I didn’t have any expectations going into this. I read the blurb a while before I read it and decided to add it to my list, then… totally forgot what it was about. I would recommend that you do that as well because the fewer expectations you have of this the more you’ll enjoy it.

Matteo starts off as a lazy mooch blaming his problems on everyone but himself. He initially resents having to live with his family in a small town in Italy, but he is able to appreciate them more as he helps his failing Nan and listens to his family’s stories. This helps him grow as a person and gives a lot of depth to the plot.

His queerness is a big part of the book because the book is about Matteo’s journey. There is a little bit of his romance with a former boyfriend but if you are looking for a super romance driven graphic novel, this won’t do much for you. This is less about romance than it is about family and self-discovery.

It really played my emotions well and I ended up getting really invested in Matteo and his family. I usually don’t get emotional reading books but I was near tears at the end of it. It was just really powerful and Biondi did a good job telling a big story with the limited word count of a graphic novel.

The art itself was really beautiful, though I do wish it was in color instead of black and white. That’s just a personal preference because the lack of color didn’t take away from the beauty of the art. I’m just curious what colors Biondi would have used because I think the use of color to tell stories is interesting. The line art was well done and Biondi used shading to her advantage so that there was depth and texture in each panel.

Biondi did a wonderful job on the art and story of her first English language book and I enjoyed it a lot.

What I liked.

Our story is told from the POV of Matteo.Matteo is currently in his twenties; living in a crowded house with 3 aunts, pregnant cousin and his grandmother. He hasn't spoken a word to his father since he told him he was gay and has broken up with his boyfriend. At the beginning of the graphic novel Matteo has returned home.

I think what got me so much about this graphic novel was how much I related to Matteo. Life is hard and the author doesn't sugarcoat this. Matteo is lost at the beginning and we can see he believes he's no hope. However as the graphic novel goes on we see he pull himself up and Dream again. With the help of family and new friends of course. And guys that's life. You have bad days and good days but more importantly you should never stop dreaming.

I loved Matteo's grandmother. Seriously she rocked. I also loved there relationship. It reminded me of the relationship I have with my own grandmother.

I really liked how detailed the artwork was. The Illustrations were really amazing and it was clear the author put so much time and effort into them.

What I didn't like much

Now while I did enjoy this graphic novel very much. I do believe it could have been longer or at least more added to the ending. Everything wrapped up so quickly and seemed rather rushed.

Matteo refers to his three aunties as Auntie A, Auntie B and Auntie C. It was the most confusing thing ever. I couldn't tell A from B or C.

While we're talking about the aunties one of them was a complete bitch. Honestly I hated her. She had no right to speak to her mother the way she did or to Matteo.

Conclusion

Overall, writing about real life subjects is always tough. Some people, myself included, read to avoid life not to be reminded of it. However I think the author did a great job here and generations is a graphic novel I don't think I'll forget anytime soon. Though it have some faults for the most part it was a genuinely good graphic novel

*Arc provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*

A realization that suits in the modern era and millennials. The story is really great! There's a bit of LGBT but overall the book will surely make you think of your next decision.

This was a quietly engaging novel of a family struggling to understand one another, amidst a lifetime of misunderstandings, prejudices, and long buried pain. Yet, despite sounding heavy, it was warm and filled with gentle humor, and you felt like the characters were an extension of your own family. The artwork was skillfully executed and filled with heart; very eye-pleasing.

This was one of the most moving graphic novels I've ever read. As you could imagine, it was heavily centred on this idea of generations, and with that came the meaning of family and how they can be there for you when you undergo things that will make you question yourself and those around you.

We mainly follow Matteo, but thorugh his eyes we take a glimpse into the lives of his Aunties, cousin, nan and father. There were a few sad moments and times of happiness, which I really enoyed. There were a lot of themes that made good points to reflect on and I found this to help teach people about the morals of life and how that can be seen differently throughout all the different generations within a family unit.

I wasn't expecting the black and white colour palette for some reason but it worked, especially with the contrast of the simplicity in the lack of colour when in contrast with the wonderful story telling.

The reason I didn't give this a 5 stars is simply because there were times where I couldn't connect to the location or really get a feel for it and that may just be because I have no knowledge of the place this is set in.

Overall, a really solid read and a very impressive, emotional graphic novel.

Generations is a beautiful story about family and a young man finding his place in the world. There is also an undercurrent surrounding Matteo's sexuality as he tries to settle back into life in a small town.

Matteo begins the book listless, without purpose or motivation after his first major relationship blows up. He's defined himself by his sexuality up to this point and feels like he can't reveal that aspect of himself to the family he is relying on.

I found it amusing that his aunts are referred to as A, B, and C instead of by name. They are important to his life and his growth over the course of the book, but it didn't feel flippant or degrading toward them that they aren't known by their names. The women in Matteo's family act as a counterpoint to his sadness. Despite some harsh circumstances, they are able to find the joys of life. There is excellent growth for the characters over the course of the book and they felt very realistic.

This is a very moving book that features a homosexual protagonist without being preachy. Instead it captures the struggles that everyone faces and leaves the reader with hope that things can get better. The art was fine. It doesn't need to be anything extravagant to go with this story, but I felt a little underwhelmed at times. It doesn't detract from the point of the book though.

Heartfelt and sincere - I loved the simple tory revolving around intergenerational family drama, and the clean art style. After finishing it, I was surprised to read that this was a translation! Oftentimes you can tell, but this was well done and seamless. A nice sentimental and short read!

Generations is a story about family and growing up. Matteo left his hometown after coming out to his father as gay. It's been three years and he returns home to live with his grandmother, three aunts, and pregnant cousin. He realizes that each of his aunts has their own past, things they did that effected the rest of their life. This story shows that awkward time when as a young adult you start to see your elders as real people.

The storytelling is lyrical, but at times it is evident that it's been translated. The artwork is simple, but matches perfectly with the tone of the story. I laughed out loud at the "only gay in the village" reference. I give this book a 5/5.

This is a sterling book that raises one question above all others - is it wrong to expect such a convincing character study about a gay Italian man from a [whatever, really, who-cares?] Italian woman? It reads with the veracity of autobiography, as we see our lead come back to stay with his nan and several aunts when his first adult relationship in Milan fails. He finds himself, he realises duty, and he realises that being gay should not be the defining factor in his life story. It's all pretty much heart-warming, and intelligent, and speaking volumes in quiet fashions about Italian family life. I didn't get a full grasp on all the aunts, but our hero is bound to stay in the mind for a long time.

Story about family, acceptance and growing up.

I really like how the author depicts the struggle of being yourself and how to know who you are in the first place. The fear of what others would think and mainly your family. Big family in which every member has their own problems. I also like the interactions between the characters and the different personalities of each of them.

I would describe this story as bittersweet and really emotional. I didn't expect it to be so heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time.

This was a touching coming-of-age tale written in graphic novel format. The story especially appealed to me because it was about a big Italian family. I, personally, I came from a very small family so I really enjoyed family interactions. Good, bad, or ugly, I could relate to these people.

Generations tells the story of Matteo's return to his strict, dysfunctional Italian family after his boyfriend dumps him. Now that he's home, he's confronted by his overbearing aunts, his sick grandmother, and a father who he doesn't believe will accept that his son is gay. Through the panels of this graphic novel we see Matteo grow into a more mature man, learning how to apologize, forgive, and be present for those who need him. The story was great, but the style of artwork isn't one that I particularly care for.

A very interesting coming-of-age story about a young, gay man and his struggle to reunite with his family. The artwork is very nice, clean and clear shapes. There are a couple of characters but each one of them so distinctive it feels like you've known them for a long time. The story-telling is very subtle. I couldn't really take to the protagonist as he seemed to me a bit too whiny but also too forgiving of the mistreatments he has suffered. (Btw I adore Matteo's shirt he wears on the cover.) I wish some pages or panels or even only single persons (like on the cover) would have been in color as the black and white felt sometimes a bit monotonous. Still, a calm and friendly story about growing up and family bonds.

Actual rating: 4,5 stars

This is a story about growing up, taking control back, and coming to terms with the past. This book reminds me of The Complete Persepolis. It has the same type of bittersweet emotion that is normal when describing life and growing up. My connection with Matteo really grew while I was reading, just like my experience with Persepolis.
I definitely recommend this to anyone trying to find out what they want to do in life, how to shape their future.

I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my unbiased opinion.

After coming out as gay, leaving home 3 years ago, and not talking to his dad since, Matteo returns to his hometown. Still not ready to face his dad, he moves in with his Nan, 3 aunts, and pregnant cousin. Matteo has plenty of time for introspection with no job and an uncertain future, and with time, he begins to see things from a new point of view.

I absolutely loved this graphic novel. Its themes will resonate with many in the millennial generation. I liked the growth of the main character as the story went on. The end of the story made me cry.

A touching graphic novel about a young man accepting his homosexuality and finding peace and a place in his larger family. A book about acceptance, forgiveness and hope. Lovely illustrations take you on the protagonist's journey from angry young man to responsible, caring adult.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks!

Bondi's "Generations" is about Matteo, a gay man returning home from Milan for the first time in 3 years. He returns to his hometown with little money, no job, and no wish to see his conservative father, opting instead to spend time with his extended family.

What unfolds is very much a family based story that is also rather sad. It's definitely a wonderfully drawn and written story. I didn't know what to expect going in as I didn't know of Bondi or what the story would pan out to be. It's a rather touching but short tale that I think fans of LGBTQ stories would enjoy.

Biondi's Generations is quite a wonderful family relations story set in Italy. It's melancholic, sad even, but full of hope at the same time. Matteo returns home after his life in Milan breaks apart and now he has no job and no home. Instead of returning to his father, he moves in with his grandmother, aunts and cousin. The reason why Matteo is avoiding his father is that Matteo is gay and even returning was hard and soon even harder when his relatives get to know this fact. He has to grow up and find his own path to make things right again. Perhaps he actually grows a bit too fast as in I would've wanted him to connect the dots with more carefulness and thought. Also, Matteo's relationship with his ex-boyfriend and the whole situation is lacking in someways not to forget that Matteo's reasons are left unclear. All in all I'd say all this is because the comic is too short to convey such depth with these pages alone. The story in itself is interesting and well put together, so that's really not the point.

I like the art. It's somewhat crude and realistic, but very smooth and heartwarming at the same time. The art fits very well with the story line, theme and image. This would've looked awesome in color actually. The view angles look nice and the structure is very defined! What I liked the most is that the comic is set in Italy, the street views and the way of life are refreshing to boot. The characters are well built with persona and a role that makes the family, the generations. With more pages this could've been easily four stars if not even more.

" I feel guilty for all the new generations that do nothing but expect from the past without ever giving"
This is a beautiful graphic novel about what it truly means to grow up, and take responsibility for our actions, but also about the real meaning of family, the interconnections that link us to those who have gone before, and those who will follow.
Matteo fought with his dad about his sexuality and moved away, but when the relationship breaks down and he is forced to come home, unwilling to face his father he moves in with his grandmother, aunts and pregnant cousin. As he is literally forced to be closer to them he learns more about their pasts and relationships, and gains a deep understanding of how much he needs to grow up, and step up, so that he can become the man he wants to be, and a man that his family not only loves and respects but can be proud of.
Short , simple and sweet , this was a joy from cover to cover.

This was an interesting story with nice artwork, I liked the focus on different generations of a family rather than it just dealing with coming out or romance. However, I had a big problem with the tone of the book. It made out that it was Matteo's fault that his family didn't accept him for being gay and that he was to blame for leaving town instead of staying until they changed their minds. For young LGBT people reading this graphic novel, that's an untrue and damaging myth to perpetuate.