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  • Published: 18 January 2022
  • ISBN: 9781603094986
  • Imprint: IDW Publishing
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 320
  • RRP: $37.99

Ballad for Sophie



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?

One of the American Library Association’s Top 10 Best Graphic Novels for Adults!
Nominated for four Eisner Awards!
Nominated for two Harvey Awards!
Nominated for five Ringo Awards!
Nominated for the American Cartoonists Society Reuben Award (Graphic Novel Division)!

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?

  • Published: 18 January 2022
  • ISBN: 9781603094986
  • Imprint: IDW Publishing
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 320
  • RRP: $37.99

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Praise for Ballad for Sophie

* "A moving saga of artistic rivalry, guilt, and redemption." Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"Emotionally dense, texturally rich and humming with humanity, Ballad for Sophie is a moving portrait of the ways in which art can both save and doom us." Bookpage
"Probably the most talented and productive duo in the recent Portuguese graphic novel scene." — José Mário Silva, Expresso