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A Love for the Ages
Jean and Germaine are the most affable couple the little village of Colle sur Loup has ever seen. A duke married to a commoner, they have no children, no jobs, and are disastrous cooks! They like to indulge in life’s small pleasures; their books, their garden, and their after-lunch naps. They live for each other, and for their love. Their simple happiness intrigues, fascinates, infuriates and is the envy of all those around them.
Daniel Pennac knew Jean and Germaine well. He spent his time at their house reading, watching, learning, and, of course, trying Germaine’s catastrophic efforts in the kitchen! He’s now taken it upon himself to tell the story of those happy days, and of a love that has always captivated him.
Daniel Pennac knew Jean and Germaine well. He spent his time at their house reading, watching, learning, and, of course, trying Germaine’s catastrophic efforts in the kitchen! He’s now taken it upon himself to tell the story of those happy days, and of a love that has always captivated him.
62 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 3, 2015
1 person is currently reading
121 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Pennac
159 books1,427 followersDaniel Pennac (real name Daniel Pennacchioni) is a French writer. He received the Prix Renaudot in 2007 for his essay Chagrin d'école.
After studying in Nice he became a teacher. He began to write for children and then wrote his book series "La Saga Malaussène", that tells the story of Benjamin Malaussène, a scapegoat, and his family in Belleville, Paris.
His writing style can be humorous and imaginative like in "La Saga Malaussène", but he has also written essays, such as "Comme un roman", a pedagogic essay."La Débauche", written jointly with Jacques Tardi, treats the topic of unemployment, revealing his social preoccupations.
After studying in Nice he became a teacher. He began to write for children and then wrote his book series "La Saga Malaussène", that tells the story of Benjamin Malaussène, a scapegoat, and his family in Belleville, Paris.
His writing style can be humorous and imaginative like in "La Saga Malaussène", but he has also written essays, such as "Comme un roman", a pedagogic essay."La Débauche", written jointly with Jacques Tardi, treats the topic of unemployment, revealing his social preoccupations.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
May 14, 2020
I'm not sure why I love this but I just do. :))
This graphic novel follows the love story of Jean and Germaine a French couple who also happen to love books!
This graphic novel follows the love story of Jean and Germaine a French couple who also happen to love books!
February 28, 2018
Scritto in forma di fumetto con Florence Cestac si potrebbe definire l’educazione sentimentale del giovane Pennac. Jean e Germaine sono una coppia che Daniel bambino incontra a La Colle-sur-Loup quando passa l’estate in vacanza a casa della nonna in Provenza. Affascinato prima dai pettegolezzi negativi con cui la gente di paese circonda la coppia e poi dal loro modo di vivere, Daniel diventa loro fervido ammiratore.
Qui Pennac racconta un vero amore totale, condiviso, non l’ossessione non ricambiata verso un essere umano trasformato in oggetto, come quello appena letto in Lettera di una sconosciuta di Zweig. Qui è davvero l’assoluto che diventa possibile, nutrito di quotidianità condivisa, sesso e libri. Un amore a suo modo rivoluzionario, improduttivo secondo il senso comune, e quindi condannato dalla società del paese.
Com’è ormai di moda Pennac entra nella storia, ne è narratore ma anche personaggio. La Cestac non rinuncia ai suoi personaggi dai nasoni schiacciati, eppure l’allampanato Jean e la piccola Germaine rimangono a lungo nella memoria. Una lettura che riconcilia con la vita e con l’umanità. Da tenere a portata di mano nei momenti di sconforto.
Qui Pennac racconta un vero amore totale, condiviso, non l’ossessione non ricambiata verso un essere umano trasformato in oggetto, come quello appena letto in Lettera di una sconosciuta di Zweig. Qui è davvero l’assoluto che diventa possibile, nutrito di quotidianità condivisa, sesso e libri. Un amore a suo modo rivoluzionario, improduttivo secondo il senso comune, e quindi condannato dalla società del paese.
Com’è ormai di moda Pennac entra nella storia, ne è narratore ma anche personaggio. La Cestac non rinuncia ai suoi personaggi dai nasoni schiacciati, eppure l’allampanato Jean e la piccola Germaine rimangono a lungo nella memoria. Una lettura che riconcilia con la vita e con l’umanità. Da tenere a portata di mano nei momenti di sconforto.
March 13, 2020
The story of a little boy and the older couple whose lives he admires. The man was royalty and gave it up to marry a commoner. They lived a quirky life, living off the sales of his rare book collection. The art was odd. Everyone had these huge bulbous noses that made them look like Muppets.
Received a review copy from Europe Comics and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
Received a review copy from Europe Comics and NetGalley. All thoughts are my own and in no way influenced by the aforementioned.
September 28, 2015
It is a love story, improbable and splendid. an aristocrat and a dressmaker. A crazy love. They decided to never work because "in love, work is a separation". Probably no children for the same reason.
To live, Jean plays cards. Of course, he cheated to win. He sells also books. he inherited a magnificent collection. He sell book by book. A first edition of Montaigne will pay the roof. Jean and Germaine are never left, they are totally in a fusion love, they are happy.
Simple happiness, happy days run out, old age arrives. Jean dies. Germaine will not support it.
The characters of Cestac have a large nose. It is the simple, innocent life. A moving, funny history, full with freshness.
To live, Jean plays cards. Of course, he cheated to win. He sells also books. he inherited a magnificent collection. He sell book by book. A first edition of Montaigne will pay the roof. Jean and Germaine are never left, they are totally in a fusion love, they are happy.
Simple happiness, happy days run out, old age arrives. Jean dies. Germaine will not support it.
The characters of Cestac have a large nose. It is the simple, innocent life. A moving, funny history, full with freshness.
October 20, 2017
A crazy love story told by an unreliable narrator makes it all the more interesting. The only turnoff is Cestac's tendency to draw all her characters with ridiculously large noses.
January 31, 2020
A story about Jean and Germaine, a couple who had a very deep love for each other. The narrator of the story grew up next door to the couple and he tells their story to the illustrator (Daniel Pennac) who draws the story as the narrator speaks. Other people who are nearby hear the love story being told and they get drawn in asking questions and hearing about the great love between these two people. It is a nice enough story with quirky artwork.
July 24, 2018
La storia d'amore di Jean e Germaine è molto tenera. Sarei stata molto curiosa di vedere la rappresentazione teatrale.
Non amo molto i disegni della Cestac e le scelte fatte nella strutturazione delle tavole.
Non amo molto i disegni della Cestac e le scelte fatte nella strutturazione delle tavole.
July 25, 2024
Una storia adorabile, simpatica, dolce. Alla Pennac, proprio.
March 2, 2020
'A Love for the Ages' by Daniel Pennac with art by Florence Cestac is a graphic novel about an epic love story, as told by the man who knew them.
The framing story has Daniel Pennac meeting his artist friend Florence Cestac in a cafe to pitch her a chance to draw a love story. It's about Jean and Germaine, a couple that Daniel knew. Jean was a duke who married a commoner. He gave up much to follow his heart. In Germaine he found someone who loved book and naps and laughter (as well as disasters in the kitchen).
It's a humorously told story (Cestac draws all her characters with huge noses), but it's got it's tender and touching moments as well. The art is kind of ridiculous, but fits the comical story.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
The framing story has Daniel Pennac meeting his artist friend Florence Cestac in a cafe to pitch her a chance to draw a love story. It's about Jean and Germaine, a couple that Daniel knew. Jean was a duke who married a commoner. He gave up much to follow his heart. In Germaine he found someone who loved book and naps and laughter (as well as disasters in the kitchen).
It's a humorously told story (Cestac draws all her characters with huge noses), but it's got it's tender and touching moments as well. The art is kind of ridiculous, but fits the comical story.
I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.
April 25, 2016
Cet amour exemplaire, c’est une histoire simple et pure, loin des préjugés et des pressions sociales. Une histoire dans l’être plutôt que dans le paraître. Les portions de récit entrecoupées de moments entre les coauteurs dans le bistro donnent un rythme très intéressant à l’histoire. J’ai mis plusieurs minutes pour me remettre de la dernière page.
La suite ici : https://julielitaulit.com/2016/04/25/...
La suite ici : https://julielitaulit.com/2016/04/25/...
April 12, 2021
Ho bevuto una tazza di tè zuccherato e mi sono fatta coccolare.
Ha proprio ragione Daniel, quello di Jean e Germaine è davvero un amore esemplare tra libri e bonsai.
Ha proprio ragione Daniel, quello di Jean e Germaine è davvero un amore esemplare tra libri e bonsai.
April 6, 2020
Thank you Netgalley for the eARC. I had mixed feelings about this graphic novel but ultimately it was such a sweet story. The beginning was a little bit confusing as there were many different characters introduced at once and lots happening. The art style was a bit funky as well and took some getting used to but I loved the noses. Once I got the characters sorted out then I could enjoy the story. Daniel tells the love story of his neighbours and it is such a sweet story. Both parties went through so much just to be with each other and they just loved each other all the more for it. The ending was very Romeo and Juliet but just so heartfelt and you couldn't help rooting for their love story. It's nice to know that long lasting loves like this still exist.
May 20, 2021
Il est vrai que le trait de Florence Cestac est particulier. On l'aime ou pas. Mais il fait aussi carrément partie de la culture BD de toute une génération (au moins). Et j'avoue avoir du plaisir à retourner là-dedans.
Elle met là en BD une histoire racontée par Daniel Pennac.Et justement, on a là dans l'histoire des personnages atypiques, qui vivent un amour particulier. Et celui-ci est forcément magnifique raconté par Daniel Pennac et illustré de façon non moins magnifique par "la Cestac". Du coup, on se demande quelle est la dose de véracité dans cette histoire. Et au final …. qu'importe. C'est une belle BD, un bel amour et rien ne sera jamais assez beau.
A noter que cette BD a été transposée au théâtre.
Elle met là en BD une histoire racontée par Daniel Pennac.Et justement, on a là dans l'histoire des personnages atypiques, qui vivent un amour particulier. Et celui-ci est forcément magnifique raconté par Daniel Pennac et illustré de façon non moins magnifique par "la Cestac". Du coup, on se demande quelle est la dose de véracité dans cette histoire. Et au final …. qu'importe. C'est une belle BD, un bel amour et rien ne sera jamais assez beau.
A noter que cette BD a été transposée au théâtre.
May 11, 2020
Sometimes the love for all ages is not your own, but one that teaches you what love should be like. A man is telling a story in a restaurant that a graphic novelist is to draw. It is a love story, but not his. Instead it is about an older couple he met as a child who stayed with him in his life and heart past their death. These two souls who were with each other through thick and thin, whose love of books kept them happy and provided a living. This story is lovely, and funny. I think the ending is abrupt, but it works. Plus I want to know if the house really blew up???
May 4, 2019
https://corsierincorsi.blogspot.com/2...
Una graphic novel romantica, una ballata senza tempo che incornicia quarant'anni di sentimenti, emozioni e accadimento tra due personaggi eclettici e bizzarri che fanno dell'amore la loro ragione di vita. Si tratta di Un amore esemplare scritto da Daniel Pennac e disegnato da Florence Cestac, edito da Feltrinelli Comics a gennaio del 2018.
Una graphic novel romantica, una ballata senza tempo che incornicia quarant'anni di sentimenti, emozioni e accadimento tra due personaggi eclettici e bizzarri che fanno dell'amore la loro ragione di vita. Si tratta di Un amore esemplare scritto da Daniel Pennac e disegnato da Florence Cestac, edito da Feltrinelli Comics a gennaio del 2018.
January 13, 2020
2.5 stars for this very odd graphic novel. The art style was very unique and I quite enjoyed the style. The plot has good intention, with a young boy following the journey of an elderly couple and becoming inspired by their love story. However, I felt confused often and thought there were too many outside events included, when all that was needed was the marriage.
January 13, 2020
A sweet ode to a sweet French couple, set in the middle of the 20th century, with a love of literary works/books weaving its way throughout the story. The art by Cestac has that quick comic flair that reminds me of Eisner. Good story, but the ending seems rushed.
December 18, 2020
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley.
This was an incredibly cute, and often hilarious, little graphic novel. The art was unique and the plot kept me interested. Definitely recommended if you’re looking for a quick story!
This was an incredibly cute, and often hilarious, little graphic novel. The art was unique and the plot kept me interested. Definitely recommended if you’re looking for a quick story!
February 11, 2022
Wow the illustrator definitely admires her countryman Albert Uderz, the illustrator of the famous bande dessinée, Asterix—in panel layout, background, colouring, and character design. I hate Asterix.
(The writer’s low key, meandering story certainly didn’t help.)
(The writer’s low key, meandering story certainly didn’t help.)
March 29, 2022
Pas du tout adhéré au style graphique mais l'histoire est vraiment très chouette et très belle. J'ai été charmée par cette histoire d'amour, qui donne envie de vivre la même chose, même si un amour aussi exemplaire existe si peu. Une superbe lecture !
January 30, 2018
Bella la storia,belli i fumetti...si capisce da dove sono nati i meravigliosi personaggi della saga di Malaussène.
August 4, 2018
"Mi sa che Jean e Germaine mi piaceranno", p. 23.
March 22, 2019
Popsugar Reading Challenge 2019 - 34 Un libro in cui avviene un matrimonio
January 21, 2020
(Reviewed for NetGalley)
This was an incredibly sweet story of love.
I also enjoyed the very self aware art and the designs.
This was an incredibly sweet story of love.
I also enjoyed the very self aware art and the designs.
Want to read
February 10, 2020Note: I received a digital review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
April 5, 2020
A story that held no appeal for me, in a visual style that was even worse. Not one to bother with, imho.
May 3, 2020
The hopeless romantic in me really loved this story.
June 9, 2020
Une histoire courte et attendrissante sur un vieux couple français qui a inspiré Daniel pennac. Une lecture plaisante et on y retrouve un humour et une légèreté qui fait du bien :)
August 7, 2021
Texte et dessins sont tendres et amusants. Une bien belle histoire, raconte avec grande complicité par les deux auteurs. Rafraîchissant!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews