Forte tells the story of Flavia, a young women from a favela in Brazil who earns a prestigious music scholarship to study in France. This story mostly follows her schooling in France - the challenges, the friendships, and the opportunities.

I found the story itself really lovely. I believed Flavia's character and her experience, and was happy to take this journey with her. There were moments where I thought she acted a little sternly for the situation, but her characterization was so strong that I ultimately believed her intent. Her relationships with the other characters were believable, as was her relationship with herself. Throughout the story, Flavia wrestles with her own voice and finding her place within this high-brow art world, which is communicated well both in the text and the illustrations. The story also ended in a deeply satisfying way, allowing the reader to speculate what comes next! There were so many times during this story where I was smiling!

I was originally drawn to this book because of the cover. It's deep purple and handwritten title were enough to pull me in. The beautiful art and style by Kim Cosigny featured on the cover continues throughout the book. The panels were easy to comprehend and detailed enough to effectively build the world Flavia lives in.

This is definitely a book I'd recommend. Despite its focus on classical music, the book is accessible for readers of all music knowledge levels. It's a great quick read!

I do not know exactly how to express myself about the graphic novel 'Forte'. Being Brazilian, I was very excited and curious about this graphic novel. Actually, most of the times I am very curious about foreign authors writing and talking about Brazil. And this graphic novel surprised me. For good.
I saw my country how it really is; I saw the violence and the poverty, the simple life, the risks of living in favela, but I also saw the determination of Brazilian. The story is captivating, Flavia as the main character is amazing, chasing her dream to become a talented pianist, studying abroad, and approaching a better life for her and her mama. Her love for the piano is beautiful to see. I loved it.

This graphic novel got me in the feels. I am a sucker for a music or art conservatory story and the art in this just made it soar. The main character, Flavia, is determined and talented but also flawed in a very realistic way. I think that this story really expresses how deeply art is felt by everyone - from the composer, to the performer, to the audience. I’ve really enjoyed everything that I have read from Europe Comics and I am looking forward to reading more by Manon Heugel and Kim Cosigny.

There's a great concept here but unfortunately the quality of the pdf I received was blurry and made it hard to read the text and follow the story, so I won't be finishing it for the time being.

I would like to thank Europe Comics and NetGalley for the Reader's Copy!

This comic takes on the tale of Flavia, a young woman who finds her passion in music through her childhood mentor, Mr. Lima. As she tries to pursue her musical career, she encounters numerous problems during her scholarship in France. In this moving tale, Flavia tries to make ends meet but quickly finds out that things were not as easy as she expected them to be.

I personally liked the art style of this graphic novel as well as the character depth of not only the main but the supporting cast as well. It was interesting to see the lives of Flavia and her friends unfold as the reader is taken on a journey in this short but charming world.

This is such a strong story that really captures the differences in classical music society, especially considering the background and financial situation! Seeing Flavia struggle throughout the story and desperately find her voice and a way for her to be able to do music as well as her peers in Paris, really struck a chord in my heart! I would recommend this graphic novel to anyone!

Flavia grew up in an impoverished neighborhood in Brazil. Her mother worked cleaning houses and one day brought Flavia along. Flavia become entranced with the piano at one house. The owner took her under his wing and taught her to play piano. Eventually she ends up earning a scholarship to a music school in Paris.

This graphic novel is realistic fiction about a young lady who is passionate about music and is striving to make her place in the world. She struggles financially but perseveres. I recommend this book for music lovers and fans of realistic fiction graphic novels.

Thank you to Europe Comics and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!

Now available.

In Manon Heugel's inspiration coming of age comic, "Forte"we see a young girl begin to grow comfortable in her own skin. Young Flavia has not had an easy childhood. After watching her father get shot in her favaela, she and her mother have to make ends meet. With a little help from Mr. Lima, a retired pianist, Flavia discovers her hidden passion for music. With an unpredictable journey, Flavia will discover and honor her true identity. With warm illustrations and an uplifting tale, "Forte" is sure to make you smile. I especially enjoyed the way the author effortlessly fused French and Brazilian cultures in a memorable, relatable protagonist. An excellent young adult comic.