Three Shadows (Paperback)

by Cyril Pedrosa (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
Starred Review. Rarely has the succulent appeal of quiet country life been portrayed with such sensual skill as it is in Pedrosa's limpid graphic novel about a boy, his parents and the trio of hooded riders who watch them. Pedrosa adeptly establishes the mood of timeless bucolic idyll immediately, with his swirling, sometimes harshly etched, black-and-white renderings of the land cultivated by hulking farmer Louis; his wife, Lise; and their scampering boy, Joachim. The family's playful antics are overshadowed first by ruminative narration, then by three riders, who watch the family with unnerving patience from the foggy distance. A local witch tells Lise that the shadows have come for Joachim, after which Louis impetuously makes a run for it with his son, warned that he must treasure every moment with the boy. The resulting story is more Appointment in Samarra–style dream than chase, with Louis and Joachim floundering from one mysterious episode to the next, the implacable shadows following, as in a nightmare. French artist Pedrosa's background as a Disney animator is clearest in his exaggerated movements and facial expressions, but the story (inspired by the death of a close friend's young child) is a glorious and revelatory fable, beautiful in its grief. (Apr.)
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From Booklist
Country life is simple and sweet for young Joachim and his parents, Louis and Lise—filled with cozy winter nights, lazy summer days, and, always, the chores associated with running the orchards. One day three Shadows appear on the horizon, and everything changes. Louis and Lise know that these shadowy fates have come for Joachim. Determined to save the boy, Louis flees with Joachim, desperate to stay one step ahead of the deathly Shadows. Pedrosa’s intriguing, poignant fable unfolds beautifully in both words and pictures. The fluidity of the art reflects Pedrosa’s roots in animation, and the high-contrast shading effectively underscores the tension and emotion of the narrative. One brief instance of nonsexualized nudity should be noted, but that detracts not at all from this dark, well-crafted tale. Grades 9-12. --Tina Coleman

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: First Second (April 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 159643239X
• ISBN-13: 978-1596432390
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 6 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #562,114 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Unique and touching, March 4, 2009

By	Pathogen Publishing "Who watches the Watchmen?" (Portland, OR) - See all my reviews

Every once in a while, among the sea of graphic novels flooding the market, one hits you right between the eyes. As the father of a young child (and son, no less) Three Shadows did just that. Using a real-life tragedy, Cyril Pedrosa successfully pours his emotions on the pages and takes the reader on a journey that runs the gamut of emotions. I don't usually purchase GN's (one read from the library is usually enough), but I bought and have read this story three times so far, finding more depth each time. It's unfortunate that the loss of a child can bring out such a touching work, but Pedrosa can rest assured that through that loss I have contemplated what it means to be a father and (I hope) it has made me a better one. Highly recommended.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Story! , August 10, 2008

By	Popin (Canada) - See all my reviews

Joachim is an only child that has a relatively happy life living in the country with his parents. He spends his days farming, picking cherries, and swimming, to quote the book, "Everything was simple and sweet." Things changed when the shadows appeared.

It seemed they want Joachim. His mother, Lise, speaks to a wise woman who says that they can't do anything, but Louis, Joachim's father, doesn't agree. He's willing to do anything and everything to protect his little boy, even if it means giving up his life.

Louis decides that there is only one thing left to do, take Joachim and escape to the other side of the river. But while he is one step ahead of the shadows, it doesn't last long. It seems that no matter what Louis does, the shadows will always find Joachim.

This is only the second time I've read a graphic novel that didn't involve a superhero and I think after this, I'll be reading more graphic novels like this. Three Shadows is a dark tale. The whole story revolves around death and how no matter what you do, you can't outrun it. I loved the fact that it was surrounding a young child, because all parents want to protect their children. Some things we can't prevent no matter how hard we try.

There isn't any colour in the graphic novel, which works. It helped make the story all that more dark and if there was colour in it, I don't think the story would have translated as well as it did. This novel is only 272 pages, so this is a relatively quick read.

I loved this graphic novel. It had a great story, great artwork, and a great message.

5.0 out of 5 stars Truly a touching love story..., February 8, 2009

By	Karna Mustaqim "Karna" (MEDAN, Indonesia) - See all my reviews

Its very touching stories Pendrosa has. I didn't found any problem with the jagged page borders, it seems a nice design, any other book such as 'vitamin D: new perspectives in drawing' also put the same approaches. it gives certain feeling to the book design overall.
It is a symbolic story. Three shadows are actually The Fates in Greek Mythology. Clotho, who spins the thread of life. Lachesis, who decide how long one life has to be. Atropos, cuts the tread of life.
Its a love story. How much a love of a parents give to their child? They dare to exchange their life and sold their very own soul to protect and keep their son's life.
First i was wondering where this story lead to, but when i read the back flip: "three shadows was born out of the agony of watching his close friend's child die very young." i need no more explanation about the sad ending. It now become clear and a happy ending. The Shadows took Joachim, but then like Mom said to her husband,"I shall lose a son, I hope we won't lose each other too." And at the end they have two daughters. Life is beautiful if only we know how to reap wisdom from it.