Ballad for Sophie

By Filipe Melo & Juan Cavia, translated by Gabriela Soares. Published by Top Shelf.

Softcover, 320 pages, Colour, 2021.

A young journalist prompts a reclusive piano superstar to open up, resulting in this stunning graphic sonata exploring a lifetime of rivalry, regret, and redemption.

1933. In the small French village of Cressy-la-Valoise, a local piano contest brings together two brilliant young players: Julien Dubois, the privileged heir of a wealthy family, and François Samson, the janitor’s son. One wins, one loses, and both are changed forever.

1997. In a huge mansion stained with cigarette smoke and memories, a bitter old man is shaken by the unexpected visit of an interviewer. Somewhere between reality and fantasy, Julien composes, like in a musical score, a complex and moving story about the cost of success, rivalry, redemption, and flying pianos.

When all is said and done, did anyone ever truly win? And is there any music left to play?

★ “A moving saga of artistic rivalry, guilt, and redemption.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“Ballad for Sophie was the perfect balance of story and art that is a rare find indeed.” —Biff Bam Pop

“In Ballad for Sophie, an interview turns into a life story, full of drama and doubt, regret and hope. This stunning collaboration between Filipe Melo and Juan Cavia will sweep you off your feet and surprise you with its unexpected ending.” - Christy Peterson, Village Books, Vancouver, WA