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Luisa: Now and Then Vol. 1
At 32, Luisa encounters her 15-year-old self in this sentimental and bold story about self-acceptance and sexuality. PUBLICATION IN 1 VOLUME - COMPLETED WORK. A disillusioned photographer has a chance encounter with her lost teenage self who has miraculously traveled into the future. Together, both women ultimately discover who they really are, finding the courage to live life by being true to themselves. Luisa's sexuality is revealed to be a defining element of her identity, one which both of her selves must come to terms with. A time-traveling love story that turns coming-of-age conventions upside down, Luisa is a universal queer romance for the modern age.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 4, 2016
341 people are currently reading
1700 people want to read
About the author
Carole Maurel
34 books31 followersCarole Maurel worked as a graphist and animator for TV programs, before she published her first graphic novel Les Chroniques Mauves, a collective work about the lesbian community. She has since published several graphic novels, always a characteristic mix of feminine sensibilities and humor.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 329 reviews
January 6, 2019
A queer romance (of sorts) by Carole Laurel, adapted by Mariko Tamaki. Luisa, living alone at 32, meets her 15 year old self and the focus is on sexuality and coming out and acceptance. But it's sweet, takes its time, and has a loveable cast of characters and some romantic intrigue to go with a side of facing that mother-daughter history.
Of course the time travel-identity story is familiar, played for laughs in Back to the Future, and I am reading Paper Girls where the girls meet themselves in the future, too. Initially Luisa's story involves laughs, played lightly--where we laugh at hair and clothing style choices, and so on, but there are serious issues we get to, as well, of course. And then, just when you thought it was just a story of 15 vs 32 yr old, they begin to shift into each other; this is where the self-understanding, the forgiving of one's other selves, begins, replacing the annoyance and blame that happens early on. Sweet and thoughtful with, ultimately, a lot of feeling.
"i am running into a new year" by Lucille Clifton
i am running into a new year
and the old years blow back
like a wind
that i catch in my hair
like strong fingers like
all my old promises and
it will be hard to let go
of what i said to myself
about myself
when i was sixteen and
twenty-six and thirty-six
even thirty-six but
i am running into a new year
and i beg what i love and
i leave to forgive me
Of course the time travel-identity story is familiar, played for laughs in Back to the Future, and I am reading Paper Girls where the girls meet themselves in the future, too. Initially Luisa's story involves laughs, played lightly--where we laugh at hair and clothing style choices, and so on, but there are serious issues we get to, as well, of course. And then, just when you thought it was just a story of 15 vs 32 yr old, they begin to shift into each other; this is where the self-understanding, the forgiving of one's other selves, begins, replacing the annoyance and blame that happens early on. Sweet and thoughtful with, ultimately, a lot of feeling.
"i am running into a new year" by Lucille Clifton
i am running into a new year
and the old years blow back
like a wind
that i catch in my hair
like strong fingers like
all my old promises and
it will be hard to let go
of what i said to myself
about myself
when i was sixteen and
twenty-six and thirty-six
even thirty-six but
i am running into a new year
and i beg what i love and
i leave to forgive me
January 25, 2019
In the tradition of wacky body swap fantasies like Freaky Friday and Big (still Tim Honks’ best movie) comes the story of a grouchy 33 year old who meets her 15 year old self somehow! They fight, They bite, They bite and fight and bite, Bite, bite, bite, Fight, fight, fight, The Itchy and Scratchy Show Luisa: Now and Then! But, y’know, slightly more serious because LGBT stuff.
It’s an ok book. I admired Carole Maurel’s art more than her writing. I loved the coloured washes she used and the line work is really skilful – she conveys body language superbly. I enjoyed the visuals all the way through and that sequence towards the end when the aunt morphs from sitting at her table in despair into a flower over four panels was amazing.
But the story could’ve been tighter and more focused. Basically once the two Luisas meet nothing much happens. They fight, they find each other’s attitudes appalling, older Luisa is reminded of the optimism of youth, younger Luisa learns that growing up entails compromise, there’s a forced love interest – it’s not much considering the fantastical nature of the meeting! And it’s also a bit unsatisfying – how about exploring why something so extraordinary happened? Or why younger Luisa is “crumbling”? We’re not given any answers making it feel all the more flaky, underwritten and unimaginative.
It would’ve worked better as a metaphor for the older Luisa reconnecting with her former self instead of having her as a literal character, interacting with Luisa’s friends and neighbours. And I sorta get why it had to be 15 year old Luisa – because of an encounter with her friend at that age – but having her transported to the future just felt so contrived. It doesn’t even tally with the uninspired message of the book – homosexual tolerance – as the lesbian’s family moved not because of bigotry but because her dad got a job elsewhere!
This is an aside but why is Mariko Tamaki credited – what did she do? Carole Maurel wrote and drew the comic, Nanette McGuinness translated it from French to English, but Tamaki “adapted” it – what does that mean? Or is it just a bullshit title because Tamaki’s more well-known than Maurel, kinda like Steven Spielberg being credited as an “Executive Producer” on Transformers because he’s a famous name even though I guarantee Spielberg doesn’t give a shit about CGI robots and spent no time on the set of that movie!
Luisa: Now and Then isn’t a bad read – Maurel can write fairly well and the art is high quality - but it’s a far from gripping one that doesn’t leave much of an impression. Of course I agree with being tolerant towards all sexualities but it’s not something that I haven’t heard before. And the sentimental ending jammed in at the last minute rang very false. If you want to read a much more memorable and compelling comic about lesbians I’d rec Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home instead.
(Hat tip to Rod for the rec)
It’s an ok book. I admired Carole Maurel’s art more than her writing. I loved the coloured washes she used and the line work is really skilful – she conveys body language superbly. I enjoyed the visuals all the way through and that sequence towards the end when the aunt morphs from sitting at her table in despair into a flower over four panels was amazing.
But the story could’ve been tighter and more focused. Basically once the two Luisas meet nothing much happens. They fight, they find each other’s attitudes appalling, older Luisa is reminded of the optimism of youth, younger Luisa learns that growing up entails compromise, there’s a forced love interest – it’s not much considering the fantastical nature of the meeting! And it’s also a bit unsatisfying – how about exploring why something so extraordinary happened? Or why younger Luisa is “crumbling”? We’re not given any answers making it feel all the more flaky, underwritten and unimaginative.
It would’ve worked better as a metaphor for the older Luisa reconnecting with her former self instead of having her as a literal character, interacting with Luisa’s friends and neighbours. And I sorta get why it had to be 15 year old Luisa – because of an encounter with her friend at that age – but having her transported to the future just felt so contrived. It doesn’t even tally with the uninspired message of the book – homosexual tolerance – as the lesbian’s family moved not because of bigotry but because her dad got a job elsewhere!
This is an aside but why is Mariko Tamaki credited – what did she do? Carole Maurel wrote and drew the comic, Nanette McGuinness translated it from French to English, but Tamaki “adapted” it – what does that mean? Or is it just a bullshit title because Tamaki’s more well-known than Maurel, kinda like Steven Spielberg being credited as an “Executive Producer” on Transformers because he’s a famous name even though I guarantee Spielberg doesn’t give a shit about CGI robots and spent no time on the set of that movie!
Luisa: Now and Then isn’t a bad read – Maurel can write fairly well and the art is high quality - but it’s a far from gripping one that doesn’t leave much of an impression. Of course I agree with being tolerant towards all sexualities but it’s not something that I haven’t heard before. And the sentimental ending jammed in at the last minute rang very false. If you want to read a much more memorable and compelling comic about lesbians I’d rec Alison Bechdel’s Fun Home instead.
(Hat tip to Rod for the rec)
March 17, 2021
A 33-year old single woman meets her 15-year old self and they are both disgusted with one another. The younger by how she turned out, the older by how she used to dress and act. The story turns into one of self-acceptance as it progresses. There's some magical elements that could use some explaining (and I'm surprised weren't ever explained given that it's 250+ pages). Still, the story is wonderful and so is the art. I love the color washes and the line work. Maurel has some real talent.
June 2, 2024
3.5 Stars. I’ve had this marked on my Hoopla account as a book to check out for a while. Going into it without any existing knowledge of the summary made for an interesting read. Wouldn’t we all give something to be able to have conversations with our younger self’s and heal from some of that pain caused by our decisions and the decisions of others. This definitely has some content warnings for homophobia, hate speech, and hate crimes. I think that the ending could have been flushed out a little more but overall it was an interesting read and I really enjoyed the art style.
January 28, 2019
Every adult has probably fantasized at some point about going back in time and telling something important to our teen selves, something that will put us on track for the life we think we “should” be having now instead of the one we’ve actually got . In this scenario, we’d be in control: we remember being Teen Self; we know where to find ourself; we remember the technology of the time (or the lack thereof); and we know exactly what Teen Self needs to hear.
But what if your Teen Self has something important to tell your Adult Self? And Teen Self somehow appears in the present to try to communicate that thing to you, with “try” being the operative word, because both Adult Self and Teen Self are also trying to deny a part of yourselves, and are not communicating at all clearly?
That’s the premise of this charming, bittersweetly funny graphic novel. Would you be happy to see your Teen Self show up in your present? What would you talk about? How would you explain their presence? Carole Maurel manages to find all the possibilities for squirming discomfort, and plays them for laughs, but with an insight and gentleness that is always respectful and empathetic towards her characters.
I loved every page of this book. The artwork is just gorgeous. The characters’ facial expressions and gestures are perfect, and fill in the “unsaid” beautifully. The story does a slow build to revealing just why Teen Luisa and Adult Luisa need to get together, both literally and figuratively. The use of colors, both in Luisas’ clothing and in the hourglass illustrations that mark each section break, is brilliant and ties the story together perfectly.
My one quibble is that Teen Luisa is drawn as shorter than Adult Luisa, but Teen Luisa is 15. I was full-grown at 15; most girls are. So IMO, both Luisas should have been the same height.
I read this because my friend David wrote an intriguing review which made me toss my New Year’s Resolution not to keep impulsively putting books on hold at the library right out the window.
And David read it because of Rod Brown’s glowing review.
I really enjoyed this; it’s a very creative way of telling the story it does. Recommended if you are at all intrigued by this premise; it won’t take very long to read.
But what if your Teen Self has something important to tell your Adult Self? And Teen Self somehow appears in the present to try to communicate that thing to you, with “try” being the operative word, because both Adult Self and Teen Self are also trying to deny a part of yourselves, and are not communicating at all clearly?
That’s the premise of this charming, bittersweetly funny graphic novel. Would you be happy to see your Teen Self show up in your present? What would you talk about? How would you explain their presence? Carole Maurel manages to find all the possibilities for squirming discomfort, and plays them for laughs, but with an insight and gentleness that is always respectful and empathetic towards her characters.
I loved every page of this book. The artwork is just gorgeous. The characters’ facial expressions and gestures are perfect, and fill in the “unsaid” beautifully. The story does a slow build to revealing just why Teen Luisa and Adult Luisa need to get together, both literally and figuratively. The use of colors, both in Luisas’ clothing and in the hourglass illustrations that mark each section break, is brilliant and ties the story together perfectly.
My one quibble is that Teen Luisa is drawn as shorter than Adult Luisa, but Teen Luisa is 15. I was full-grown at 15; most girls are. So IMO, both Luisas should have been the same height.
I read this because my friend David wrote an intriguing review which made me toss my New Year’s Resolution not to keep impulsively putting books on hold at the library right out the window.
And David read it because of Rod Brown’s glowing review.
I really enjoyed this; it’s a very creative way of telling the story it does. Recommended if you are at all intrigued by this premise; it won’t take very long to read.
January 29, 2019
Here's a thought experiment for you: Bring your 15 year old self to mind. Can you see that person clearly, or have they become fuzzy and faded with time? Now imagine your 32 year old self walking down the street and bumping into your 15 year old self. How would that feel? What would your younger self feel about you and your life choices? Have you lived up to expectations?
I love the premise of this graphic novel, but the execution was rather uninspired. This is adapted and translated, and it felt clunky and choppy. Might be the translation. Also, if you do not recognize your younger self when you meet face to face I worry about the drugs you've been on. The themes explored are interesting, but I was annoyed by the older self and her tantrums. When the 15 year old self seems more mature you know there's a problem. I liked the art, and liked the queer angle, but overall this was a just OK read.
I love the premise of this graphic novel, but the execution was rather uninspired. This is adapted and translated, and it felt clunky and choppy. Might be the translation. Also, if you do not recognize your younger self when you meet face to face I worry about the drugs you've been on. The themes explored are interesting, but I was annoyed by the older self and her tantrums. When the 15 year old self seems more mature you know there's a problem. I liked the art, and liked the queer angle, but overall this was a just OK read.
October 11, 2018
Wow. This gentle time travel fantasy is my favorite graphic novel of 2018 so far.
A thirtysomething woman opens the door to her apartment, comes face to face with her teenage self, and is appalled at what a mess she once was. The teenage girl sees the same door as opening onto a future that is unimaginably awful.
Maurel weaves a moving tale full of regrets, disappointments and self-discovery as both versions of Luisa struggle with their common dreams, realities and sexuality.
This book has the full package. I loved the writing, the art and the characters.
Trigger warning:
A thirtysomething woman opens the door to her apartment, comes face to face with her teenage self, and is appalled at what a mess she once was. The teenage girl sees the same door as opening onto a future that is unimaginably awful.
Maurel weaves a moving tale full of regrets, disappointments and self-discovery as both versions of Luisa struggle with their common dreams, realities and sexuality.
This book has the full package. I loved the writing, the art and the characters.
Trigger warning:
October 14, 2018
Luisa is one of those books that makes me glad I started checking graphic novels out from the library instead of buying so many of them. This was fun and I liked the art, but it was a pretty standard coming-out story crossed with a fairly typical "what-would-your-younger-self-think-of-adult-you"/13 Going on 30–style plotline. I enjoyed reading it and I'm sure others would relate to it more than I did, but on the whole I don't think this is going to leave much of an impact on me.
September 4, 2018
2.5 stars
I enjoyed the art quite a bit and I liked what the story was trying to do, I just felt it was jerky and clunky. It didn't evoke the feelings in me I'd expected for a story about past self meeting with future self and both selves having some hard realizations.
Some of my dissatisfaction could be chalked up to translation. Despite this being adapted by Mariko Tamaki, the charm that may be present in the original production doesn't come across fluidly here.
We have this in the adult section but it's also aimed at teens trying to figure out where they're going in this world.
I enjoyed the art quite a bit and I liked what the story was trying to do, I just felt it was jerky and clunky. It didn't evoke the feelings in me I'd expected for a story about past self meeting with future self and both selves having some hard realizations.
Some of my dissatisfaction could be chalked up to translation. Despite this being adapted by Mariko Tamaki, the charm that may be present in the original production doesn't come across fluidly here.
We have this in the adult section but it's also aimed at teens trying to figure out where they're going in this world.
August 15, 2018
I liked the premise of this tale, but the execution was lacking. Adult Luisa is such a miserable, mean individual, that is becomes a chore to read, especially when there's no reason given for Teen Luisa to have grown into such a crabby asshole. Luisa also treats her female neighbor and potential love interest pretty poorly --playing shitty games when they go out together-- making the implied chance for a romance at the end a much less happy prospect then the author seems to intend.
March 31, 2022
At 272 pages, I was hoping for a little more to this story. Or, at least a little more in terms of explanation for the fantasy elements. Otherwise it's a good solid story of self discovery and acceptance.
December 10, 2018
I really liked the concept and art here, though some parts were a bit predictable or felt stilted/forced. It's a nice coming-of-age story with a time traveling twist. Overall, it was fun and I liked the ending.
February 25, 2019
I read this in english but couldn't find that version available on Goodreads.
I rather enjoyed this time traveling-esque story about sexuality and self acceptance.
I rather enjoyed this time traveling-esque story about sexuality and self acceptance.
June 27, 2018
This was the last book I got at ALA and the first one I read. I'm a new fan of graphic novels and this one sounded amazing.
It's incredibly specific (Luisa---at both ages---is someone who's not entirely sure who she is or what she wants) but I think it's also universal. Many of us can probably relate to the idea that we aren't who we thought we'd be when we became adults. Some of us have better lives, sure, but there are probably also major disappointments that our teenage self would have to cope with.
But more than that, this is also about coming to terms with your sexuality. For a variety of reasons, teenage Luisa couldn't admit that she liked girls. (There's no label here, but I'm guessing she's bi, because Adult Luisa does discuss dating men. Not that it matters, necessarily, but representation matters and I feel like we don't see much with bi protagonists.)
When I was talking to the woman at the booth, she mentioned that she thought this was exactly what the world needed right now. It's a bold statement but now that I've read Luisa, I agree. We all need to come to terms with who we are. And we also need to try and evolve in the right direction.
This is an amazing story with absolutely gorgeous images. Highly recommended.
It's incredibly specific (Luisa---at both ages---is someone who's not entirely sure who she is or what she wants) but I think it's also universal. Many of us can probably relate to the idea that we aren't who we thought we'd be when we became adults. Some of us have better lives, sure, but there are probably also major disappointments that our teenage self would have to cope with.
But more than that, this is also about coming to terms with your sexuality. For a variety of reasons, teenage Luisa couldn't admit that she liked girls. (There's no label here, but I'm guessing she's bi, because Adult Luisa does discuss dating men. Not that it matters, necessarily, but representation matters and I feel like we don't see much with bi protagonists.)
When I was talking to the woman at the booth, she mentioned that she thought this was exactly what the world needed right now. It's a bold statement but now that I've read Luisa, I agree. We all need to come to terms with who we are. And we also need to try and evolve in the right direction.
This is an amazing story with absolutely gorgeous images. Highly recommended.
April 2, 2019
Luisa: Now and Then has some really great things to say about coming to terms with your sexuality, but it does so with a very unpleasant main character in Luisa. So, while I appreciated Luisa's journey, I kind of avoided reading her rage-fueled dialogue. Unfortunately, she has a lot of dialogue, the majority of it with her younger self. The time travel conceit is a little contrived, but it works - young and old Luisa both experience growth and encounter a few, very necessary comic scenarios. There are a few too many scenes where young Luisa announces "I'M JUST GONNA GO HOME" when it is eminently clear that she cannot because she is time-traveling. That was a bit frustrating. I liked the art, I liked Luisa's frustration with her feelings, I liked how some of those feelings played out subtly. I just didn't like Luisa.
March 29, 2021
Very well written and beautiful art, however I was not the biggest fan of the ending. It would be immensely better if the past changed the future completely. Instead it was a coming of age story where the protagonist deals with their younger self (or trauma) physically instead of mentally. Good nonetheless, but not speculative enough for my taste.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 25, 2020
Whatever else I could have felt about this was subsumed under the fact that everyone in this comic is an irredeemable asshole to everyone else about 85% of the time. I ended up skimming through it to avoid the repetitive fighting.
August 30, 2018
A high-concept narrative. And intriguing. There are two or three parts that verge on the predictable, but otherwise, a strong work.
February 9, 2020
wow this is so cool and gorgeous and important
July 9, 2020
La personnage principale est infecte. Super méchante. La plupart des autres personnages sont antipathiques également. Pour cette raison, cette lecture était désagréable.
August 19, 2019
It is entirely possible my enjoyment of this graphic novel was thoroughly colored by the fact that it was read outside on a nice day with my fiancé (which is a lovely way to read graphic novels) and the fact that it’s been a minute since I’ve read any graphic novels at all. And I liked them. A lot. This one, in and of itself, wasn’t in any way revolutionary or even outstanding, but it was very well done. I didn’t select it or knew a thing about it going in. It turned out to be a coming of age/ coming out story featuring a main character at 33 meeting her 15 year old self, hence the title. Both Luisas have a lot to learn from each other, of course. One has the sobering perspective of age, one has an optimistic audacity of youth. Now it’s just a matter of finding the right balance. Nice story, nice art. Terrific use of colors, especially to denote time day. Overall, a thoroughly enjoyable read. Some by its own merit and some purely situational. Recommended.
May 26, 2022
4.5⭐️ (rounded up)
When a teenaged Luisa accidentally ends up in the future and meets her 33 year old self, the two versions of her go on a raw, frustrating, and beautifully illustrated journey of self-discovery as they move away from the things holding them back.
It’s funny. It’s tragic. It’s real in the most embarrassing ways possible.
There’s an “if you weren’t so young…” panel/line that is wildly inappropriate and gross that could’ve very easily not made it into the final cut, but that’s where my only issue begins and ends.
I’m glad I stumbled across this one.
CW: homophobia (slur usage included + brief depiction of hate crime), internalized homophobia/biphobia, brief sexual content, references to estranged parents, violence, mentions of dead loved ones
When a teenaged Luisa accidentally ends up in the future and meets her 33 year old self, the two versions of her go on a raw, frustrating, and beautifully illustrated journey of self-discovery as they move away from the things holding them back.
It’s funny. It’s tragic. It’s real in the most embarrassing ways possible.
There’s an “if you weren’t so young…” panel/line that is wildly inappropriate and gross that could’ve very easily not made it into the final cut, but that’s where my only issue begins and ends.
I’m glad I stumbled across this one.
CW: homophobia (slur usage included + brief depiction of hate crime), internalized homophobia/biphobia, brief sexual content, references to estranged parents, violence, mentions of dead loved ones
May 8, 2019
The art in this is so gorgeous, and the story is interesting and moving too. It’s weird and unique — it takes the idea of meeting your past self but makes it really literal, like what would happen logistically. I also normally wouldn’t like how absurdly combative everyone is (they’re constantly yelling at each other), but it honestly feels very true to life that you’d be extremely annoyed by everything your teenage self did and said, and that your teenage self would judge you/be disgusted by all the compromises you’ve made and how boring your adult life is. What a fascinating thought exercise, and I really like where it ends up going.
January 1, 2020
Coming of age story with a time travel element that was really interesting. This is an LGBTQ+ graphic novel that explores a girl/woman's desire for acceptance. Not only from society and peers, but from herself. This was a very interesting way of showing the rise of acceptance in the current time.. but also self exploration. It also made me think a lot about what hanging out with my 15 year old self would be like. interesting... lol.
June 13, 2019
Ya gotta love reading gay books during Pride. Through *mysterious events,* a woman comes face to face with her 15 year old self, as well as her internalized homphobia against herself and learns to love who she love again/
f/f
f/f
March 19, 2019
3.5 stars
I loved the art in this. Maurel draws people beautifully, while also maintaining an almost sketchiness to them, and I found it really compelling.
The story was good, and I liked the idea of Teen Luisa and Adult Luisa figuring out who she is together, even though they actually didn't do anything but fight. Which is my biggest complaint about the story, honestly, is that everyone in it, but both Luisas in particular, are so hostile and combative. It was a little exhausting to read, and occasionally didn't really make sense when Luisa would have such an outsized reaction to something fairly innocuous.
I loved the art in this. Maurel draws people beautifully, while also maintaining an almost sketchiness to them, and I found it really compelling.
The story was good, and I liked the idea of Teen Luisa and Adult Luisa figuring out who she is together, even though they actually didn't do anything but fight. Which is my biggest complaint about the story, honestly, is that everyone in it, but both Luisas in particular, are so hostile and combative. It was a little exhausting to read, and occasionally didn't really make sense when Luisa would have such an outsized reaction to something fairly innocuous.
March 28, 2020
Kind of a cool Back to the Future, Freaky Friday kind of concept, but it ultimately disappoints. There is no examination of why younger Luisa and older Luisa are in this situation, and really, neither of them is all that great, so the whole, "I disappointed my younger self" or "I realize that things can change as I get older" revelations don't matter much. Luisa starts out as a mediocre person and ends up not evolving much. I'm glad she does embrace a few aspects of herself that she was in denila bout, though.
October 30, 2018
I wasn't too sure about this one as I was finishing it, but it's sort of blooming in my mind as I consider it. It's a fantastic example of a story that works better as a graphic novel than it would in any other medium.
February 15, 2023
Conseillée — et éditée — par le travail, je ne m’attendais à rien mais j’ai adoré suivre cette rencontre entre une adolescente et son « moi » de 30 ans. Un joli voyage dans le temps, au cœur d’une réalité alternative fondée sur le « et si ? » comme je les aime. Luisa apprend à s’accepter, assumer ses désirs et ne plus laisser le regard d’autrui la censurer.
(la cinquième étoile pour la love story lesbienne)
(la cinquième étoile pour la love story lesbienne)
January 4, 2019
This was wonderful, both the story and the art.
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