As you may have noticed, I have been getting really into (mostly queer) graphic novels. On a Sunbeam and The Magic Fish were two favorites from last year. I'm finding that I am enjoying the quick, low key escapism of the stories and being swept into the illustrations. Plus, they are great quick reads if I'm short on time or needing more of a literary palate cleanser. In any case, I had this one on my short list for the next time I was in the mood for this type of reading experience, based on reviews/recommendations I'd seen. And this snowy, freezing weather put me right in that mood.

While Prince Sebastian's parents are pressuring him into finding a princess and stepping up for his future as a ruler, he's keeping a major secret under wraps. At night, he dons dramatic dresses, designed and sewn by his personal seamstress (and friend!), Frances, and heads out on the town as the Lady Crystallia. But Frances wants more out of life than to be his seamstress, she wants a future of her own and dreams of her own fame, which she cannot do while staying in the shadows to protect Sebastian's secret. So, Sebastian will have to make some tough choices about his secrets, his family's expectations, and his own future. 

This graphic novel, from the story to the illustrations, had such energy to it! Sebastian and Frances were so alive, in their ambitions and passions, that they just popped from the page. There was a real purity in each of them, as they worked to try and figure out who they are, a sort of separately together coming of age. Neither could have found their way forwards without the other's help, but at the same time, they each still had to face a few confrontations/decisions on their own, and that interplay felt very authentic. Also, there was such a wonderful wholesome quality to the way things ended, after the inevitable conflict, and I think Sebastian's father's final handling of the situation (IYKYK) is one of the best little parts of any book I've read in awhile! Adorbs and heart-filling.

I do have to say that there were a couple times while reading this one that the narrative felt a bit inconsistent. There wasn't quite a total smoothness to the flow and a few times, though I followed the overall arc fine, the jumpiness wasn't ideal. Also, although I know both characters were working their own "issues" out, I wished there had been a bit more awareness, at least in the end, that they had put unfair pressure on each other (to keep secrets at their own expense or being asked to come out before they're ready). Like, I get in the moment, while growth is happening, things aren't perfect. But they had a fairly big split and then came back together without ever acknowledging or discussing the hurt they (inadvertently) caused each other. Also, personal preference here, but I do wish their relationship had stayed a bit more platonic, because that felt more genuine for them. I am here for the positive example of queer love, but like, good friendships are just as necessary and important to have positive examples of. 

 

Overall, this was a fun, upbeat story of identity and art set in a sort of alternate present-day monarchical France. Although some more complex topics (like being outed and societal expectations) are addressed a bit, the primary vibe is one of entertainment, acceptance and learning to have joy in and be proud of who you are.