Here’s a word I don’t use too often: bawdy. But that’s the word that came to mind with this humorous little love story which almost isn’t even a love story at all. It took me all of 4 minutes to enjoy this short book the first time, but I’ve reread many more since, and it will stick with me for quite a while.

The plot of this story is exactly what the title entails, and yet—the titular characters’ love is more a question than a fact! Set in Paris, the story follows Frederick almost entirely as he pursues his love, Eloise, yet mostly in his fantasies (daydreams, not sexual). We’re left to wonder who’s side we’re on in the end, and after having read it so many times, I’m still not sure!

This book is 32 pages laid out in 6 parts with just 46 panels, yet it captures the whole of Frederick’s world and habits, some we care to know, some not. There’s some artistic nudity in the book, so reader beware: probably not for kids. But it’s set in Paris after all, so maybe it’s to be expected?

A book like this makes me wonder what stories I have to tell, if only I could improve my sketching game. This whole books is sketched in black and white with watercolor grey-tones. It’s beautiful and dreamy and totally my style, flooded with detail yet not overly concerned with realism. Artist Biggs makes great use of the occasional POV shot to bring the reader into the room and head of his characters, so it’s just a great book of art to read…and ponder.

I’m keeping this book, and I most certainly will re-read it. And someday, probably way off in the future, I’ll pick a side, Frederick or Eloise. Just not yet.

©2023 E.T.