I have read a few Europe Comics in recent times and I have loved most of them. “Turntable” by Zidrou and Raphael Beuchot is no exception. Based on the true story of Belgian violinist and composer Eugene Ysaye’s trip to Africa, Turntable is a breezy read.
The book begins with Ysaye saying goodbye to his very young wife as he leaves to give a concert in Leopoldville (Kinshasa today) in the Congo. But he lands with a stiff neck and ends up with a neck brace, which delays the concert. He stays with his first wife’s nephew at his sprawling bungalow by the lake and the story unfolds over the next few days as he recuperates.
Ysaye is soon introduced to Turntable, one of the helpers at the bungalow, whose sole job is to play music. At first he is aghast at the very concept of a person employed solely to change records on the turntable but over the next two days he slowly gets used to the idea. Enough to begin conversing with Turntable as equals. From there Ysaye slowly gets more acquainted with the lives of the natives and, eventually, becomes their friend.
A very quick read, Turntable has beautiful illustrations that support the story’s setting. The theme is not new but I still felt uplifted when, one by one, Ysaye’s notions about Africans were dispelled.
Above all, he forms a kinship through music with Turntable whose father’s vast record collection astounds him. And similar to Henri, Ysaye’s precious violin that he doesn’t allow anybody to touch, Turntable is very possessive about his records too.
I enjoyed reading this thoughtful yet easy-to-read story that explores colonialism with sensitivity, allowing for compassion from both sides.
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me this ARC for a review!
