Alguien con quien hablar

by Grégory Panaccione, Cyril Massaretto (Obra original), Fabián Ricardo Rodríguez Piastri (Traducción)

Samuel se desmorona. Vive solo en un pequeño apartamento en París y se deprime en un trabajo que no le apasiona. Solo en la noche de su cumpleaños, se entretiene llamando al único número que conoce de memoria, el de su casa de la infancia. Para su sorpresa, alguien contesta: él mismo. El pequeño Samuel, de 10 años, sueña con ser futbolista, viajar y escribir novelas. ¿Cómo decirle al niño que fuiste que no has cumplido sus sueños? Es hora de tomar el control de su vida. Una adaptación de la novela de Cyril Massaretto sobre la necesidad de creer en uno mismo para ver el futuro con optimismo.

Genres: Bande Dessinée, Graphic Novels, Comics, Graphic Novels Comics, France, Fiction, Comic Book

256 pages, Hardcover

First published August 27, 2021

Reviews

[Fátima Linhares · Rating 5 out of 5]

A premissa parece um bocadinho, para não dizer muito, irreal, mas gostei muito das interações entre o Samuel e o Sam. Esta história traz uma leveza e um reavivar da esperança de que podemos, se quisermos, mudar a nossa vida quando ela não vai ao encontro das nossas expectativas de criança. É piroso, mas podemos seguir os nossos sonhos.

[Rosh · Rating 5 out of 5]

In a nutshell: A brilliant graphic novel (one of the best I’ve picked up this year). A must read!

Story:

Samuel is down in the emotional dumps. He lives all alone in his tiny Paris apartment, he hates his job, and he has absolutely no one to celebrate his birthday with. While on this full self-pity trip, he decides to amuse himself by dialling the only phone number he knows by heart – that of his childhood home. Imagine his surprise when someone actually answers. And imagine his shock when he discovers that the respondent is none other than Samuel himself, from the past when he was just ten years old and full of dreams and aspirations about the future. How can the Samuel from the present talk to his past self without ending up crushing his childhood innocence?

The plot itself tells you what an imaginative story this is. And the writing style makes sure that you stay hooked from the first page to the last. Samuel’s anguish, his uncertainty, his loneliness, everything is woven into the storyline so beautifully. At the same time, his confrontations with and protectiveness about his younger self strike an emotional chord. After all, if you suddenly find yourself conversing with your younger self, what would you say to them, how much of your present life would you reveal? Do you think your younger self would be happy with the life you are living right now? The narrative covers a wide range of topics such as office struggles, dictatorial bosses, secret crushes, childhood dreams, loneliness, and so on, with each idea being handled well. The ending is the icing on the cake.

I loved how the illustrations depicted the interactions between the two Samuels. But present-time Samuel is drawn in a strange way at the start of the book and though I should have felt sorry for him in his loneliness and despair, I kept getting distracted by the odd drawing style. It’s only after a few pages that I was able to ignore the peculiar style and focus on the story itself. But other than present-time Samuel of the first half, the rest of the graphics are quite good and support the narrative well. So this is just a trivial complaint.

Overall, I found this novel simply brilliant! The story is outstanding, and the theme, thought-provoking. Recommended for all graphic novel lovers.

4.5 stars from me, rounding up to 5.

My thanks to Europe Comics and NetGalley for the ARC of “Someone to Talk To”. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.



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[Alexander Peterhans · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samuel is alone, lives in Paris, works in Paris. He drinks a bit too much on his birthday, and decides to phone his childhood home, and to his (and my) surprise the person who picks up is his younger, ten-year-old self. Adult Samuel tells young Samuel about his life, and young Samuel is not impressed.

And so the two Samuels keep in touch, young Samuel regularly shaming adult Samuel in being more proactive in his life, and adult Samuel tries to keep young Samuel from the harm that he remembers is coming.

Throw in a love story for adult Samuel, a tragic story for young Samuel, some very expressive and funny art, and I'm quite a happy reader.

More emotional than you'd expect, perhaps, one of the better books of the past year.

(Picked up a review copy through NetGalley)

[Urbon Adamsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

PT Fui para esta leitura com altas expectativas — e a obra não desiludiu!

Acompanhamos Samuel, um homem que se sente só no dia do seu aniversário, alguém que sente não ter alcançado o que desejava na vida. Ao tentar ligar para o número de telefone fixo da casa onde viveu na juventude, é surpreendido ao ser atendido pela sua versão de 10 anos. A partir daí, desenvolvem-se conversas que irão transformar profundamente a sua vida.

A narrativa está repleta de personagens fantásticas e momentos verdadeiramente divertidos. A arte de Panaccione é maravilhosa — leve, expressiva e cheia de emoção. Adoro a forma como consegue transmitir sentimento através das suas ilustrações. Dei por mim a falar e rir alto em várias ocasiões.

Honestamente, mais um lançamento de peso por parte da ASA e, sem dúvida, um dos melhores títulos do ano.

--

EN I went into this read with high expectations — and it did not disappoint!

We follow Samuel, a man who feels lonely on his birthday, someone who believes he hasn’t achieved what he once hoped for in life. When he tries calling the landline of the house where he spent his childhood, he’s surprised to be answered by his 10-year-old self. From that point on, a series of conversations unfolds that will profoundly change his life.

The story is filled with fantastic characters and genuinely funny moments. Panaccione’s artwork is wonderful — light, expressive, and full of emotion. I love how he brings so much feeling into his illustrations. I caught myself talking and laughing out loud several times.

Honestly, another major release from ASA and definitely one of the best titles of the year.

[Ecem Yücel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many thanks to NetGalley and Europe Comics for the advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I really loved this book. 

The story starts with Samuel celebrating his 35th birthday in his tiny apartment in Paris, all alone, without anyone to talk to. So, he drinks a lot of champagne, eats the whole birthday cake, and calls an old flame. After being shut down by his ex-girlfriend, Samuel accidentally kills his mobile phone by soaking it in champagne. As a joke, he decides to call the only number he remembers by heart from his landline: the phone number of the house he lived in when he was 10 years old. When the phone is answered by his 10-year-old self, Samuel does everything to keep that miraculous connection alive, and in the meantime changes his current, no-good life gradually for the better so as not to disappoint his younger self anymore.

"Someone to Talk To" is a beautifully told story. It is around 260+ pages, but it flows so fast that I ended up craving for more. I especially liked how the artist displayed Samuel's daily routine with only his art, without any texts, giving the illusion of watching a compilation of daily life scenes in a movie. 


I recommend this book to everyone who's still in touch with their inner child.

[Maria João (A Biblioteca da João) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Se há livros que nos apanham desprevenidos, este foi um deles! Terminei a leitura com um nó na garganta e alguma comoção.

Porquê? Porque o autor soube muito bem contar esta história, pautando-a de momentos de humor na medida certa, enquanto nos falava sobre um tema muito difícil, a solidão.

Samuel vive só, não tem amigos, não tem família próxima, o trabalho é um local de pressão e ele depara-se no seu dia de aniversário, a apagar as velas sozinho…

Este é o ponto de partida desta história, “Alguém com Quem Falar”. Não irei alongar mais o que se passa, porque a surpresa é um factor essencial, mas Samuel procura, de facto, alguém com quem falar, porque a vida solitária é muito triste…

Adorei as ilustrações desta novela gráfica, as opções de algumas páginas inteiras ou repartidas de forma pouco convencional. Assim como gostei muito das opções de cores escolhidas.

O livro pauta-se por situações onde é impossível não sorrir ou mesmo rir, mas no final, o que fica é uma mensagem bonita e profunda que me fez adorar esta leitura!

Opinião mais detalhada em video:
https://abibliotecadajoao.blogspot.co...

[Jochen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.2* - Hier en daar een kleine bemerking over het verhaal, maar verder erg onder de indruk van de manier van vertellen en het uitgangspunt (bellen met je jongere zelf). Als alle graphic novels zo goed blijven, belooft 2024 een prima jaar te worden.

[Tia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm trying to find the words to describe how I felt reading this novel. I had many emotions. It is definitely an adult book. Sam calls a number and his 10 year old self picks up. Ten year old Sam inspires him to do better and want more and adult Sam helps ten yr old Sam maneuver through difficult emotional situations in his life. I felt the relationship between Sam a Li-Na was super rushed. The scene at the restaurant was memorable and cute. Sam went from alone to abundant and I felt his transformation was realistic.

Ramblings

I highly recommend. I received a download from Europe Comics via Netgalley

[littleprettybooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

16/20

Même si les dessins ne m’ont pas touchée, j’ai beaucoup aimé cette histoire pleine de tendresse et d’originalité pour évoquer le temps qui passe et nos rêves d’enfant, souvent oubliés.

Ma chronique : https://littleprettybooks.com/2022/02...

[Oneirosophos · Rating 5 out of 5]

GRAPHIC ADAPTATION OF THE DECADE!!!!!!!

MUST BE ADAPTED ASAP INTO A MOVIE!!!!!!

MUST READ!!!!!


AAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

My full review, in Greek, @comicdom: https://www.comicdom.gr/2021/12/29/so...

[Koen Claeys · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nederlandstalige editie 'iemand om mee te praten' van Uitgeverij Lauwert gelezen.

Panaccione maakte met zijn tekenwerk voor Lupano's tekstloze 'Un Océan d’Amour' (A sea of love) al een grote indruk op mij. Opnieuw heeft hij weinig woorden nodig om veel emoties en gebeurtenissen treffend over te brengen, maar slaagt hij er ook in om langere conversaties ook visueel boeiend te houden. Het is zo'n verhaal dat na lezing nog lang blijft nazinderen.

Wat mij betreft de eerste absolute strip-topper van 2024.

[Dustyloup · Rating 5 out of 5]

5*****
C'est dingue car l'histoire n'est pas super original mais la façon dont Panaccione le raconte et dessine m'a emporté - l'émotion sur les visages est juste au top! Chaque personnage est distincte en termes de trait et personnalité. Bonus - un comix Français sans sexisme :D !

This story is just great!!! Totally recommend. It will surprise you because it might not seem super original but the way the author draws and spins his tale is just excellent and the emotion on the characters' faces is amazing. One of my big complaints with graphic novels is that it can be hard to tell the characters apart but here each one is distinct. Bonus points for no sexism. (yes, there's a Tex Avery/Acid trip inspired scene when our hero meets his love interest, but it's tasteful)

[Marc Bosch · Rating 4 out of 5]

La premisa de esta historia está explícita en la contra tapa: ¿Cómo decirle al niño que fuiste que no has cumplido tus sueños?. Panaccione sale airoso del reto gracias a un dibujo expresivo que amplifica las emociones de los personajes, un fresco sentido del humor y unos diálogos efectistas. El ritmo de la historia es ágil y permite al personaje completar a tiempo un ejercicio introspectivo de alto riesgo.

[Emre · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

Cyril Massaratto'nun aynı adlı romanından, Gregory Panaccione tarafından çizgi romana uyarlanan Someone to Talk To, geçmişin muhasebesini yaparken geleceği şekillendirmeye çalışan bir karaktere, Samuel'e odaklanıyor. 35. yaş gününü evde ve tek başına kutlayan Samuel, alkolü fazla kaçırdığı gecede çocukken evlerinde bulunan telefonun numarasını çevirir ve 10 yaşındaki haliyle konuşmaya başlar.

Giderek bir rutin halini alan bu konuşmalar, 35 yaşındaki Samuel'in 10 yaşındaki haline uyarılarda bulunduğu bir konuşma olduğu kadar, 10 yaşındaki Samuel'in de 35 yaşındaki halinden olan memnuniyetsizliğinin getirdiği eleştirileri de barındırmaktadır. 35'lik Samuel, 10 yaşındaki haline "daha cesur ve daha güçlü" olmasını tavsiye ederken, 10'luk Samuel ise 35 yaşındaki haline "daha sosyal ve daha iş bitirici" olmasını öğütler.

Someone to Talk To, geçmişle yüzleşerek, kabul ederek ve gerekli dersleri çıkararak, geleceği daha doğru kurabilmenin mümkün olabileceğini öğütleyen bir metin.

[Ije the Devourer of Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

Samuel is alone on his birthday for yet another year. He lights his candles himself, sings the birthday song to himself and drunk dials an ex-girlfriend who is less than sympathetic because he does that every year. His life is just not what he thought it would be. He also hates his job, hates his boss and has lost touch with his friends.

Samuel then decides to call the phone number for his childhood home and his ten year old self answers the phone. And suddenly Samuel is on a journey to recover all that he has lost about himself over the years. As he speaks to his ten year old self Samuel begins to live a different life, the one he saw for himself all those years ago when he was ten.

This is a lovely story about life, love and taking chances. It is about what we could change in the past, taking chances in the present and living in hope of the future. I wasn’t actually keen on the artwork but the story was powerful and very moving. Definitely one of the best from Europe Comics this year.

Copy provided by Europe Comics via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

[João Teixeira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Como não tinha lido a sinopse e não sabia nada da história a priori, acabei por me surpreender no bom sentido assim que cheguei à parte em que Samuel marca no telefone o número da sua casa de infância.
A história acaba por estar carregadinha de clichês, mas verdade seja dita: tem bom ritmo e acaba por nos agarrar. O desenlace é extremamente folhetinesco (um "final feliz" algo apressado e demasiado brilahbte, na minha opinião).
Mas enfim, entre as 3 e as 4 estrelas, opto por arredondar para cima. Um livro feito para nos fazer se tir bem, que nos faz pensar nos sonbos de fomos abdicando ao longo da vida, mas que eventualmente ainda vamos a tempo de resgatar e concretizar. E uma história de amor. Vale a pena ler e apreciar a arte do autor.

[EmiM · Rating 5 out of 5]

J'ai passé un très bon moment avec cette BD.

Samuel mène une vie triste et sans passion, déprimé par son célibat et son travail qu'il déteste.

Seul et sans personne à qui parler, il compose le numéro de son ancienne maison. Et tombe sur lui-même lorsqu'il avait 10 ans. La conversation s'engage et pousse Samuel à reconsidérer sa vie actuelle, à en changer des paramètres pour rester fidèle aux idées de son enfance.

Une histoire qui utilise un ressort connu de la littérature mais qui a le mérite de nous rappeler de ne jamais perdre de vue nos ambitions de jeunesse et les espoirs que nous placions dans notre vie d'adulte.

[Sophie Evelien DB · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first graphic novel in a long time and o it was a good one. It was touching, sweet and beautifully drawn.
The book is about Samuel, who's life well... sucks. So one day, when he is down, he picks up the phone and calls his childhood home. And who is on the other end? A younger version of himself.
I honestly thought that this was such a simple but fun idea. It wasn't to complicated and really well executed. The story includes some difficult topics but at the same time it feels light-hearted.
Next to that, the illustrations really fit well with the story, the use of black around the border was fun and I loved some of the drawing from Paris. Sometimes some of the drawings feel a bit overcrowded but I can easily ignore this since I was reading on a big screen as opposed to a physical book which would have been harder maybe.

I got a copy of this book from NetGalley for free :)

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had no right to make me cry, but it did.
Just me sitting at work with my phone in hand tears, running down my face.

This book at it's core is about healing from Childhood Trauma and Grief and healing that inner child with a sweet romance thrown in to boot.

[Ricardo Silvestre · Rating 4 out of 5]

Antes de nos adiantarmos, convém dizer que esta novela gráfica adapta o romance homónimo de Cyril Massarotto. Procurei a edição em português, mas não encontrei nada — parece que nenhuma editora se arriscou a traduzi-lo, apesar da avaliação razoável no Goodreads (3,81).

Em relação à leitura, surpreendeu-me pela positiva. A ideia de falar com a nossa versão mais jovem não é propriamente nova, mas a maneira como a história é construída traz momentos muito interessantes. Gostei, em particular, que a trama aborde questões atuais e contemporâneas (como a solidão, por exemplo). Além disso, Samuel, o protagonista, tem pensamentos que arrancam sorrisos — um humor meio “fora da caixa” mas que funciona.

Agora… o final não me convenceu. O plot twist, que eu esperava que fosse a parte mais surpreendente, acabou por parecer um aqueles filmes leves de domingo à tarde, em que tudo se resolve com uma grande corrida atrás da pessoa amada e pronto, final feliz. Confesso que teria gostado mais se a história tivesse seguido outro rumo, talvez até um desfecho mais sombrio, e também mais marcante.

No fim de contas, gostei da experiência, mas fiquei com a sensação de que a obra podia ter ido mais longe. Ainda assim, é uma leitura que vale a pena, sobretudo pela forma como mistura emoção, humor e um trabalho gráfico forte.

[khaz. · Rating 2 out of 5]

meh
the good point, i don't need to read the book now

[dee (andie) 🕺🏼✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

* e-ARC provided through NetGalley *

there is something about french graphic novels that simply hits different... alongside with Alix Garin's novel, "Forget Me Not," this novel was a beautiful, nihilistic, and very reflective read that I adored.

the characters were relatable and deeply written, and I have to admit I cried a few times.

this novel follows Samuel, a miserable man in his thirties, living in Paris. one day, he decides to call his childhood home number and his 10-year-old self picks up.

with every conversation, 10-year-old Sam and 35-year-old Sam help each other to deal with everyday life, which results in adult Sam finally getting the courage to live the life he wants.

this was absolutely amazing. from the very first page, it was so atmospheric and deep, that I couldn't stop reading until the very end.

I will recommend this to everyone until the day I die. <3

[Ricardo Nuno Silva · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW!!!!!!
Just WOW! What-a-surprise!

I picked this graphic novel out of pure curiosity about its name.
I started reading and, yeah, I just couldn't put it down.
It's a quick, heartfelt story, of the "slice of life" type.
The main character, Samuel, is a bit... "annoying" at first but you'll grow to know (and like) him.
So much that you won't stop reading till you know what happens in the end.

This is, by far, one of the most touching graphic novels I read in the past few years.
The art changes a bit during the story, and the final chapter has a different style, but it keeps telling the story in an effective (although slightly different) way, and that's all that matters.

I really enjoyed this one.
I hope you try it too.

(By the way, if you enjoyed "Daytripper" https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/8...
you'll love this one too. Just saying.)

[mel · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded to 5.

Samuel is 35, and he hates his boss and job. He has no wife, no children, not even a girlfriend. His only friends are two neighbors, an elderly couple. On his birthday, he is alone again. He calls the only number he knows by heart: his old home number. Someone answers, and it turns out it’s his younger version of himself.

A very good graphic novel about dreams, goals, and life achievements. The illustrations are great, very creative. I like the author used more styles. There’s another style for Samuel’s dreams and emotions. Highly recommended.

Thanks to Europe Comics for the ARC and the opportunity to read this! All opinions are my own.

[Anjana · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short graphic novel that packs a punch. One man is celebrating a sad, lonely birthday, calling an ex. This is Samuel's existence. He is not happy in both his personal and professional lives. The only friends he seems to have is an old couple downstairs. He calls the only number he remembers on his landline, that of his childhood home. Samuel answers, this is himself all those years ago. In this time-slip (I had not known this word before but love the images it conjures up), the Samuel from the future talks to the one from the past and counsels him through a hard phase in his life. In return, he gains the confidence to make changes in his life.
I do not want to go into the rest of the story because it is not a big volume and can be read in one sitting - even with the heavy emotional content. I did not enjoy the love story because it seemed at odds with the rest of the narrative, but the very last set of panels upped the rating again. It was hard not to chuckle at it. It was a pretty ideal way to wrap up such a book.
I received an ARC thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the review is entirely based on my own reading experience.

[Mélanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Samuel n'a pas d'amis, il vit seul dans une petite mansarde et déteste son travail. Pour faire court, Samuel a la furieuse impression d'avoir raté sa vie. Le soir de son anniversaire, il compose le seul numéro de téléphone qu'il connaît par coeur : celui de sa maison d'enfance et tombe sur... lui-même à 10 ans. Le dialogue qui s'engage alors entre Samuel et son jeune lui va changer sa vie à jamais. Une fable existentielle drôle et sensible, superbement mise en image par Panaccione.

[Ingrid Sanfilippo Vielle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Le graphisme surprend un peu au début. L'intrigue nous entraine rapidement et on se laisse guider. A lire sans modération

[Dinnu Reads Books · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this graphic novel through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

It is a story about a man who gets a chance to talk to his younger self and as he sees that the kid he was is disappointed in him he starts to change things in his life for the better. 🙂
I liked this graphic novel a lot. It has a sweet and positive vibe and you start to really cheer the main character on. A warm story!😊

[Lucille · Rating 3 out of 5]

Très joli et émouvant
Et en même temps quelques petites choses par ci par là m'ont empêché de vraiment l'adorer.

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being able to either go back into time in some way to right wrongs committed, or give warnings to a younger version of themselves is one of those fantasies that most people wish they could achieve. Sometimes things linger in your head forever, haunting one’s mind until adulthood. In Someone to Talk To, a new graphic novel by the fine folks over at Europe Comics, Author Grégory Panaccione shows why such an occurrence might be good in some ways, and bad in others. Having to relive past traumas, or realize how much of “a failure” an adult version of you is in comparison to childhood dreams could be rough, but it might also be the kick in your pants to force a change in your life – to regain some lost potential.

“Samuel is feeling blue, and for good reason! He’s single, lives in a tiny Paris apartment, and is languishing in a job he hates. Alone on his birthday, he decides to amuse himself by calling the only phone number he knows by heart: the one for his childhood home. To his surprise, someone picks up… His past self! All 10-year-old Sam wants to do is play soccer, travel the world, and write books to impress girls. How will Samuel ever be able to tell him the truth without crushing his dreams? It’s time he got his life back on track.”

We find out that the seemingly magical phone calls are only available to both Samuels, and that it appears as if “modern Samuel” can change things for “young Samuel”, but not alter his own life. Fate seems to have a way of stepping in and ensure the timeline stays the same. They help each other through some really tough times, and as a result it seems like the aged Samuel takes hold of his life, cleans himself up, stops being lonely, takes up his old passions again, and finally stands up to issues that have been plaguing his life for years.

One of the highlights of this story was the art style. I absolutely loved Samuel’s facial expressions and his internal over-the-top reactions to things. He might be standing there smiling, but in his head he has bugged-out eyes and his mouth wide open in terror. It reminded me a bit of comics like GTO by Tohru Fujisawa who does a similar thing to similar hilarious results. Most of this comes when Samuel awkwardly tries to hit on Li-Na, a Chinese transfer to his advertisement company that he has fallen head-over-heels with.

The back half of the book has two parallel stories: modern Samuel and his courtship with Li-Na, and younger Samuel dealing with the lead up to the death of his mother. The writing is impeccable and rivals many romantic comedy films I’ve seen. In some ways, the film is vaguely similar to a film I’ve seen called Frequency, with this being better simply due to the use of comedy to off-set some of the darker moments.

This was a great comic, and a real feel good story that I definitely needed today. I always enjoy the quality of the books put out by Europe Comics, and a big thanks to whomever they have choosing books to being over. I have really broadened my horizons with these books, with many of my favorite titles being from them. Grégory Panaccione seems to be an author I need to follow, because if the rest of his works is as good as this he is a person I need to look into. Overall, highly recommended book!