Kirkus Reviews

After an earthquake devastates Arequipa, Peru, the van Oosterbeek family gathers at the airport to welcome to France Qinaya, an Indigenous Aymaran girl whom Alain van Oosterbeek and his wife, Lynette, have adopted.At first, Gabriel, Alain's father, has a hard time adjusting to becoming a grandfather. Gradually, though, he grows to love Qinaya and to feel happy for the couple, who struggled with infertility for years. But just as Qinaya seems to be adjusting, Alain is arrested for kidnapping, ending up serving time for his crime. When Gabriel-along with the rest of the family-discovers that the adoption was not legitimate, he doesn't know if he can find a way to forgive Alain or to live without his granddaughter, who is reunited with her family in Peru. This story, which is translated from French and features beautifully rendered and expressive illustrations in soft tones, is mostly told from Gabriel's perspective, although small portions are told from Alain's. While some of Qinaya's grief and anger are shown, the book focuses on the interpersonal rather than offering critical analysis of the broader power dynamics of transnational adoption by a White family. With racist and sexist remarks not being given context or analysis-such as a conversation between Gabriel and his older gentleman friends, one of whom recommends seeing "a hooker" to have one's sexual needs met-the content skews toward older readers.A complex adoption story lacking context for younger readers. (Graphic fiction. 17-adult)

Publishers Weekly (Fri Oct 06 00:00:00 CDT 2023)

Zidrou (Emma G. Wildford) and Monin tenderly explore a French man-s struggle to connect with his adopted Peruvian granddaughter. Gabriel, a retired butcher, is disgruntled when his son and daughter-in-law adopt Qinaya, a young native Aymaran girl they report was orphaned in an earthquake, introducing her to awkwardly cheering (and sotto voce xenophobic) relatives. (-Qinaya Van Oosterbeek! That-s a hell of a mouthful!-) In time, he warms to the child-until it is discovered that her biological family is alive and searching for her, and that his son and daughter-in-law kidnapped her. This shock disrupts the cozy fable of unlikely love built in the book-s first half, which then becomes a more complicated and questioning examination of family ties, longing, and regret. Gabriel, at loose ends after his son-s sudden arrest and incarceration, travels to Peru to see Qinaya, where he meets another tourist searching for his own daughter who was lost in the earthquake. Their expeditions are captured with gorgeous views and late-night ruminations on life choices. Monin-s lovely, detailed art captures crumbling plazas, elderly wrinkles, and goofy office party favors alike with faithful care. While the premise raises thorny questions about transnational adoption, it satirizes adoption-s -hero narrative- while never quite upending the notion that love can conquer all. But, this family drama takes unexpected directions with unusual candor and charm, and its scope in both art and storytelling will appeal to general readers as well as European comics fans. (Aug.)

School Library Journal (Tue Dec 01 00:00:00 CST 2020)

Gr 9 Up When a devastating earthquake rips through the Peruvian city of Arequipa, the community is left reeling from massive damage and huge loss of life. A world away in France, a white family prepares to welcome four-year-old Qinaya, an Aymara earthquake orphan. Elderly, soon-to-be grandfather Gabriel doesn't know what he's going to do with a preschooler toddling about, especially since his experiences as a father were more miss than hit. But the little girl is on her way, and their world will be forever changed. Little Qinaya is wide-eyed and watchful; her adoptive parents are sensitive and eager to help her transition, encouraging her grandparents to spend as much time with her as possible. Watching Gabriel gruffly stumble into loving sweet, curious Qinaya is delightful. Assumptions are challenged and shocking revelations are uncovered, showing how complicated family relations can be beneath the surface. Zidrou and Monin have created a story that is more than heartwarming; it's heart-scorching and then heartrending. Though aimed at adults, teens who love crossover works will appreciate this one; Monin's ability to capture emotion in every facial expression is pure magic, and the use of vivid watercolor packs a poignant puncheven city backgrounds are infused with feeling. VERDICT An aching drama filled with family triumphs and tensions. For libraries with strong graphic novel collections. Michael Marie Jacobs, Darlington Sch., GA