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Les générations
Parfois, le meilleur moyen d’avancer est de rentrer chez soi.
Après trois années passées à Milan, Matteo rentre au pays avec pas mal d’appréhension. Il faut dire que son départ, provoqué par son coming out et une violente dispute avec son père, ne s’était pas passé de la meilleure des manières. Vivre dans une métropole urbaine comme Milan a été pour le jeune homme un changement radical, une expérience libératrice, loin de l’étroitesse d’esprit de la petite ville où il avait grandi. Mais aujourd’hui, Matteo n’a plus le choix. Sans argent, sans travail, paumé comme tant d’autres « millennials » de sa génération, il doit rentrer à la maison. Ce retour aux sources sera pour lui l’occasion de se confronter à son passé et à ses peurs, mais aussi de découvrir pas mal de choses sur ses proches... et sur lui-même.
Pour son premier ouvrage publié en France, Flavia Biondi nous livre les chroniques douces-amères d’un jeune homosexuel qui fait le point sur sa vie et ses difficultés à se faire accepter par son milieu d’origine. Un livre tantôt léger, tantôt grave, profondément contemporain, et la révélation d’une jeune autrice à suivre.
Après trois années passées à Milan, Matteo rentre au pays avec pas mal d’appréhension. Il faut dire que son départ, provoqué par son coming out et une violente dispute avec son père, ne s’était pas passé de la meilleure des manières. Vivre dans une métropole urbaine comme Milan a été pour le jeune homme un changement radical, une expérience libératrice, loin de l’étroitesse d’esprit de la petite ville où il avait grandi. Mais aujourd’hui, Matteo n’a plus le choix. Sans argent, sans travail, paumé comme tant d’autres « millennials » de sa génération, il doit rentrer à la maison. Ce retour aux sources sera pour lui l’occasion de se confronter à son passé et à ses peurs, mais aussi de découvrir pas mal de choses sur ses proches... et sur lui-même.
Pour son premier ouvrage publié en France, Flavia Biondi nous livre les chroniques douces-amères d’un jeune homosexuel qui fait le point sur sa vie et ses difficultés à se faire accepter par son milieu d’origine. Un livre tantôt léger, tantôt grave, profondément contemporain, et la révélation d’une jeune autrice à suivre.
144 pages, Hardcover
First published November 12, 2015
8 people are currently reading
597 people want to read
About the author
Flavia Biondi
23 books57 followersFlavia Biondi nasce a Castelfiorentino (FI) nel 1988.
Fin da sempre appassionata alle storie che raccontano le vicende del quotidiano lavora ai suoi fumetti tutti incentrati su personaggi all’apparenza modesta ma dal grande cuore. Dopo il diploma artistico e la laurea triennale presso L’accademia di Belle Arti di Bologna in Fumetto e Illustrazione collabora con varie etichette di autoproduzione. Nel 2012 assieme a sette colleghi “accademici” fonda l’etichetta Manticora Autoproduzioni che pubblica la sua prima antologia, Sindrome, l’anno stesso.
Dopo esser stata segnalata dal concorso Komikazen 2011 collabora con la casa editrice Renbooks alla realizzazione del suo primo volume, Barba di Perle, che vede la luce nel dicembre 2012.
Con Manticora nel 2013 realizza Tenebre, storia dalle tinte scure, realizzata assieme al collega Francesco de Stena, e partecipa alla seconda antologia del gruppo, Feral Children (2014) con una storia sui bambini selvaggi. Sempre nel 2014 per Renbooks pubblica L'orgoglio di Leone, graphic novel a tema LGBT ambientata fra Siena, Roma e Genova. Nel 2015, per i tipi di Bao Publishing, pubblica il graphic novel La generazione.
Fin da sempre appassionata alle storie che raccontano le vicende del quotidiano lavora ai suoi fumetti tutti incentrati su personaggi all’apparenza modesta ma dal grande cuore. Dopo il diploma artistico e la laurea triennale presso L’accademia di Belle Arti di Bologna in Fumetto e Illustrazione collabora con varie etichette di autoproduzione. Nel 2012 assieme a sette colleghi “accademici” fonda l’etichetta Manticora Autoproduzioni che pubblica la sua prima antologia, Sindrome, l’anno stesso.
Dopo esser stata segnalata dal concorso Komikazen 2011 collabora con la casa editrice Renbooks alla realizzazione del suo primo volume, Barba di Perle, che vede la luce nel dicembre 2012.
Con Manticora nel 2013 realizza Tenebre, storia dalle tinte scure, realizzata assieme al collega Francesco de Stena, e partecipa alla seconda antologia del gruppo, Feral Children (2014) con una storia sui bambini selvaggi. Sempre nel 2014 per Renbooks pubblica L'orgoglio di Leone, graphic novel a tema LGBT ambientata fra Siena, Roma e Genova. Nel 2015, per i tipi di Bao Publishing, pubblica il graphic novel La generazione.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 195 reviews
September 16, 2017
"In the world we live in, priests and bartenders have a lot in common."
I want to start this review off, just by saying if ever you were to read only one review of a graphic novel that I have read. I seriously recommend you reading this one. You'll find my heart somewhere within all the words.
This graphic novel, pulled on all of my heart strings and orchestrated a song so bittersweet that I would do it again and again and again. The art was unique and the writing was so perfectly poetic. It had staccato bursts of nostalgia and it reminded me how important the little things in life are, and how easy we can take them for granted.
____________
The Story
I would recommend anyone who ventures into Generations, venture into it blind. The blurb only gives you the surface on what a fantastic story this was and once you dive in, you're almost sure to drown. Let yourself. I guarantee you it would be worth drowning in this one instance.
"If I see love everywhere now, it's because you taught me to."
Let me tell you a little something about graphic novels.
The ratio is about 2 part words, and 5 part images.
2:5.
Ladies and gentlemen. That's not a lot of legroom for authors to work with.
They have, what my old design teacher would call - "a very minimal amount of available resources to create a functioning system."
2:5.
And some authors can create magic.
Magic in their shortage of words, picking each and every one out, so that the system not only works but thrives...
So that the message goes across in that little word count, and the letters infiltrate pathos in your head. Then, add that to the beautiful artwork that graphic novelists aid their words with - you're left with a substance to your magic. It's the fuel that drives the story to where it's going.
The system needs the fuel to go forth in it's purpose, and the fuel needs the system to even have purpose.
The Characters
Phew, leaving all the metaphors behind. I'm going to give you the real deal on what sells this book.
The characters are a robust group of personalities that make you fall in love with their flaws and their strengths. They are all interlinked. The girl in the background of the Soap TV who chose Marco- that they are watching. The distant citizens who sit on the bench in town. The Generations
There is a special place in my heart for Auntie B and Nan Tonia.
The humor in this book had me smiling through the tears, and it had everything necessary in a story for the ages.
I felt this story. I loved its art. I wished it would have never ended.
I want to start this review off, just by saying if ever you were to read only one review of a graphic novel that I have read. I seriously recommend you reading this one. You'll find my heart somewhere within all the words.
This graphic novel, pulled on all of my heart strings and orchestrated a song so bittersweet that I would do it again and again and again. The art was unique and the writing was so perfectly poetic. It had staccato bursts of nostalgia and it reminded me how important the little things in life are, and how easy we can take them for granted.
____________
The Story
I would recommend anyone who ventures into Generations, venture into it blind. The blurb only gives you the surface on what a fantastic story this was and once you dive in, you're almost sure to drown. Let yourself. I guarantee you it would be worth drowning in this one instance.
"If I see love everywhere now, it's because you taught me to."
Let me tell you a little something about graphic novels.
The ratio is about 2 part words, and 5 part images.
2:5.
Ladies and gentlemen. That's not a lot of legroom for authors to work with.
They have, what my old design teacher would call - "a very minimal amount of available resources to create a functioning system."
2:5.
And some authors can create magic.
Magic in their shortage of words, picking each and every one out, so that the system not only works but thrives...
So that the message goes across in that little word count, and the letters infiltrate pathos in your head. Then, add that to the beautiful artwork that graphic novelists aid their words with - you're left with a substance to your magic. It's the fuel that drives the story to where it's going.
The system needs the fuel to go forth in it's purpose, and the fuel needs the system to even have purpose.
The Characters
Phew, leaving all the metaphors behind. I'm going to give you the real deal on what sells this book.
The characters are a robust group of personalities that make you fall in love with their flaws and their strengths. They are all interlinked. The girl in the background of the Soap TV who chose Marco- that they are watching. The distant citizens who sit on the bench in town. The Generations
There is a special place in my heart for Auntie B and Nan Tonia.
The humor in this book had me smiling through the tears, and it had everything necessary in a story for the ages.
I felt this story. I loved its art. I wished it would have never ended.
February 13, 2018
The fourth graphic novel by Flavia Biondi and the first to be translated into English. The title plainly points to the central theme of the book: The importance of family, across the generations. You know, it was a relief after reading a lot of noir and crime novels to read something essentially straightforward and warm and sweet.
Matteo leaves home as a teenager, in conflict with his father, to live with an older boyfriend in Milan, who breaks up with him. After three years, Matteo returns home to his country town, moves in with his three aunts and his grandmother, for whom he becomes caretaker. He reconnects with his cousin and old friends, and finally (just a start) his father. He learns the value of family and standing up for what you are, which is difficult as a young gay man in provincial anywhere.
Nothing surprising here: Matteo confronts his family, reconnects a bit with his former lover, faces a death in the family and a birth, and faces himself. I'll admit Biondi drew a couple tears from me near the end. It's good!
Matteo leaves home as a teenager, in conflict with his father, to live with an older boyfriend in Milan, who breaks up with him. After three years, Matteo returns home to his country town, moves in with his three aunts and his grandmother, for whom he becomes caretaker. He reconnects with his cousin and old friends, and finally (just a start) his father. He learns the value of family and standing up for what you are, which is difficult as a young gay man in provincial anywhere.
Nothing surprising here: Matteo confronts his family, reconnects a bit with his former lover, faces a death in the family and a birth, and faces himself. I'll admit Biondi drew a couple tears from me near the end. It's good!
December 11, 2021
Qué difícil es convertir en literatura las vidas anodinas a las que no les sucede nada extraordinario… y qué bien lo hace Flavia Biondi. Después de «Tiempos precarios», aquella bella historia sobre el final de la etapa de estudiante y sobre cómo los destinos de los dos miembros de una pareja no siempre siguen el mismo camino, Flavia Biondi nos vuelve a robar el corazón con una historia pequeña, familiar, cotidiana y llena de chispa y de vida.
«Generaciones» es una historia de retorno a las raíces. Después de que un chico dejase su pueblo atrás al salir del armario, la vida en la ciudad de Milán se le complica y siente la llamada de sus vínculos y de aquella vida familiar tranquila y sencilla. Al volver al pueblo se tiene que enfrentar a sus fantasmas y a sus cuentas pendientes, y también tiene que aprender a conectar con su pasado mientras aún echa de menos su mundo adoptivo.
Este cómic cuenta una preciosa historia sobre los silencios y los gritos, sobre las complejas relaciones que a menudo existen entre muchos varones gays y sus padres, y sobre el lugar al que llamamos hogar. Me ha parecido sincero y emocionante sin necesidad de ser sensiblero ni efectista. Otro acierto más de Ediciones La cúpula, que en los últimos años no para de regalarnos hermosas historias que abarcan una gran diversidad de personajes.
«Generaciones» es una historia de retorno a las raíces. Después de que un chico dejase su pueblo atrás al salir del armario, la vida en la ciudad de Milán se le complica y siente la llamada de sus vínculos y de aquella vida familiar tranquila y sencilla. Al volver al pueblo se tiene que enfrentar a sus fantasmas y a sus cuentas pendientes, y también tiene que aprender a conectar con su pasado mientras aún echa de menos su mundo adoptivo.
Este cómic cuenta una preciosa historia sobre los silencios y los gritos, sobre las complejas relaciones que a menudo existen entre muchos varones gays y sus padres, y sobre el lugar al que llamamos hogar. Me ha parecido sincero y emocionante sin necesidad de ser sensiblero ni efectista. Otro acierto más de Ediciones La cúpula, que en los últimos años no para de regalarnos hermosas historias que abarcan una gran diversidad de personajes.
September 2, 2017
I LOVED THIS SO MUCH!
First, I fell in love with the art style, it’s really pretty, definitely pleasing to the eye, and it was just beautiful okay? I really appreciated this art. Definitely one of my favourite art styles so far.
Matteo comes home from Milan after his ex-boyfriend broke up with him, and finds himself having to leave with his aunts, pregnant cousin, and his nan. For the first few weeks he doesn’t really know what to do with his life : he’s afraid to go see his dad because the last time they saw each other didn’t go well, he’s scared of going outside because he doesn’t know what he’ll do if he sees on of his old classmates . . . so he just spends his days on the couch, just eating and watching TV. Until he’s asked to help his nan.
This graphic novel deals with grief, but more than one kind : grief over the loss of someone you loved, the loss of your former life, the grief over what could have been if . . . it’s definitely a graphic novel that speaks to my generation : we’re lost, we’re somewhere in between the past and what’s to come, we don’t know what life will be made of, and in trying to grow up we lost what made us feel happy once.
Matteo has to find what he used to love about his life, what made him happy, why he acted the way he did, why he left, whys . . . he has to figure out the kind of life he wants to live, the kind of man he wants to be.
This graphic novel is seriously one of my favourites, I want everybody to read it because it’s just so great and powerful and beautiful!
4.5
Thank you Netgalley for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
First, I fell in love with the art style, it’s really pretty, definitely pleasing to the eye, and it was just beautiful okay? I really appreciated this art. Definitely one of my favourite art styles so far.
Matteo comes home from Milan after his ex-boyfriend broke up with him, and finds himself having to leave with his aunts, pregnant cousin, and his nan. For the first few weeks he doesn’t really know what to do with his life : he’s afraid to go see his dad because the last time they saw each other didn’t go well, he’s scared of going outside because he doesn’t know what he’ll do if he sees on of his old classmates . . . so he just spends his days on the couch, just eating and watching TV. Until he’s asked to help his nan.
This graphic novel deals with grief, but more than one kind : grief over the loss of someone you loved, the loss of your former life, the grief over what could have been if . . . it’s definitely a graphic novel that speaks to my generation : we’re lost, we’re somewhere in between the past and what’s to come, we don’t know what life will be made of, and in trying to grow up we lost what made us feel happy once.
Matteo has to find what he used to love about his life, what made him happy, why he acted the way he did, why he left, whys . . . he has to figure out the kind of life he wants to live, the kind of man he wants to be.
This graphic novel is seriously one of my favourites, I want everybody to read it because it’s just so great and powerful and beautiful!
4.5
Thank you Netgalley for providing me an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
October 29, 2017
Starting this graphic novel I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I was initially wary because I knew it had been translated from Italian. I always worry I'm going to miss key elements in translated works but Carla Roncalli De Montorio has done a wonderful job.
Beginning with Matteo's train trip to his home town after three years in Milan with his boyfriend, he is certain he will not be welcomed into his father's home. Returning with no money, job or relationship, he lands on his Nan's doorstep, greeted by his pregnant cousin Sara. Matteo is surprised to see his aunts A, B and C are now living with his Nan. He also meets Odina, his Nan's caregiver and Francesco, his Nan's nurse.
Through interactions with his family, Odina and Francesco, Matteo begins to learn to deal with his problems rather than running away from them. His individual family members, some more accepting of him than others, teach him about love, support, strength and what the generations can learn from one another.
I certainly didn't expect to cry while reading something with so few words. I guess that tells you something about how powerful this story is. Flavia Biondi, who incidentally has done a brilliant job conveying the story both in words and images, created a cast of complex characters who I came to love more because of their flaws, not despite them.
The analogy of people being apples and our family being a tree was just beautiful. Exploring themes of love, loss, grief, sexuality, homophobia and acceptance, this graphic novel's depth pleasantly surprised me.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley (thank you so much to NetGalley, Lion Forge and Diamond Book Distributors for the opportunity) in exchange for honest feedback.
Beginning with Matteo's train trip to his home town after three years in Milan with his boyfriend, he is certain he will not be welcomed into his father's home. Returning with no money, job or relationship, he lands on his Nan's doorstep, greeted by his pregnant cousin Sara. Matteo is surprised to see his aunts A, B and C are now living with his Nan. He also meets Odina, his Nan's caregiver and Francesco, his Nan's nurse.
Through interactions with his family, Odina and Francesco, Matteo begins to learn to deal with his problems rather than running away from them. His individual family members, some more accepting of him than others, teach him about love, support, strength and what the generations can learn from one another.
I certainly didn't expect to cry while reading something with so few words. I guess that tells you something about how powerful this story is. Flavia Biondi, who incidentally has done a brilliant job conveying the story both in words and images, created a cast of complex characters who I came to love more because of their flaws, not despite them.
The analogy of people being apples and our family being a tree was just beautiful. Exploring themes of love, loss, grief, sexuality, homophobia and acceptance, this graphic novel's depth pleasantly surprised me.
I received a copy of this book from NetGalley (thank you so much to NetGalley, Lion Forge and Diamond Book Distributors for the opportunity) in exchange for honest feedback.
December 21, 2019
Una breve ma intensa storia sulla famiglia, sul trovare se stessi e su quanto passato, presente e futuro facciano parte di noi. E alla fine avevo pure gli occhi lucidi.
August 3, 2017
*Disclaimer: I received a copy of Generations by Flavia Bondi from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not effect my review in any way.
This was a really beautiful coming of age story. I loved the focus on family and growing up to realize that you're suddenly an adult. A lot of the moments that involved Matteo and his family were super relatable for me as I also come from a pretty large Italian family. I loved the characters and the storyline and I absolutely loved the way Matteo grew as a person throughout the story.
October 10, 2017
Review Edit
3.5 Stars
My Thoughts
Trigger warning ⚠️ Homophobia.
Firstly before I talk about what I liked and didn't like about Generations. I want to just say: Guys! Stop ignoring this graphic novel. I cannot believe it only has 87 ratings on Goodreads. It's deserves so much more than that. We finally getting a graphic novel that actually deals with real life.
Our story is told from the POV of Matteo.Matteo is currently in his twenties; living in a crowded house with 3 aunts, pregnant cousin and his grandmother. He hasn't spoken a word to his father since he told him he was gay and has broken up with his boyfriend. At the beginning of the graphic novel Matteo has returned home.
I think what got me so much about this graphic novel was how much I related to Matteo. Life is hard and the author doesn't sugarcoat this. Matteo is lost at the beginning and we can see he believes he's no hope. However as the graphic novel goes on we see he pull himself up and Dream again. With the help of family and new friends of course. And guys that's life. You have bad days and good days but more importantly you should never stop dreaming.
I loved Matteo's grandmother. Seriously she rocked. I also loved there relationship. It reminded me of the relationship I have with my own grandmother.
I really liked how detailed the artwork was. The Illustrations were really amazing and it was clear the author put so much time and effort into them.
What I didn't like much
Now while I did enjoy this graphic novel very much. I do believe it could have been longer or at least more added to the ending. Everything wrapped up so quickly and seemed rather rushed.
Matteo refers to his three aunties as Auntie A, Auntie B and Auntie C. It was the most confusing thing ever. I couldn't tell A from B or C.
While we're talking about the aunties one of them was a complete bitch. Honestly I hated her. She had no right to speak to her mother the way she did or to Matteo.
Conclusion
Overall, writing about real life subjects is always tough. Some people, myself included, read to avoid life not to be reminded of it. However I think the author did a great job here and generations is a graphic novel I don't think I'll forget anytime soon. Though it have some faults for the most part it was a genuinely good graphic novel
*Arc provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Review to come :)
3.5 Stars
My Thoughts
Trigger warning ⚠️ Homophobia.
Firstly before I talk about what I liked and didn't like about Generations. I want to just say: Guys! Stop ignoring this graphic novel. I cannot believe it only has 87 ratings on Goodreads. It's deserves so much more than that. We finally getting a graphic novel that actually deals with real life.
Our story is told from the POV of Matteo.Matteo is currently in his twenties; living in a crowded house with 3 aunts, pregnant cousin and his grandmother. He hasn't spoken a word to his father since he told him he was gay and has broken up with his boyfriend. At the beginning of the graphic novel Matteo has returned home.
I think what got me so much about this graphic novel was how much I related to Matteo. Life is hard and the author doesn't sugarcoat this. Matteo is lost at the beginning and we can see he believes he's no hope. However as the graphic novel goes on we see he pull himself up and Dream again. With the help of family and new friends of course. And guys that's life. You have bad days and good days but more importantly you should never stop dreaming.
I loved Matteo's grandmother. Seriously she rocked. I also loved there relationship. It reminded me of the relationship I have with my own grandmother.
I really liked how detailed the artwork was. The Illustrations were really amazing and it was clear the author put so much time and effort into them.
What I didn't like much
Now while I did enjoy this graphic novel very much. I do believe it could have been longer or at least more added to the ending. Everything wrapped up so quickly and seemed rather rushed.
Matteo refers to his three aunties as Auntie A, Auntie B and Auntie C. It was the most confusing thing ever. I couldn't tell A from B or C.
While we're talking about the aunties one of them was a complete bitch. Honestly I hated her. She had no right to speak to her mother the way she did or to Matteo.
Conclusion
Overall, writing about real life subjects is always tough. Some people, myself included, read to avoid life not to be reminded of it. However I think the author did a great job here and generations is a graphic novel I don't think I'll forget anytime soon. Though it have some faults for the most part it was a genuinely good graphic novel
*Arc provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Review to come :)
January 30, 2020
In some ways this is a classic story: young gay people flee their small home towns for a big city, find love, and community, but sometimes have to return home and face all that they left behind.
In this graphic novel, Matteo leaves Milan to return home, moves into his grandmother's house, where his aunts and cousin also live. This coming of age story explores themes of coming out, family, and growing up. There is so much love on these pages, even though half the people aren't talking to each other for various reasons. I enjoyed this multi-generational family story, and really liked the illustrations style. The use of black, white, and greys evoke just the right atmosphere for this slow paced tale.
In this graphic novel, Matteo leaves Milan to return home, moves into his grandmother's house, where his aunts and cousin also live. This coming of age story explores themes of coming out, family, and growing up. There is so much love on these pages, even though half the people aren't talking to each other for various reasons. I enjoyed this multi-generational family story, and really liked the illustrations style. The use of black, white, and greys evoke just the right atmosphere for this slow paced tale.
September 28, 2024
Una chicca scoperta per caso, ma divorata in un sabato soleggiato.
Adoro l’atmosfera toscana e la famiglia matriarcale.
Il personaggio di Teo non cozza per nulla con la struttura della graphic novel, anzi.
Credo che in provincia ci siano un sacco di ragazzi che vivono questi disagi familiari per la loro sessualità.
Carinissimo!
Adoro l’atmosfera toscana e la famiglia matriarcale.
Il personaggio di Teo non cozza per nulla con la struttura della graphic novel, anzi.
Credo che in provincia ci siano un sacco di ragazzi che vivono questi disagi familiari per la loro sessualità.
Carinissimo!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2020
Sweet. Comforting. Highly relatable for me. This simple story hit home in more ways than one.
Glad I picked it up.
Glad I picked it up.
Read
September 4, 2021▪️GENERATIONS by Flavia Biondi, tr. from the Italian by Carla Roncalli de Montario, 2016/2017 by Lion Forge
GENERATIONS is a homecoming story - Matteo left his northern Italy home and moved to Milan after a big fight with his father after he came out as gay. Three years later, he returns home and moves in with his aunts, his pregnant cousin, and becomes his grandmother's caretaker. A heartwarming story of devotion and familial bonds. Great black/white art, with emotional details in faces.
GENERATIONS is a homecoming story - Matteo left his northern Italy home and moved to Milan after a big fight with his father after he came out as gay. Three years later, he returns home and moves in with his aunts, his pregnant cousin, and becomes his grandmother's caretaker. A heartwarming story of devotion and familial bonds. Great black/white art, with emotional details in faces.
May 6, 2018
Flavia Biondi disegna da Dio. Le espressioni, i movimenti dei corpi e anche le caratteristiche "lentiggini" dei personaggi sono un piacere per gli occhi, nonché l'aspetto che ho più amato di questa graphic novel.
La storia non è che non mi sia piaciuta, in fondo è un bel percorso di crescita e scoperta di sé da parte del protagonista, però mi aspettavo qualcosina di più. Ho avuto l'impressione che talvolta i personaggi di contorno fossero psicologicamente tagliati con l'accetta e che alcune parti fossero poco chiare o approfondite, quasi tralasciate per fare spazio a tavole e tavole, esteticamente meravigliose, di riflessioni-profonde-messe-giù-nel-modo-più-poetico-e-commovente-possibile. E quando ho questa sensazione, che per carità è la mia e non pretende di essere oggettiva, mi viene da allontanarmi anziché farmi coinvolgere.
Poi invece mi trovo davanti a scorci di vita reale e il dramma che c'è dentro, reso in modo sincero e non infiocchettato, mi prende allo stomaco. In pratica tracollo emotivo sulla scena in cui Matteo impara come si cambia il pannolone alla nonna.
La storia non è che non mi sia piaciuta, in fondo è un bel percorso di crescita e scoperta di sé da parte del protagonista, però mi aspettavo qualcosina di più. Ho avuto l'impressione che talvolta i personaggi di contorno fossero psicologicamente tagliati con l'accetta e che alcune parti fossero poco chiare o approfondite, quasi tralasciate per fare spazio a tavole e tavole, esteticamente meravigliose, di riflessioni-profonde-messe-giù-nel-modo-più-poetico-e-commovente-possibile. E quando ho questa sensazione, che per carità è la mia e non pretende di essere oggettiva, mi viene da allontanarmi anziché farmi coinvolgere.
Poi invece mi trovo davanti a scorci di vita reale e il dramma che c'è dentro, reso in modo sincero e non infiocchettato, mi prende allo stomaco. In pratica tracollo emotivo sulla scena in cui Matteo impara come si cambia il pannolone alla nonna.
August 28, 2021
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4.5 stars (rounded up to 5)
Flavia Biondi has created yet another touching slice of life which captures the dissonance between various generation in an Italian family. Each panel is lovely and Biondi's illustration are perfectly suited to the quiet and affecting tone of her story. Not only does she capture everyday conversations and arguments but she also suffuses the scenes she depicts with a sense of wistfulness.
This is very much a story of a family at odds, and of old wounds can heal over time and in light of more momentous events.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this uplifting story!
4.5 stars (rounded up to 5)
Flavia Biondi has created yet another touching slice of life which captures the dissonance between various generation in an Italian family. Each panel is lovely and Biondi's illustration are perfectly suited to the quiet and affecting tone of her story. Not only does she capture everyday conversations and arguments but she also suffuses the scenes she depicts with a sense of wistfulness.
This is very much a story of a family at odds, and of old wounds can heal over time and in light of more momentous events.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this uplifting story!
August 13, 2017
Oh boy.. this was amazing I will write a full review about it. I loved it
August 30, 2017
It is an unassuming, touching story of a young man moving back with his family after breaking-up with his boyfriend, after antagonising his father, and after failing to make anything for him. When everything fails, the family props him up, and the sojourn with his family helps him to re-establish the bond with his family, and helps him to unload his emotional baggage and build a bridge to himself.
February 8, 2024
Commovente graphic novel, disegni bellissimi e scrittura altrettanto.
Una storia sul recupero dei legami familiari e sulla scoperta di sé, anche quando qualche parte di quel sé non collima coi desideri di una famiglia.
Una storia sul recupero dei legami familiari e sulla scoperta di sé, anche quando qualche parte di quel sé non collima coi desideri di una famiglia.
February 4, 2017
Flavia Biondi in La generazione utilizza magistralmente la tecnica del disegno per affrontare tematiche davvero delicate quali: la perenne sensazione di inadeguatezza, il concetto di famiglia, l'amore omo-erotico e altro ancora. I personaggi che si avvicendano di pagina in pagina sono ben tratteggiati e delineano un ritratto spontaneo e veritiero della società odierna nonostante i testi non siano molto lunghi, eppure ci sono passi veramente degni di nota mirati a spingere il lettore alla riflessione. E' facile rispecchiarsi nella storia di Matteo; quanti non hanno mai provato, almeno una volta, a lasciarsi alle spalle il passato per guardare al futuro con occhi nuovi? Ma molto spesso il passato ritorna e ci travolge... Ed è proprio da esso che possiamo trarre insegnamento, imparare ad essere forti, scoprendoci in grado di affrontarlo, superando qualsivoglia ostacolo e pregiudizio.
Mi ha anche fatto tornare in mente una canzone di qualche anno fa: Generazione X di Mondo Marcio. Ed è proprio una strofa di quel brano che, secondo me, richiama l'intero contenuto di questa graphic-novel: "Dicono che i giovani non hanno cuore, ma io ti dico che mio padre non mi ha mai dato amore. Io provo una strada e di nuovo sbaglio direzione, ma dimmi sono io oppure è tutta la mia generazione?"
Mi ha anche fatto tornare in mente una canzone di qualche anno fa: Generazione X di Mondo Marcio. Ed è proprio una strofa di quel brano che, secondo me, richiama l'intero contenuto di questa graphic-novel: "Dicono che i giovani non hanno cuore, ma io ti dico che mio padre non mi ha mai dato amore. Io provo una strada e di nuovo sbaglio direzione, ma dimmi sono io oppure è tutta la mia generazione?"
June 23, 2019
4* e mezzo
July 20, 2021
La edición en inglés de “La generazione”, es la segunda novela gráfica que leo de la autora. Desafortunadamente no hay versión en castellano, pero es muy fácil de leer así que queda totalmente recomendado por la esencia de la historia.
Una novela sobre la necesidad de entender las generaciones que te han precedido.
Para poder alzar tu propio vuelo con los valores que quizás no has sabido apreciar.
Porque fuimos jóvenes y quizás huir, y buscar lejos lo que creemos no tener, es siempre una solución fácil a un camino que es, ya de por sí difícil.
En el caso de la novela me ha resultado muy bonito el crecimiento personal de Mateo, que tras sentirse decepcionado consigo mismo, decide volver a su pueblo de la infancia. Cerca de esa familia que dejó atrás solo por creer que no lo entenderían.
Quizás estaba en lo cierto, muchos no lo hacen, pero otros tampoco han tenido la oportunidad de demostrarlo. Porque en ese momento decide huir sin mirar atrás.
Tener que cuidar de su Nan, le muestra que él tampoco ha sido capaz de escuchar las necesidades de su familia. No fue egoísta, simplemente a veces nos centramos tanto en nuestros propios miedos, que no somos capaces de aceptar la ayuda de los demás ni escuchar las llamadas de socorro…
Es una historia genial, a través de la familia, el amor y la unión de seres diferentes entre sí, pero, al fin y al cabo. Manzanas de un mismo árbol.
“This is the right way,
I’m here and it’s enough,
And it doesn`t matter
how I got here.”
Flavia, gracias por la tinta*
https://best22witches.com/generations...
@best_-22_witches
Una novela sobre la necesidad de entender las generaciones que te han precedido.
Para poder alzar tu propio vuelo con los valores que quizás no has sabido apreciar.
Porque fuimos jóvenes y quizás huir, y buscar lejos lo que creemos no tener, es siempre una solución fácil a un camino que es, ya de por sí difícil.
En el caso de la novela me ha resultado muy bonito el crecimiento personal de Mateo, que tras sentirse decepcionado consigo mismo, decide volver a su pueblo de la infancia. Cerca de esa familia que dejó atrás solo por creer que no lo entenderían.
Quizás estaba en lo cierto, muchos no lo hacen, pero otros tampoco han tenido la oportunidad de demostrarlo. Porque en ese momento decide huir sin mirar atrás.
Tener que cuidar de su Nan, le muestra que él tampoco ha sido capaz de escuchar las necesidades de su familia. No fue egoísta, simplemente a veces nos centramos tanto en nuestros propios miedos, que no somos capaces de aceptar la ayuda de los demás ni escuchar las llamadas de socorro…
Es una historia genial, a través de la familia, el amor y la unión de seres diferentes entre sí, pero, al fin y al cabo. Manzanas de un mismo árbol.
“This is the right way,
I’m here and it’s enough,
And it doesn`t matter
how I got here.”
Flavia, gracias por la tinta*
https://best22witches.com/generations...
@best_-22_witches
August 23, 2017
This is the story of Teo, who left his home town when he was 19 and who's back now living with his Nan, three aunts and his cousin Sarah.
The story line was really great, a lot of the moments were highly relatable, different characters with different problems made it so real.
It's a graphic novel with a lot of heart, it is about family and what links its members, about acceptance and especially growing up and healing.
PS: Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the advanced copy!
The story line was really great, a lot of the moments were highly relatable, different characters with different problems made it so real.
It's a graphic novel with a lot of heart, it is about family and what links its members, about acceptance and especially growing up and healing.
PS: Thanks to the author, publisher and Netgalley for the advanced copy!
June 12, 2021
Una graphic novel semplice, veloce ma profonda, in grado di scavarti dentro.
Si legge in una mezz'oretta o poco più, e ti lascia una sensazione agrodolce nel petto.
Una di quelle storie che forse fanno un po' male, ma che sono belle, dolci e terribilmente vere. Aspettative deluse, speranze, passato e futuro si incontrano nel crocevia de Le generazioni. Non nego di avere ancora gli occhi un po' lucidi.
Si legge in una mezz'oretta o poco più, e ti lascia una sensazione agrodolce nel petto.
Una di quelle storie che forse fanno un po' male, ma che sono belle, dolci e terribilmente vere. Aspettative deluse, speranze, passato e futuro si incontrano nel crocevia de Le generazioni. Non nego di avere ancora gli occhi un po' lucidi.
April 9, 2022
4.5 stars
Now this art style? Loved it. I really enjoyed the story but I wanted more, I wanted to continue reading about Matteo and his family so much. I'll be checking out more graphic novels by Biondi from now on.
Now this art style? Loved it. I really enjoyed the story but I wanted more, I wanted to continue reading about Matteo and his family so much. I'll be checking out more graphic novels by Biondi from now on.
September 1, 2024
A very touching story of a queer man who underwent a lot of trouble in his life but was able to find the answer to his questions. It's an encouraging story for anyone struggling to connect with family in similar circumstances.
October 30, 2022
Primo graphic novel che leggo di Flavia Biondi, e devo dire che è stata una piacevole sorpresa. Un romanzo di formazione, il racconto del raggiungimento della maturità e la presa in carico delle responsabilità della vita adulta, raccontato attraverso la quotidianità dei rapporti familiari, senza scadere mai nel banale. Disegni essenziali, dalla linea chiara, in un bel bianco e nero (e tanti grigi) con una piacevole impostazione cinematografica della vignetta.
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November 23, 2019NOTE: I received an advance reader copy from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinions or the way I talk about the book.
Flavia Biondi's graphic novel Generations is a beautiful portrayal of family and accepting yourself even when others don't. The art style is so clean and detailed and adds so much to the narrative.
The reason I gave it four stars instead of five is that although I enjoyed the story, it felt a bit too slow for my taste and there was no character I could directly relate to. However, it is definitely a book I would recommend to those looking for a quick read.
Some of the content is heavy because the main character, Matteo is kicked out by his father for being gay and goes to live with his extended family after ending a long-term relationship that wasn't so healthy. Although they are each dealing with personal struggles of their own, Matteo's grandmother, three aunts, and cousin help bring him out of a depression. As he begins to accept himself and view life with a more positive outlook, he also reconnects with his family and moves on from what he cannot change. Generations is a great graphic novel for those still trying to find themselves.
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Flavia Biondi's graphic novel Generations is a beautiful portrayal of family and accepting yourself even when others don't. The art style is so clean and detailed and adds so much to the narrative.
The reason I gave it four stars instead of five is that although I enjoyed the story, it felt a bit too slow for my taste and there was no character I could directly relate to. However, it is definitely a book I would recommend to those looking for a quick read.
Some of the content is heavy because the main character, Matteo is kicked out by his father for being gay and goes to live with his extended family after ending a long-term relationship that wasn't so healthy. Although they are each dealing with personal struggles of their own, Matteo's grandmother, three aunts, and cousin help bring him out of a depression. As he begins to accept himself and view life with a more positive outlook, he also reconnects with his family and moves on from what he cannot change. Generations is a great graphic novel for those still trying to find themselves.
Support Me Elsewhere!
October 14, 2017
Questa è stata una sorpresona! Quindi direi addirittura 4,5 stelline.
Però, caspita Soobie, ti costa tanto dare cinque stelline ogni tanto? Ne hai date solo tre nel 2017...
No, tutte quelle lentiggini mi infastidivano. Allora, io adoro le lentiggini. Il primo ragazzo per cui ho preso una cotta seria, Ryan, aveva delle bellissime lentiggini. Le mie compagne mi prendevano in giro perché era pieno di brufoli e aveva le orecchie a sventola. Al che io rispondevo che i brufoli spariscono (e sono effettivamente spariti) e le orecchie a sventola... quelle non le ho mai viste! Davvero. Quindi ciao, Ryan!
Però ecco, sembrava che tutte le facce fossero in qualche modo sporche. Non saprei come spiegarlo meglio. Perfino la De Filippi aveva le lentiggini.
Per il resto, WOW!
Mi è piaciuta la storia di Teo, che a 22 anni si è reso conto di aver bisogno di un po' di personalità e di uno scopo nella vita. Così, dopo la fine di una storia importante, lascia Milano e torna al paesello, dove nessuno sa che è gay.
Abita a casa della nonna, insieme a tre zie nubili e una cugina, figlia di una di queste zie. Ammetto che le zie sono un po' intercambiabili tra di loro e spesso non riuscivo a ricordare chi fosse chi. Se poi ci aggiungiamo il fatto che lui le chiamava zia A, zia B e zia C, la confusione era totale. Sono rapporti familiari difficili, perché la nonna non parla con la madre della cugina, perché si è lasciata mettere incinta da un uomo che poi è scappato. Matteo non parla con il padre, perché tre anni prima gli ha sputato in faccia di essere gay e poi se n'è andato, senza neanche attendere la reazione del genitore.
A tutto questo, si aggiungono i costanti problemi economici che costringono le zie a licenziare la badante polacca della nonna e a far lavorare Matteo al suo posto. Ma lui, molto affezionato alla nonna, accetta il lavoro e comincia a cambiare.
È un fumetto estremamente toscano, lo si nota nei dialoghi soprattutto, in cui l'autrice si lascia un po' andare alla parlata toscana. Niente da dire, adoro il toscano (perdonate, ma non so distinguere i vari dialetti della regione), come adoro il sassarese - grazie a Pierluigi, soprattutto - e il torinese.
A parte le lentiggini, il tratto mi piace molto. Rispetto a tutti i fumetti a colori (brutti) che ho letto ultimamente questo spicca nel suo bianco e nero.
Mi sa che recupererò altri libri dell'autrice.
Però, caspita Soobie, ti costa tanto dare cinque stelline ogni tanto? Ne hai date solo tre nel 2017...
No, tutte quelle lentiggini mi infastidivano. Allora, io adoro le lentiggini. Il primo ragazzo per cui ho preso una cotta seria, Ryan, aveva delle bellissime lentiggini. Le mie compagne mi prendevano in giro perché era pieno di brufoli e aveva le orecchie a sventola. Al che io rispondevo che i brufoli spariscono (e sono effettivamente spariti) e le orecchie a sventola... quelle non le ho mai viste! Davvero. Quindi ciao, Ryan!
Però ecco, sembrava che tutte le facce fossero in qualche modo sporche. Non saprei come spiegarlo meglio. Perfino la De Filippi aveva le lentiggini.
Per il resto, WOW!
Mi è piaciuta la storia di Teo, che a 22 anni si è reso conto di aver bisogno di un po' di personalità e di uno scopo nella vita. Così, dopo la fine di una storia importante, lascia Milano e torna al paesello, dove nessuno sa che è gay.
Abita a casa della nonna, insieme a tre zie nubili e una cugina, figlia di una di queste zie. Ammetto che le zie sono un po' intercambiabili tra di loro e spesso non riuscivo a ricordare chi fosse chi. Se poi ci aggiungiamo il fatto che lui le chiamava zia A, zia B e zia C, la confusione era totale. Sono rapporti familiari difficili, perché la nonna non parla con la madre della cugina, perché si è lasciata mettere incinta da un uomo che poi è scappato. Matteo non parla con il padre, perché tre anni prima gli ha sputato in faccia di essere gay e poi se n'è andato, senza neanche attendere la reazione del genitore.
A tutto questo, si aggiungono i costanti problemi economici che costringono le zie a licenziare la badante polacca della nonna e a far lavorare Matteo al suo posto. Ma lui, molto affezionato alla nonna, accetta il lavoro e comincia a cambiare.
È un fumetto estremamente toscano, lo si nota nei dialoghi soprattutto, in cui l'autrice si lascia un po' andare alla parlata toscana. Niente da dire, adoro il toscano (perdonate, ma non so distinguere i vari dialetti della regione), come adoro il sassarese - grazie a Pierluigi, soprattutto - e il torinese.
A parte le lentiggini, il tratto mi piace molto. Rispetto a tutti i fumetti a colori (brutti) che ho letto ultimamente questo spicca nel suo bianco e nero.
Mi sa che recupererò altri libri dell'autrice.
October 6, 2023
Got it at NetGalley in an exchange for an honest review. (Review upcoming)
http://www.neapoulain.com/2018/03/com...
Esta es una novela gráfica italiana.Intento traer variedad, porque pues lo mismo que se escribe en Estados Unidos no se escribe en Italia y lo que se escribe en Italia no se escribe en los Estados Unidos. Esta novela gráfica, además, explora la vida de un chico que vuelve a su pueblo desde Milán después de años de no tener relación con su familia, relación que quedó bastante dañada cuando salió del closet. Matteo vuelve sin trabajo, sin dinero y sin donde quedarse; no quiere ir a casa de su padre, pues siente que será rechazado y no quiere enfrentarse a ello, así que se regufia en casa de su familia más extendida, donde podemos ver su relación con sus tías.
La verdad es que esta novela me gusta mucho, explora demasiado las relaciones familiares en la casa de Matteo y su propia historia. Las relaciones de Matteo con su familia son de por sí complicadas y él intenta comprender todo lo que pasa bajo su techo. No es sólo que el haya vuelto desde Milán después de años de no tener contacto, sino que además se enfrenta a las peleas de sus tías, el pasado de su abuela y su prima embarazada. Al final, el mundo no gira alrededor de él, como él mismo se puede dar cuenta con mucho alivio. La novela explora su identidad y la aceptación de su familia (se sabe que Italia es un país conservador, pero aún así la familia quiere a Matteo), todos los problemas familiares que ocurren bajo un mismo techo.
Es una novela cuya narración es lenta, pero segura, llena de cosas cotidianas que nos pueden envolver en la idea de que no pasa nada (pero en realidad pasan muchas cosas, no sé dejen engarrar, la cotidianidad está llena de sucesos que ocurren en todas partes y de conflictos). Los personajes están bastante bien formados la mayoría, aunque me hubiera gustado tener un poco más de páginas para explorarlos todavía más (pues es una novela gráfica corta con un montón de personajes y conflictos, a la que otras diez páginas no le habrían venido nada mal). La historia es tierna y agradable.
http://www.neapoulain.com/2018/03/com...
Esta es una novela gráfica italiana.Intento traer variedad, porque pues lo mismo que se escribe en Estados Unidos no se escribe en Italia y lo que se escribe en Italia no se escribe en los Estados Unidos. Esta novela gráfica, además, explora la vida de un chico que vuelve a su pueblo desde Milán después de años de no tener relación con su familia, relación que quedó bastante dañada cuando salió del closet. Matteo vuelve sin trabajo, sin dinero y sin donde quedarse; no quiere ir a casa de su padre, pues siente que será rechazado y no quiere enfrentarse a ello, así que se regufia en casa de su familia más extendida, donde podemos ver su relación con sus tías.
La verdad es que esta novela me gusta mucho, explora demasiado las relaciones familiares en la casa de Matteo y su propia historia. Las relaciones de Matteo con su familia son de por sí complicadas y él intenta comprender todo lo que pasa bajo su techo. No es sólo que el haya vuelto desde Milán después de años de no tener contacto, sino que además se enfrenta a las peleas de sus tías, el pasado de su abuela y su prima embarazada. Al final, el mundo no gira alrededor de él, como él mismo se puede dar cuenta con mucho alivio. La novela explora su identidad y la aceptación de su familia (se sabe que Italia es un país conservador, pero aún así la familia quiere a Matteo), todos los problemas familiares que ocurren bajo un mismo techo.
Es una novela cuya narración es lenta, pero segura, llena de cosas cotidianas que nos pueden envolver en la idea de que no pasa nada (pero en realidad pasan muchas cosas, no sé dejen engarrar, la cotidianidad está llena de sucesos que ocurren en todas partes y de conflictos). Los personajes están bastante bien formados la mayoría, aunque me hubiera gustado tener un poco más de páginas para explorarlos todavía más (pues es una novela gráfica corta con un montón de personajes y conflictos, a la que otras diez páginas no le habrían venido nada mal). La historia es tierna y agradable.
August 4, 2017
I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Generations is a graphic novel telling the story of Matteo, who after leaving his hometown for Milan, comes back and goes to live with his grandmother, his three aunts and cousin. Matteo is lost and is trying to find out who he is while also trying to heal his broken heart.
Generations was a nice story with a lot of heart and the characters were all very layered.
Matteo’s journey was very interesting and I could relate at times.
I really have nothing more to say except that since I’m re-learning italian, I wish I had read the original book.
Generations is a graphic novel telling the story of Matteo, who after leaving his hometown for Milan, comes back and goes to live with his grandmother, his three aunts and cousin. Matteo is lost and is trying to find out who he is while also trying to heal his broken heart.
Generations was a nice story with a lot of heart and the characters were all very layered.
Matteo’s journey was very interesting and I could relate at times.
I really have nothing more to say except that since I’m re-learning italian, I wish I had read the original book.
October 27, 2018
Wonderful story of a young man who returns to his hometown -- where, three years before, his father had banished him for coming out -- to find that his story is only one part of a complex family history. "I felt guilty for all the new generations that do nothing from the past, without ever giving," he realizes, as he begins to form friendships, bonds with the family he'd kept distant, and starts taking responsibility for his future. The black and white art is wonderfully expressive, whether capturing characters' emotions or the scenes of small town life.
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