A sweet, simple little story about a family's summer vacation trip and all the changes that can happen in such a short a mount of time.
When the story begins it seems as if everything is wonderful, but soon we find out that the parents of the family are planning to separate, mainly because the mom is going through a big of a mid-life crisis and unhappy with the life she has chosen. Both parents try to maintain a happy front, even though the father is also unhappy, as his comic book career is not taking off, and his sister in law is very sick with cancer.
It's a story about realizing that the simple things in life really do matter, that everyone's family is weird in their own special ways, and that the most important thing really is love.

The trip itself is fun, which contradicts with the knowledge that the couple is on the verge of splitting up. This is the first in a series and it whet my appetite for the remaining tomes.

Slice of life books can be very hit or miss. This one follows a Belgian family as they go on their annual holiday, which this year involves a car ride through rural France. The family as a whole seems to work. The dynamics between them are interesting. None of the characters on their own really jumped out at me though. There are some rough patches during their trip, which helps keep the story going. I felt like it was forgettable though. In the end it wrapped up nicely. I like how things come around for the family.

The art style didn't do much for me. It's sort of cartoony, which doesn't always appeal to me. I think going that way fits well with some of the more fanciful elements. It really just comes down to personal preference on that aspect. This is a nice alternative to some of the superhero comics out there, but I don't think I would continue the series.

A delightful graphic novel that made me feel so nostalgic about my childhood days when things were much simpler. I finished this one with a warm feeling and a teary smile.

As the title suggests, this is a somewhat autobiographical and very romantic memory of the author during one Summer in 1970s Belgium. We have a family without much means but a lot of heart who give us a wonderful reminder that the best Summer vacations aren't the ones that you spend thousands on - it's the ones where you are with your family and enjoying life.

Story: Pierre is a frustrated comic artist with more ideas than successes in his career. His long suffering wife is at the end of her rope trying to justify the lost years hoping her husband will have a series that makes it big. They have three kids and are ready to do their yearly Summer drive South to their favorite camping areas. But this year is different - unbeknownst to the kids, Pierre's wife is considering divorce and the vacation has become a bittersweet event for the parents.

Zidrou adeptly captures the feel of 1970s France/Belgium through his everyday family. Precocious toddler, fighting middle kids, and a quiet boy who has an imaginary friend: a giant squirrel. The love there is obvious, even if strained at this point in time. The book covers their Grimwold's family trek, though without Chevy Chase emoting. From passing the french fries stand to convincing a Dutch family to leave 'their' camping spot.

The lighthearted adventures are offset by the growing realization that the parents' relationship is failing. And that the father, despite spending all day and night at the drawing board, is about to have another failed comic series. But of course, the kids are oblivious and to them, this is the grandest Summer just being with the parents and away from school.

The illustration work is superb and easy to follow. Each of the characters definitely looks 1970s European in wonderful ways - from the mutton chops to the wide legged pants and old Renault. I really liked that it was set in that era - it was a different time before cell phones and computer games.

Southbound! is the type of story you didn't want to end. Even experiencing the pathos and sadness leading up to the third part of the story, it is an engaging and wonderful read. As well, it didn't end the way I thought it would - a surprise and perhaps the most European aspect of the entire story. In all, very recommended, especially for those who grew up in the 1970s and remember those halcyon days before technology stole away kids' energies. Reviewed from an advance reader copy provided by the publisher.

'Glorious Summers' by Zidrou with art by Jordi Lafebre is a graphic novel about nostalgic family vacations.

The Faldérault family needs a vacation. Father is working too hard at trying to have a hit graphic novel series, and mother is th‌inking about leaving father altogether. The trip is delayed due to one of father's work deadlines, but it's finally time to hit the road. The seven family members (and one large imaginary friend), pile in the family car and head for the sun. With a compass that lies, and a group of Dutch tourists that steal the best picnic spot, there is lots of fun to be had. Mother and father may even remember each other along the way.

I really liked this slice of life graphic novel. The plot has some heavy elements, but they are handled really well. I cared about the things these characters were going through. The art was nice too.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Europe Comics and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.

A sweet story of a family and the struggles they face one summer with differences and longing, fighting, frustration, death, happiness and love...and some wise advice from an imaginary squirrel named Beeko.
The artwork is lovely and sets the tone for summer and warmth and a couple finding their way back to each other.

A touching graphic novel about a family of 6 ( plus 1 imaginary friend ) who spend their summer on a family vacation. There's some tension in the marriage, some hard times for the family, but also some good ones. An easy to read story line, with beautiful artwork and stunning color choice. The family traditions were heartwarming, and I have to admit were probably my favourite part of the story. I'll be on the lookout for more from this author, for sure.

A huge thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for sending me a digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I truly appreciate it!

An Amiable Shaggy Dog Story

Just a family. Mom and Dad have some tension in their marriage, mostly arising from mid-life questions about where they are and where they're going. Sibling rivalry amongst four children. The whole gang packed into the Renault and headed south for an extended summer vacation.

This is a mild, mildly amusing tale of small family jokes, conflicts, insights, affection, teasing, bonding, and so on. Some parts work better than others, and some insights are deeper than others, but all of the characters run true to life, and the overall story is old-fashioned and ultimately upbeat. The expressive and cheerfully energetic and lively drawings add a great deal to the tale.

Every now and then a quiet little vacation read walkabout is welcome, and this fit the bill nicely.

Glorious Summers was a surprisingly attaching story. It showed the intimate ups and downs of the relationship between a mother and father – at a time when life just wears them thin and they question what it is they'd like to get out of life, and how they can achieve that. They take a hard look at their marriage, their family, and how some quality time on a family road trip could reconnect them all. I would love to read more character stories just like this one.

I received a digital ARC for the English edition of this graphic novel from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

On reflection this is a slight book, but in amongst its charms it's really good. A couple and their four kids, and their giant invisible squirrel friend (don't ask – they're Belgian, so live with it) go to the South of France. Meanwhile neither adult is happy or successful in their job, and divorce is on the cards when they get back home. Forget those caveats to the synopsis, however – this is a warm, sunny pleasure, full of getting one over on the Dutch, divebombing nude into rivers, and fries and mayonnaise. All characters are winsome, even the kids (well, sometimes). It's the kind of book to show average people in an average way, and still make you want to be them. Recommended, even if it could have been a little meatier.