clément retrace the steps their grandparents took in their brief life together along the streets and paths of Istanbul: in search of closure and identity hidden in the echoes of deeply wrought generational trauma.
A touching gem of a story about transgenerational trauma and loss in the wake of ethnocultural genocide and diaspora, Carole is a watercolor love letter to the artist family, and to all who have been spiritually and geographically displaced.
It's beautiful and bittersweet.
You'll feel Clément and his family's loss.
You will be reminded of your own.
You'll be better for it.
Carole is an autobiographical graphic novel about Clément C. Fabre's journey with his brother, Robin, as they venture back to their grandparents hometown of Istanbul, Turkey in search of their dead infant aunt's grave--one of the money, but by far the most important, things lost to their grandparents during the years following the first Armenian genocide.
Carole, their deceased aunt, is an unspoken ache haunting two generations of Clément's family--to the point he was in the dark about it for 28 years. A conversation between his therapist, an elderly Jewish man hinted at being a survivor of the Holocaust, gave him the much needed yet gentle push to dig into his family's history: to find the root of the unrest he'd been avoiding in his sessions the past year. The therapist's encouragement comes to fruition when Clément and Robin catch up on their train ride to their mother's. Robin brings up Carole in passing, and Clément's sense of self implodes.
Talk of visiting Istanbul ensues on the train ride and is solidified on a visit to their grandparents with their mother. Finally, after too many years of it being absent, Clement's curiosity about his family and its origins flourishes. Plans are made, and Robin and Clément retrace the steps their grandparents took in their brief life together along the streets and paths of Istanbul: in search of closure and identity hidden in the echoes of deeply wrought generational trauma.
A touching gem of a story about transgenerational trauma and loss in the wake of ethnocultural genocide and diaspora, Carole is a watercolor love letter to the artist family, and to all who have been spiritually and geographically displaced.
It's beautiful and bittersweet.
You'll feel Clément and his family's loss.
You will be reminded of your own.
You'll be better for it.
August 29, 2023
“Tell me about your grandfather. What made him leave Turkey?” “The genocide, I believe. He’s Armenian.” “Did you know him?” “He’s still alive.” “The centenary of the genocide is in 3 years. How old is your grandfather? Have you ever asked him about it?” “Not really. I’m not that interested in it.” “Clément, did you know I’m Jewish? How would you react if I were to say that about the Holocaust, that “I’m not that interested” in it?”
Some say shrinks are useless, but for Clément, that conversation was the revelation that led to a deeper examination of himself and his family ties - and a trip to Istanbul, looking for the tomb of their aunt, Carole - the little girl his grandparents lost before his mother was born, and the main reason of their uprooting.
Equal parts travelogue, historical detective story, family chronicle and social critique, “Carole” is an amazing book that wears its influences on its sleeve (it even lists some: Cyril Pedrosa, Nancy Huston, Jeffrey Eugenides...) while having a style all its own. The way it deals with the pogroms is sensitive and respectful, with a hint of dark humor here and there (one of the characters says, speaking about the 1955’s attack on the Greek quarter: “Armenians, Greeks, Jews… The nationalists aren’t particular.” while sipping his coffee out of a “I love Istanbul” cup. A little later, a cemetery appears - with Armenians, Greek and Jews all lumped together.).
On surface level, this might not look like much - but give it a chance. It’s one of the best books I’ve read this year.
Disclaimer: I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This didn't influence my opinion in any way.
Some say shrinks are useless, but for Clément, that conversation was the revelation that led to a deeper examination of himself and his family ties - and a trip to Istanbul, looking for the tomb of their aunt, Carole - the little girl his grandparents lost before his mother was born, and the main reason of their uprooting.
Equal parts travelogue, historical detective story, family chronicle and social critique, “Carole” is an amazing book that wears its influences on its sleeve (it even lists some: Cyril Pedrosa, Nancy Huston, Jeffrey Eugenides...) while having a style all its own. The way it deals with the pogroms is sensitive and respectful, with a hint of dark humor here and there (one of the characters says, speaking about the 1955’s attack on the Greek quarter: “Armenians, Greeks, Jews… The nationalists aren’t particular.” while sipping his coffee out of a “I love Istanbul” cup. A little later, a cemetery appears - with Armenians, Greek and Jews all lumped together.).
On surface level, this might not look like much - but give it a chance. It’s one of the best books I’ve read this year.
Disclaimer: I received this book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. This didn't influence my opinion in any way.
August 16, 2023
This graphic novel takes us on a journey to discover a family mystery in Turkey during the time when there was uprisings and a lot of political unrest in arab countries.
It follows french brothers (who actually wrote and illustrated the graphic novel) trying to find out what happened in their family mystery. It takes us on a wider journey in to the family and the things they encountered during the 1950s when Armenians were persecuted in Turkey.
For me, as this was a 'true' story to the author and his family, I found it a bit like looking through someone you know's family photographs. It's lovely but there isn't the same connection. There were lots of stories we missed as the author felt it not fair to discuss the stories of their family as a way to sell a graphic novel. I agree but it meant that it was lacking in 'plot'.
I thought the illustrations were good but, having been to Turkey, there was a lot that was really missing in my opinion to make it feel more 'Turkish'. The references were there in the text but there was a lot missing, like the mountains / hills you can see - they spoke about it but would have been great to see them there.
A sweet story in the family sense but also a very good reminder of the tragedies that happened in the 50s to the Armenian population. Very much a part of history we don't hear much about it western Europe.
Thanks to Netgalley and Europe Comics for the ARC.
It follows french brothers (who actually wrote and illustrated the graphic novel) trying to find out what happened in their family mystery. It takes us on a wider journey in to the family and the things they encountered during the 1950s when Armenians were persecuted in Turkey.
For me, as this was a 'true' story to the author and his family, I found it a bit like looking through someone you know's family photographs. It's lovely but there isn't the same connection. There were lots of stories we missed as the author felt it not fair to discuss the stories of their family as a way to sell a graphic novel. I agree but it meant that it was lacking in 'plot'.
I thought the illustrations were good but, having been to Turkey, there was a lot that was really missing in my opinion to make it feel more 'Turkish'. The references were there in the text but there was a lot missing, like the mountains / hills you can see - they spoke about it but would have been great to see them there.
A sweet story in the family sense but also a very good reminder of the tragedies that happened in the 50s to the Armenian population. Very much a part of history we don't hear much about it western Europe.
Thanks to Netgalley and Europe Comics for the ARC.
August 23, 2023
I read the English translation of this book as an ARC.
J’ai lu la traduction en anglais de ce livre en tant que copie avancée.
Carole is the beautiful and sometimes difficult story of a person traveling to better understand their family’s history.
I am in love with the illustrations in this book. They are detailed enough that it really feels like we are traveling and discovering these places with the characters, and still the illustrator managed to add so much emotion with the framing and the colouring.
I also really liked how honest the story feels. Digging into the past isn’t easy and sometimes questions are left unanswered and there’s confusion on some facts and that’s just the way things are. The characters all have complex thoughts about the past that sometimes clash in a very realistic way that doesn’t feel fabricated for the story, it really feels honest and therefore, has a real impact on the reader.
Reading this book left me wondering how I would feel in such a situation, which is always good.
That said, I did have a few issues with this graphic novel. The calligraphy/font chosen was hard to read for me (especially the “v” which looks like an “s”) and affected my reading experience negatively. I also felt a bit confused by the time jumps back and forth between before the trip, meetings with the main character’s therapist, etc.
Thank you NetGalley and Europe Comics for the opportunity to read this ARC.
J’ai lu la traduction en anglais de ce livre en tant que copie avancée.
Carole is the beautiful and sometimes difficult story of a person traveling to better understand their family’s history.
I am in love with the illustrations in this book. They are detailed enough that it really feels like we are traveling and discovering these places with the characters, and still the illustrator managed to add so much emotion with the framing and the colouring.
I also really liked how honest the story feels. Digging into the past isn’t easy and sometimes questions are left unanswered and there’s confusion on some facts and that’s just the way things are. The characters all have complex thoughts about the past that sometimes clash in a very realistic way that doesn’t feel fabricated for the story, it really feels honest and therefore, has a real impact on the reader.
Reading this book left me wondering how I would feel in such a situation, which is always good.
That said, I did have a few issues with this graphic novel. The calligraphy/font chosen was hard to read for me (especially the “v” which looks like an “s”) and affected my reading experience negatively. I also felt a bit confused by the time jumps back and forth between before the trip, meetings with the main character’s therapist, etc.
Thank you NetGalley and Europe Comics for the opportunity to read this ARC.
August 28, 2023
Clément C. Fabre‘s Carole (translated by Matt Madden) is a visually beautiful graphic memoir, while a light watercolour style (interspersed with black-and-white panels showing the past) that’s just lovely.
The story itself - the author and his brother travel to Istanbul to loom for the grave of an aunt who died in infancy - is a little less satisfying. The brothers’ grandparents (ethnic Armenians who lived in a Greek neighbourhood) moved to France during the pogroms of the 1950s, but are oblivious to that historical context. They also take their trip in 2013, in the middle of the Gezi Park protests, and are just as oblivious to the politics of the present.
At first I wondered if Fabre might be exaggerating his own ignorance as a means of explaining history to his readers, but as the book progresses it becomes clear that no, he’s just genuinely never looked into either his family’s own history or checked newspapers for stories when he travels. And that makes him something of a less-than-satisfying guide. While I’m sure his experience would be true for many, those people probably aren’t writing a book about it! He also does himself no favours by comparing his work-in-progress to Persepolis early on in-text.
Still, the art is fantastic. And even if the author frustrated me, I always love hearing people’s family stories, so it was still well worth the read.
I had an eARC from NetGalley, but I think the art would even better in album format,
The story itself - the author and his brother travel to Istanbul to loom for the grave of an aunt who died in infancy - is a little less satisfying. The brothers’ grandparents (ethnic Armenians who lived in a Greek neighbourhood) moved to France during the pogroms of the 1950s, but are oblivious to that historical context. They also take their trip in 2013, in the middle of the Gezi Park protests, and are just as oblivious to the politics of the present.
At first I wondered if Fabre might be exaggerating his own ignorance as a means of explaining history to his readers, but as the book progresses it becomes clear that no, he’s just genuinely never looked into either his family’s own history or checked newspapers for stories when he travels. And that makes him something of a less-than-satisfying guide. While I’m sure his experience would be true for many, those people probably aren’t writing a book about it! He also does himself no favours by comparing his work-in-progress to Persepolis early on in-text.
Still, the art is fantastic. And even if the author frustrated me, I always love hearing people’s family stories, so it was still well worth the read.
I had an eARC from NetGalley, but I think the art would even better in album format,
August 31, 2023
On the face of it, Carole is two brothers' quest to find their aunt's grave in Istanbul—an aunt who died shortly after birth. Their grandparents, who had long since left Istanbul and established themselves in France, had once tried to find the grave again, but it had seemingly disappeared.
It helped going into this to know that the grave is largely beside the point; the book is a much deeper exploration of culture and history (and history in the making) and family lore than a simple grave, located or lost to time, can offer. I'm reminded of I Want You to Know We're Still Here, in which the author seeks traces of a half-sibling lost to World War II—in both cases, the search for records provide perhaps a more concrete and longer-lasting record than there is anywhere else.
The art is great—the cover is very true to the rest of the book—and I love the way the relationship between Fabre and his brother is depicted. There's a lot of push-pull, with one brother more adventurous and comfortable in the unknown than the other, and even as they clash they clearly get each other. I particularly love that Fabre isn't interested in making himself the, or a, hero of this story; he has a great eye for the reality of the situation.
It helps, reading this, to be okay with somewhat ambiguous endings, but this is a good one. Highly recommend.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
It helped going into this to know that the grave is largely beside the point; the book is a much deeper exploration of culture and history (and history in the making) and family lore than a simple grave, located or lost to time, can offer. I'm reminded of I Want You to Know We're Still Here, in which the author seeks traces of a half-sibling lost to World War II—in both cases, the search for records provide perhaps a more concrete and longer-lasting record than there is anywhere else.
The art is great—the cover is very true to the rest of the book—and I love the way the relationship between Fabre and his brother is depicted. There's a lot of push-pull, with one brother more adventurous and comfortable in the unknown than the other, and even as they clash they clearly get each other. I particularly love that Fabre isn't interested in making himself the, or a, hero of this story; he has a great eye for the reality of the situation.
It helps, reading this, to be okay with somewhat ambiguous endings, but this is a good one. Highly recommend.
Thanks to the author and publisher for providing a review copy through NetGalley.
September 7, 2023
“Clément, did you know I’m Jewish? How would you react if I were to say that about the Holocaust, that “I’m not that interested” in it?”
A insights conversation with his therapist ignites our protagonist's desire to uncover his family's roots. His quest takes him all the way to Istanbul, a city in which his Armenian grandparents lose their first-born child Carole.
This graphic novel explores identity and integration in all its varied forms - his Armenian grandfather whose feelings about the genocide are tempered by memories of his glorious youth spent in Turkey , to the protagonists with their French nationalities and Armenian roots, to Ataturk's ideal of a united Turkey at the cost of erasing its multicultural richness.
Being largely autobiographical in nature, the reader should expect open endings and wrong recollection of dates. On the downside, I felt that the author neither explores the Armenian immigrant identity, the genocide, the present day protests against Erdogan, nor Ataturk's legacy in detail. The result is that of languidly browsing a travelogue - snapshots captured vividly but contextually left up for interpretation. But there's something to be said about universal themes - as one observer puts it - "Armenians, Greeks, Jews… The nationalists aren’t particular"- that will resound with readers worldwide.
Thank you to Netgalley and Europe Comics for the ARC.
A insights conversation with his therapist ignites our protagonist's desire to uncover his family's roots. His quest takes him all the way to Istanbul, a city in which his Armenian grandparents lose their first-born child Carole.
This graphic novel explores identity and integration in all its varied forms - his Armenian grandfather whose feelings about the genocide are tempered by memories of his glorious youth spent in Turkey , to the protagonists with their French nationalities and Armenian roots, to Ataturk's ideal of a united Turkey at the cost of erasing its multicultural richness.
Being largely autobiographical in nature, the reader should expect open endings and wrong recollection of dates. On the downside, I felt that the author neither explores the Armenian immigrant identity, the genocide, the present day protests against Erdogan, nor Ataturk's legacy in detail. The result is that of languidly browsing a travelogue - snapshots captured vividly but contextually left up for interpretation. But there's something to be said about universal themes - as one observer puts it - "Armenians, Greeks, Jews… The nationalists aren’t particular"- that will resound with readers worldwide.
Thank you to Netgalley and Europe Comics for the ARC.
November 12, 2023
Book 138 of 200 ~ 2023
🌟🌟🌟💫
I love the bond between the brothers and their grandparents. I felt that gave this story a good flow and pulls in the reader. The brothers bantered about turning this investigative journey of their late aunt Carole into a graphic novel and possibly becoming the next Persepolis, I am sorry to say, it is not anywhere close.
I had my own ideas about who Carole could be and where to find her grave... but when the ending came, it seemed apt and something I, as the reader, had to accept just like the brothers did.
What annoyed me yet intrigued me the most was the type of font used. At times, it was a real pain to read, but something in this novel mentioned how certain typography is linked to certain cultures or countries.. so maybe that's why the font was the way it was, but though it was pretty, reading it on a tablet is another story. *ugh*.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#book138of200 #amreading #netgalley #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram
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🌟🌟🌟💫
I love the bond between the brothers and their grandparents. I felt that gave this story a good flow and pulls in the reader. The brothers bantered about turning this investigative journey of their late aunt Carole into a graphic novel and possibly becoming the next Persepolis, I am sorry to say, it is not anywhere close.
I had my own ideas about who Carole could be and where to find her grave... but when the ending came, it seemed apt and something I, as the reader, had to accept just like the brothers did.
What annoyed me yet intrigued me the most was the type of font used. At times, it was a real pain to read, but something in this novel mentioned how certain typography is linked to certain cultures or countries.. so maybe that's why the font was the way it was, but though it was pretty, reading it on a tablet is another story. *ugh*.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
#book138of200 #amreading #netgalley #tbrpile #instareads #readstagram
#reading #bookreview #bookreviewer #booklover #booksAreLife #booksForTheWin #thisbookfairyisreading #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagramfeature #bookshelf #booksofinstagram #bookish #bookworm #goodreads #booklovers #theSGbookfairyReads #theSGtrekkiereads #bookaholic #bookaddict #bookchallenge2023 #reviews #lovebooks #booknerds
September 19, 2023
This is good story of two brothers who travel back to Turkey (during civil uprisings), trying to find some family history of their grandparents....who actually had to flee that country when they were very young many years ago. It can be a bit confusing with all the genealogy/nationalities/history referenced.....& then when the grandparent's stories aren't really lining up ...... it's kind of a mystery too.... One of the brothers is the author/artist of this story/memoir put together in graphic novel form, & geared to adults. I liked his artwork & use of colors, different colors used to indicate present time with family, then another color to represent the remembered past, & yet other colors for the travel portion of the book. It's an interesting way to tell a bit of his family's genealogy. I liked it & I'd guess that those interested/involved in a genealogy quest...might find something to relate to in it.
I received a complimentary e-ARC from publisher Europe Comics via NetGalley for review purposes. These are my own opinions.
I received a complimentary e-ARC from publisher Europe Comics via NetGalley for review purposes. These are my own opinions.
September 6, 2023
This true life graphic memoir covers the repercussions of the Armenian genocide on a family as researched by two French brothers through stories told by their grandparents and the search for the grave of their aunt who died in infancy.
The story was relayed mostly through the eyes of Clement, the artist/author, whose own exploration was recommended by his therapist. While I wouldn’t characterize him as an unreliable narrator, his perspective as a fledgling apprentice on the rich and volatile and complicated post-Ottoman history did not serve to present a clear understanding of the conflicts to his readers.
Obviously through no fault of his own, this subject is not regularly covered in schools - I don’t remember ever formally studying it- so the narrative, while a charming road trip with the brothers - didn’t really do much more than make me realize how much I don’t know about this terrible chapter in Turkish history.
The art was well done.
The story was relayed mostly through the eyes of Clement, the artist/author, whose own exploration was recommended by his therapist. While I wouldn’t characterize him as an unreliable narrator, his perspective as a fledgling apprentice on the rich and volatile and complicated post-Ottoman history did not serve to present a clear understanding of the conflicts to his readers.
Obviously through no fault of his own, this subject is not regularly covered in schools - I don’t remember ever formally studying it- so the narrative, while a charming road trip with the brothers - didn’t really do much more than make me realize how much I don’t know about this terrible chapter in Turkish history.
The art was well done.
August 30, 2023
Carole is a lovely watercolor true story graphic novel about two brothers traveling to their ancestral home of Istanbul to search out the grave of a long-lost aunt, and in that search learn about the heavy pieces of history (namely, the aftermath of the Armenian genocide in Turkiye) that affected (and didn't affect) their family, and how generational trauma can affect the body and the mind and the heart.
As someone who thinks a lot about family history (or in my case, lack thereof), watching the brothers go through their trip hunting down documents and exploring the varied-culture city of Istanbul, this comic felt strangely nostalgic even though it's nothing I've personally been through. I liked it, and it's very worth reading especially as it touches on pieces of history not commonly taught in school, unfortunately.
As someone who thinks a lot about family history (or in my case, lack thereof), watching the brothers go through their trip hunting down documents and exploring the varied-culture city of Istanbul, this comic felt strangely nostalgic even though it's nothing I've personally been through. I liked it, and it's very worth reading especially as it touches on pieces of history not commonly taught in school, unfortunately.
August 29, 2023
This book is fantastic.
We are discovering family connections, and how everyone feels about the past and seeing the contrasts with the present now.
It's a story that portrays feelings honestly.
It combines all of this and still lets us, through the drawings, feel the country and the lived reality. I find it very interesting, the story follows the two brothers, who present two personalities and perspectives on things. I feel it adds more depth to the story.
The drawings are beautiful, painted in watercolor, portraying the experience and emotions.
And I loved the ending. It's a story about life, and life is what it is.
It was a wonderful read with a fantastic story.
A huge thanks to
the author Clément C. Fabre
the publisher Europe Comics
and to Netgalley
We are discovering family connections, and how everyone feels about the past and seeing the contrasts with the present now.
It's a story that portrays feelings honestly.
It combines all of this and still lets us, through the drawings, feel the country and the lived reality. I find it very interesting, the story follows the two brothers, who present two personalities and perspectives on things. I feel it adds more depth to the story.
The drawings are beautiful, painted in watercolor, portraying the experience and emotions.
And I loved the ending. It's a story about life, and life is what it is.
It was a wonderful read with a fantastic story.
A huge thanks to
the author Clément C. Fabre
the publisher Europe Comics
and to Netgalley
August 19, 2023
Thanks Netgalley and publisher for automatically allowing me to read this graphic novel.
The history regarding the armenian war seems interesting but rather vague in this graphic novel like I know the story focuses on the two frenchmen to search for clues on Carole’s mysteriously disappearing grave, but I wish we were shown the background of the whole story first before deep diving into the two men’s inspection. This would’ve made me understood the story more clearly and I wouldn’t have lost interest.
The history regarding the armenian war seems interesting but rather vague in this graphic novel like I know the story focuses on the two frenchmen to search for clues on Carole’s mysteriously disappearing grave, but I wish we were shown the background of the whole story first before deep diving into the two men’s inspection. This would’ve made me understood the story more clearly and I wouldn’t have lost interest.
September 23, 2023
Carole is a heartfelt story of two brothers in search of family history. And history has a way of repeating itself...
The graphic novel includes both the family's story, photographs and memories, as well as historical facts about the struggles and culture of Armenian, Greek and Jewish people in Turkey. The watercolor illustrations are beautiful and effective at getting across the tension of protests and nostalgic moments.
While I wish the ending was a bit more satisfying, it was a great little book to immerse myself into.
||✨Disclaimer✨||
I've received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
The graphic novel includes both the family's story, photographs and memories, as well as historical facts about the struggles and culture of Armenian, Greek and Jewish people in Turkey. The watercolor illustrations are beautiful and effective at getting across the tension of protests and nostalgic moments.
While I wish the ending was a bit more satisfying, it was a great little book to immerse myself into.
||✨Disclaimer✨||
I've received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
October 17, 2023
‘Carole: What We Leave Behind’ with story and art by Clement C. Fabre is an autobiographical graphic novel about two brothers who try to learn about their family.
Clement and his brother learn that their grandparents had a daughter who died in Istanbul named Carol. The brothers decide to travel to find the grave, but that proves more difficult than they might imagine. Along the way they learn about their family and each other.
I liked this story, and it takes a more reflective tone than I expected. The art is solid.
Clement and his brother learn that their grandparents had a daughter who died in Istanbul named Carol. The brothers decide to travel to find the grave, but that proves more difficult than they might imagine. Along the way they learn about their family and each other.
I liked this story, and it takes a more reflective tone than I expected. The art is solid.
November 15, 2025
"Carole", Fabre'nin kendisini, geçmişini, aile bağlarını bulmak için İstanbul'a yaptığı yolculuğu anlatan, eşine az rastlanacak bir grafik roman. Gezi Eylemleri sırasında İstanbul'a gelen ve 60 yıl önce İstanbul'daki gayrimüslim azınlıklara yönelik saldırıların ardından memleketi İstanbul'u terk eden büyükbabalarının ve 5 günlük iken ölen büyük teyzelerinin öyküsünün peşinden Türkiye'ye gelen Clement Fabre ve kardeşi Robin bize Türkiye'yi, İstanbul'u, bu topraklarda yaşayanları ve yaşananları yeniden öğretiyor.
September 8, 2023
I loved this book. So much emotion captured in each picture. The subtext conveyed that is unsaid. There are lessons on the unreliability of family stories. There are the misconceptions due to not paying attention to the family stories. There is the personal baggage that clouds experiences and shifts stories. There is the importance of ritual in life. The richness of the story will stay with me for a long time.
September 9, 2023
This wasn't a great story. It was a bit draggy and not all that interesting for me. The therapist was horrible. I hated him, and that coloured my experience of the entire story. I've never hunted for a lost grave, but it seemed like while they did try, it seemed like they barely made an effort to find it. I feel like if the story had approached it from a different angle, then it would have been better.
September 9, 2023
Carole is a sweet and thoughtful memoir about two brothers' quest to find the grave of their mother's older sister, who died as an infant. As they search, they discover their family's history, contemplate identity, and try to understand the complexities of the lives their maternal grandparents had as Armenians living in Istanbul. This is a lovely book about family and heritage, and I recommend it highly.
September 18, 2023
A beautiful, bittersweet story about family, memory, history - human connection.
The art is lovely, the story is moving, the flow is good. But it's the human element that really shines through.
I know this review is short, but when a piece of art is wonderful, it's so hard to find the right words to describe your emotions experiencing it.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The art is lovely, the story is moving, the flow is good. But it's the human element that really shines through.
I know this review is short, but when a piece of art is wonderful, it's so hard to find the right words to describe your emotions experiencing it.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
October 15, 2023
This is an interesting graphic novel which explores family history and how this can shape and influence us in ways that we are not always aware of. The artwork is beautiful and it is an intriguing story. My only criticism is the way the story moved between the past and the present was sometimes difficult to follow, but other than that it is an engaging story.
Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
Copy provided via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.
October 25, 2023
Thanks NetGalley and Europe Comics for this arc!
4/5 stars
This was a touching graphic memoir about two brothers searching for answers and closure for their grandparents. The story was very good, if a little confusing at times. There would be parts that took place in the past/future and it was a bit hard to tell what time that part of the story was set in. I really enjoyed this, and it's interesting in how it shows how our memories aren't always reliable.
4/5 stars
This was a touching graphic memoir about two brothers searching for answers and closure for their grandparents. The story was very good, if a little confusing at times. There would be parts that took place in the past/future and it was a bit hard to tell what time that part of the story was set in. I really enjoyed this, and it's interesting in how it shows how our memories aren't always reliable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews