Appelez-moi Nathan

Comment:

The story of Lila’s/Nathan’s transition is conveyed through Quentin Zuitton’s gentle yet raw illustrations and a storyline built around a series of stages experienced by the main character and those around them, leading up to the final affirmation that echoes the title. Nathan’s journey allows us to explore the psychological, administrative, medical, and relational aspects of his transition, while also giving space to the perspectives of those around him, in a tone that should resonate with teenagers. Without glossing over the many difficulties, the authors develop their character in a supportive and inclusive environment, but sometimes quickly dispatch situations that seem to resolve themselves almost automatically. The novel is both educational and sensitive, although it may lose credibility due to its narrative structure, which consists of a series of vignettes. The fact that problematic situations are apparently resolved in a few sentences, or the indestructible nature of the main character (even though his discomfort is addressed several times with a certain graphic force) also plays a role in this loss of credibility.